Fall 2019/Online Live

LG525

Melzian

LG525: BIBLICAL ARAMAIC (4 Units: 160 Hours). Marilyn Lundberg Melzian.

DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the essential elements of the phonology, morphology, and syntax of biblical Aramaic, using the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel. Some attention will be paid to other Aramaic literature for purposes of comparison.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: On completion of this course the student will (1) be able to read the Aramaic biblical texts aloud and translate both literally and in smooth English; (2) be able to identify nouns, pronouns, regular and irregular verbs and other grammatical forms; (3) be able to identify subjects, adjectives, direct and indirect objects, prepositional phrases, and adverbs and other syntactical units; (4) be able to read a basic narrative text in Aramaic; (5) be able to use lexicons and reference grammars; and (6) have the tools with which to study other ancient Aramaic texts.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course introduces students to biblical Aramaic, 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’sacademic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to attend the scheduled class times via videoconference each week (see schedule and note for specifications). 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:

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, Editio Minor – Compact Edition. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $69.95 [Or fullsize edition of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.] [1629 pp.]. The Biblia Hebraica text found in Accordance and Logos (and BibleWorks) may be used instead.

Johns, Alger F. A Short Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. Andrews University Press, 1972. ISBN: 978-0943872742, Pub. Price $14.99. Available as an e-book from Fuller library [108 pp.].

Rosenthal, Franz. A Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. 7th, rev. ed. Harrassowitz, 2006. ISBN: 978-3447052511, Pub. Price $33.00 [107 pp.]. Not currently available as an eBook from the Fuller Library—it has been requested.

Guidesheets for biblical Aramaic (in Canvas).

Articles on eReserve for non-biblical passages.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. Online live instruction and participation [20 hours].
  2. Instructional videos [10 hours].
  3. Reading [10 hours].
  4. Students will be assigned an Aramaic passage to prepare for each week. They will be expected to be able to read aloud and translate any part of the passage during the two-hour online live session each week. At the beginning of the course, guide sheets will be provided for use by the students in their preparation of the texts; as the course progresses the students will be expected to provide increasing levels of analysis and translation. (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-6] [60 hours].
  5. In addition, students will be expected to discuss issues of grammar and syntax on the passages prepared each week in online group discussions. (15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-6] [30 hours].
  6. Vocabulary quizzes will be given once a week (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1] [10 hours].
  7. Mid-term (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 2-3] [10 hours].
  8. Final exam (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1-3] [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or equivalent. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets requirement in Ancient Context of the Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies emphases. Satisfies the Aramaic language requirement for PhD in Old Testament.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS: To participate in an Online Live course, please make sure your computer and Internet specifications meet the requirements listed below. You may also contact the Office of Teaching and Learning to schedule a test run before the quarter begins.

Online-specific requirements:

Important Note: Students must have full administrator access to their computer. This means that students may not be able to use a company-provided computer as they often restrict some system operations necessary for online course work.

Computer Specifications:

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.