Fall 2005/Pasadena
LG512
Hill

LG512: BEGINNING GREEK. Craig Hill.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of the morphology and syntax of New Testament Greek. It is an intensive course, the equivalent of three courses meeting in one quarter. This course combines the deductive approach with an inductive study from the text of the New Testament. Periodic quizzes and tests help the student to monitor his or her progress.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable the student to (1) read aloud in Greek; (2) generally identify the varied nouns and pronouns; (3) generally to parse the "regular" verb forms; (4) generally recognize the "irregular" verb forms; (5) understand enough grammar to read a basic narrative text in Greek; (6) generally identify subjects, adjectives, direct and indirect objects, prepositional phrases, and adverbs, in a Greek text; (7) use a lexicon to amplify an understanding of words and to find unfamiliar words; (8) use a reference grammar to investigate grammatical and syntactical issues; (9) understand the challenges, purposes, and value of learning Greek.

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

COURSE FORMAT: Class will meet three times a week for four-hour sessions, with a break for chapels.

REQUIRED READING:

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

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

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

__________. Basics of Biblical Greek: Workbook. 2nd ed. Zondervan, 2003.

Wallace, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996.

Wilson, Mark. Mastering New Testament Greek Vocabulary Through Semantic Domains. Kregel, 2003.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Black, David Alan. Linguistics for Students of New Testament Greek: A Survey of Basic Concepts and Applications. 2d ed. Baker, 1995.

Brooks, J. A. & Winbury, C. I. Syntax of New Testament Greek. University Press of America, 1979.

Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3d ed. Westminster John Knox, 2002.

Metzger, B. M. Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek. 3d ed. Baker, 1997.

Moulton, J. H.; W. F. Howard; and N. Turner. A Grammar of New Testament Greek. 4 vols. T. & T. Clark, 1906-1976.

Van Voorst, Robert E. Building Your New Testament Greek Vocabulary. Resources for Biblical Study 40. 2nd ed. Society of Biblical Literature, 1999.

ASSIGNMENTS: All students are expected to spend at least 2 hours studying outside the classroom for every one hour of class time. There will be daily quizzes and periodic exams. Students are expected to be present at all class sessions with the assignments fully prepared.

PREREQUISITES: Good standing. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MDiv core requirement in Greek (GRK).

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.