Fall 2019/Winter 2020

Houston

LG502AB

Engle

LG502A/B: BEGINNING HEBREW (4 Units: 160 hours per term). Cynthia L. Engle.

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 are expected to enroll in both LG502A and LG502B with the same instructor (transferring between sections is not permitted).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successful 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.

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 class meets once weekly for three-and-one-half-hour sessions for a total of 35 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion, plus 5 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours. Class attendance is required and necessary to maintain a passing grade in the course, regardless of the level of student preparation. Class time will consist of lecture, reading and translating from the Hebrew Bible, translation exercises, quizzes, and tests. Students should expect to spend three hours of outside preparation/homework for every hour of class time.

REQUIRED READING: 400 pp. required.

Brown, Francis, S.R. Driver, and C.A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament.

Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906]. ISBN: 978-1565632066. Pub. Price $34.95. * Do not purchase until after the course begins.

Ellinger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Compact Edition. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesallschaft, 2006. ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $69.95. *Do not purchase until after the course begins.

Macintosh, A.A. and C.L. Engle. The T&T Clark Hebrew Primer. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN: 978-0567042378, Pub. Price: $21.99. Purchase either before, or by the second week of class.

Seow, C.L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev.ed.* Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 978-1426789076, Pub. Price $39.99 [366 pp.]. *Make sure you purchase the Revised Edition, as it is massively different from the original; purchase before the first class.

See the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs” available in the SOT Academic Advising office and online: http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.

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 regular homework assignments, will memorize high-frequency and important vocabulary, and will be evaluated through weekly quizzes and two exams.

1. 400 pp. of required reading from the textbook (Seow) and other handouts [25 hours].
2. Vocabulary and Grammar Quizzes: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3, 4, 5]. [40 hours].
3. Homework: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [40 hours].
4. Mid-term Exam: 25% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [10 hours].
5. Attendance and Participation: 10% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [35 hours].
6. Final Exam: 25% [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1,2, 3, 4, 5]. [10 hours].

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 EXAM: Yes, in-class.