Winter 2020/Fuller Online

LG502A

Thomas

LG502A: BEGINNING HEBREW (4 Units: 160 Hours). Matthew A. Thomas.

DESCRIPTION: This course comprises the first half of a two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew, with the second half offered the next quarter. Students enrolling in this course are expected to enroll in LG502B the following quarter with the same instructor (transferring between sections is not permitted).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this two-course sequence, the student will be able to (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.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course introduces students to the Hebrew, so that students will be able to study the Old Testament in its original language. The course thus helps to build skill in interpreting the Old Testament, which contributes to the PLO, “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries” (MDiv).

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

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 [1906]. ISBN: 978-1565632066, Pub. Price $39.95. [used for homework and in-class assessments].

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN: 978-3438052223, Pub. Price $49.95. [used for homework].

Green, Jennifer S., G. Brooke Lester, and Joseph F. Scrivner. Handbook to A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Abingdon, 2005. ISBN: 978-0687008346, Pub. Price $17.99. [120 pp. assigned].

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Revised Edition. Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 978-1426789076, Pub. Price $39.99. [333 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 400 pages of assigned reading + use of Hebrew text and lexicon. [25 hours].
  2. Instruction will come by means of short videos, audio files, and other presentation media. [20 hours].
  3. Instruction will be enhanced by ungraded practice exercises for which keys will be posted [10 hours].
  4. 200-word discussion posts, approximately every other week (5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #4 and 5] [5 hours].
  5. 50-100-word discussion responses, approximately every other week (5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4 and 5] [5 hours].
  6. Homework (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 4, and 5]. [45 hours].
  7. Oral readings (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [5 hours].
  8. Quizzes (Vocabulary and Grammar) (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 3, 4, and 5]. [25 hours].
  9. Midterm exam (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 3, 4, and 5]. [10 hours].
  10. Final exam (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, 4, and 5]. [10 hours].

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: For this online language course, having some basic common technology available to class members will be necessary. In order to complete the course successfully, students should have access to the following:

  1. Internet access capable of downloading and/or streaming video.
  2. The ability to record and upload video. This could come in the form of a webcam, mobile phone, tablet, or digital camera capable of video. Student support will be provided.
  3. Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available as a free download from https://get.adobe.com/reader/
  4. The ability to capture images of student work in an uploadable format. This could be done by means of digital camera, mobile phone, webcam, scanner, etc.

PREREQUISITES: Good standing. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: The completed two quarter sequence LG502A/B meets the Hebrew requirement in the 120 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.