Academic year 2025/2026
Overview
This course covers basic grammar in the Ge’ez language, such as verb conjugation and various adjectives. It also explores different reading techniques employed in the tradition of Ge’ez language learning. Moreover, the course emphasizes constructing sentences in Ge’ez and translating sentences from Amharic and Tigringa to Ge’ez and from Ge’ez to Amharic and Tigringa.
Learning Approach
At Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola, the overarching principle that guides learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.
Knowledge is dialogue, which requires humility and empathy.
This course is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the course itself. The content, materials, and methods will be adapted in real time based on participants’ needs, interests, and input. Beyond mastering subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transforms their thinking, practice and identity. Through dialogue, narrative, group discussions, shared reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop awareness of their own growth while supporting others’ development. The learning community becomes a space where everyone’s experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but actively guide the direction of the course, helping each person to integrate learning into their own life context in meaningful, personally transformative ways.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- create different verb forms correctly while explaining the patterns they follow;
- apply adjectives appropriately in various contexts, working with others to understand how these choices affect meaning;
- build meaningful sentences that express ideas relevant to participants’ interests and cultural backgrounds;
- translate between languages with attention to cultural nuances, discussing with others how meaning changes across languages; and
- Share how their growing Ge’ez language skills have deepened their connection to their heritage and faith tradition, giving examples of insights gained through collaborative translation and discussion.
Other requirements
Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to participate in all course activities, both by being present and playing an active role in scheduled sessions and by completing assignments outside of scheduled lessons. If participants miss lessons, they may be required to complete extra assignments to fulfill the learning outcome requirements of the course. For the course to be considered complete, 80% attendance and participation are required.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on February 26 and March 18 2025.
