Winter 2020/Pasadena

LG502B

Schoening

LG502B: BEGINNING HEBREW (4 Units: 160 hours). Zachary J. Schoening.

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).

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; (6) have a basic familiarity of the Hebrew language in the context of Semitic languages.

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 per week for three hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 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. 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: 453 total number of pages required.

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

Holladay, William. A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. Eerdmans, 1988. ISBN: 978-0802834133, Pub. Price $40.00. [used as reference for homework and in-class assignments].

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

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

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 in order to synthesize the material, will memorize high-frequency and important vocabulary, and will be evaluated through quizzes and exams covering vocabulary and concepts.

  1. 400 pp. of required reading from the textbook + readings from other material + use of Hebrew text and lexicon [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6] [20 hours].
  2. Attendance and Participation: 5% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. [30 hours].
  3. Vocabulary and Grammar Quizzes: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3, 4, 5]. [40 hours].
  4. Daily Homework: 25% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. [50 hours].
  5. Midterm Exam: 15% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [5 hours].
  6. Directed Learning Activities: 10%. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. [10 hours].
  7. Group Word Study: 5% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3, 4, 5].
  8. Final Exam: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [5 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Must have completed LG502A. Good standing, no audits.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, in class.

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.