Winter 2004/Pasadena
LG512B
Spinks

LG512B: BEGINNING GREEK. D. Christopher Spinks.


DESCRIPTION:

This course is the second part of a three course series designed to give the student a basic knowledge of the essential grammar of New Testament Greek as well as an introduction to morphology, syntax and other matters of intermediate grammar. Students registering for this course should plan to continue with part C of the series, held in the spring quarters. The courses combine the deductive approach with an inductive study from the text of the New Testament.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
One of the elements in interpreting the text of the New Testament is understanding the language in which it was written. Students who successfully complete the three courses should, with the use of various resources, be able to consult the Greek text as part of the exegetical (and ministerial!) task, and should be able to critically evaluate the theological and exegetical positions which purport to be based on some feature of the Greek text.

COURSE FORMAT:
The course meets two times each week for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:
Aland, K. et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th rev. ed. United Bible Societies, 1993.

Black, D. A. It's Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998.

Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. Based on Walter Bauer. . . . Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG].

Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

_________. Basics of Biblical Greek: Workbook. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

VanVoorst, Robert E. Building Your New Testament Greek Vocabulary. 3rd ed. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2001.

RECOMMENDED READING:
See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office, especially the following:
Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Each student is expected to be present at all class sessions with assigned lessons fully prepared. The course grade is based daily quizzes and homework, as well as periodic tests and one final exam.

PREREQUISITES:
LG512A, same section. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
The three-quarter sequence LG512A/B/C meets the M.Div. core requirement in Greek (GRK).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
Yes.