Northwest Semitic Philology is intended as a comprehensive title to include a variety of specific programs devoted to the study of texts in the languages and dialects of the Northwest Semitic peoples (Ugaritic, Phoenician-Punic, the Transjordanian dialects, all dialects of Hebrew and of Aramaic). The core of the program is a knowledge of Classical Hebrew language and literature in its historical and descriptive aspects. Working from this base, the student will develop his/her general knowledge of the other languages and dialect, as well as his/her particular interest in an area of specialization. In addition to the language requirements, each student is expected to be proficient in another major Semitic language and in the history and archaeology of the ancient Near East (and of Syria-Palestine in particular).