Location:

New York City, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Doctorate

Specialty:

Philosophy

Program Overview

Program Description:

The Department of Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages trains students in the disciplines that are required to interpret the Bible. It offers courses leading to the MA, DHL, and PhD degrees. The history, languages, and cultures of ancient Israel and the ancient Near East are studied through a wide range of courses centered on the Biblical Period (second and first millennium BCE). Fluency in Biblical, Postbiblical, and Modern Hebrew is acquired for the study of classic and contemporary Bible studies. Students are also schooled in comparative Semitics. Students are encouraged to write for and assist in the editing of the prestigious Journal of the Ancient Near Eastern Society, which is housed at JTS within the Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages Department. An active student Bible society and weekly department meetings with faculty encourage ongoing dialogue.