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Fall 2008/Pasadena
LG520
Kiefer

LG520 INTERMEDIATE GREEK. David E. Kiefer

DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to go beyond the typical beginning course in Greek to help the student develop a more intimate acquaintance with the grammar and syntax of the Greek language of the New Testament, the resources for studying it, and the Greek text itself. It will include (1) a survey of the major grammatical and lexical resources and their history, strengths, and weaknesses; (2) working systematically through an intermediate Greek grammar; (3) a special focus on 6-8 of the most exegetically significant areas of syntax; and (4) reading from the New Testament in order to help keep the study of grammar, syntax, and lexicography grounded in the text.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course, you will (a) be familiar with many of the significant grammatical reference works of the last 100 years and understand their usefulness and limitations; (b) have a thorough and unified understanding of the grammatical structures of the language of the New Testament, especially those which are exegetically significant; (c) be able to discuss and apply to the text your understanding of several major issues in the interpretation and application of Greek grammar in the New Testament; (d) be able to read, translate, and discuss the text of most parts of the New Testament with minimal use of basic tools; and (e) be able to use major references (lexical and grammatical) with discernment to explore and investigate further.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY
Skillful exegesis is foundational for effective teaching and preaching, and the ability to interact with the text of the New Testament in its original language is a key element of the exegetical task. Upon completion of this course, students will be better equipped to engage the Greek text profitably and to form critical judgments regarding the theological and practical implications that arise from the text.

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

REQUIRED READING

Aland, K.; M. Black; C. Martini; B. Metzger; and A. Wikgren, eds. The Greek New Testament. 4th rev. ed. United Bible Societies, 1993.

Wallace, Daniel B. The Basics of New Testament Syntax: An Intermediate Greek Grammar. Zondervan, 2000.

RECOMMENDED READING

Beekman, John, and John Callow. Translating the Word of God. Zondervan, 1978.

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.

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

Young, Richard A. Intermediate New Testament Greek: A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach. Broadman & Holman, 1994.

Zerwick, Maximilian. Biblical Greek. Scripta Pontificii Instituti Biblici, 1963.

Biblical Language Software: Accordance (Macintosh), BibleWorks (Windows), or Logos (Windows).
See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/084/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

ASSIGNMENTS
There will be weekly assignments in Wallace, weekly reading and discussion of the Greek New Testament, and additional background work in a variety of resources (total 40%). There will be a final project based on either a topic in grammar/syntax or a passage in the New Testament (30%). Also, each student will begin arranging and compiling their own personal Greek grammar (30%). Each student is expected to be present at all class sessions with assigned lessons fully prepared.

PREREQUISITES: LG512 (12 units) or equivalent. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: No.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)