Fall 2011/Pasadena
LG512A
Reardon

LG512A: BEGINNING GREEK. Timothy Reardon.


DESCRIPTION: This course is the first section of a three-quarter sequence designed to give students a foundational knowledge of the essential grammar of New Testament (Koine) Greek, including an introduction to morphology, syntax, and other matters of beginning Greek grammar. Students registering for this course must plan to continue with parts B and C of the series, held in the Winter and Spring quarters respectively.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Understanding the original language of the New Testament is one of the most basic elements for informed interpretation its various texts. 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, which in turn will enhance their own study of the Bible, teaching, and sermon preparation.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to (1) read aloud in Greek and to write legibly in its standard script; (2) comprehend basic vocabulary; (3) identify (i.e., to parse) various forms of the language including most regular forms and many of the irregular but frequent forms of the articles, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and verbs that occur in the Greek New Testament; (4) understand and explain basic Greek grammar and syntax; (5) use standard exegetical tools in translating and analyzing the original language; and (6) translate basic texts in the original language.

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice each week for two-hour sessions. This course normally requires eight hours per week outside of class (two hours for each class hour) spent in studying the textbook lessons, learning Greek vocabulary and forms, and doing translation exercises.

REQUIRED READING:

Your choice of one of the following Greek New Testaments:
Aland, K., et al. The Greek New Testament. 4th rev. ed. United Bible Societies, 1993. 932 pages. ISBN: 9783438051103. Publ. Price: $43.99. OR

Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece (Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament). 27th ed. Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1993. 826 pages. ISBN: 9783438051004. Publ. price: $40.99.
Black, D. A. It's Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek. Baker, 1998. 192 pages. ISBN: 9780801021817. Publ. price: $21.99.

Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. 3rd ed. University of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG]. 1188 pages. ISBN: 9780226039336. Publ. Price: $165.00.

Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar. 3rd ed. Zondervan, 2009. 448 pages. ISBN: 9780310287681. Publ. Price: $49.99.

________. Basics of Biblical Greek: Workbook. 3rd ed. Zondervan, 2009. 240 pages. ISBN: 9780310287674. Publ. Price: $22.99.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1997. 864 pages. ISBN: 9780310218951. Publ. Price: $44.99.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The student is expected to attend each class session and to have completed the assignments prior to the class session. The course grade will be based on homework and class participation (20%); weekly quizzes (25%); midterm (25%); and final exam (30%).

PREREQUISITES: None. No audits.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2011)