Fall 2013/Pasadena
LG502A
Riley
LG502A/B: BEGINNING HEBREW. Jason A. Riley.
DESCRIPTION: This two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew consists of the first half, offered in Fall, and the second half, offered in Winter quarter. Students enrolling in this course must enroll in both LG502A and LG502B with the same instructor (transferring between sections is not permitted).
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The Old Testament/Hebrew Bible was written more than two thousand years ago, in different languages (ancient Hebrew and Aramaic), and in a significantly different culture than our own. In order to effectively understand the Bible, its message, and the worldview of its authors, modern day ministers and scholars must be able to approach and study the text in its original languages (whether Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek). This course will provide students with foundational skills for the lifelong study of the Old Testament in Hebrew, without having to rely on modern translations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this two-quarter course will have demonstrated that they are able to do the following: (1) read aloud from the Hebrew Bible; (2) write legibly in a standard Hebrew script; (3) recognize and use high frequency vocabulary of biblical Hebrew; (4) identify basic word forms, grammatical structures, and syntax; (5) translate short passages from the Hebrew Bible using a standard lexicon and other tools.
COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class attendance is required and necessary to maintain a passing grade in the course. Class time will consist of lecture, reading, and translating from the Hebrew Bible; translation exercises, quizzes, and tests. Students should expect to spend at least two hours of outside preparation/homework for every hour of class time.
REQUIRED READING:
Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, with an appendix, containing the Biblical Aramaic. Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906]. ISBN: 978-1565632066, Pub. Price $34.95.
Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Compact Edition. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006. ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $69.95. *Do not purchase until after the course begins.
Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 978-0687157860, Pub. Price $40.00.
See the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs” available in the SOT Academic Advising office.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Learning a foreign language involves commitment and dedicated study. Assignments for this class will emphasize repetition and critical thinking as a key to understanding and remembering the material. Students will complete weekly homework assignments, will memorize high-frequency and important vocabulary, and will be evaluated through quizzes and exams.
Vocabulary Quizzes: 20%;
Daily Homework: 20%;
Grammar Quizzes: 20%;
Attendance and Participation: 20%; and
FINAL Exam: 20%.
PREREQUISITES: Good standing; no audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: The two-course sequence meets MDiv core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.