Spring 2003/Pasadena
LG502
Peacock
LG502: BEGINNING HEBREW. Cory K. M. Peacock.
DESCRIPTION:
- This eight-hour intensive course is designed as an introduction to
biblical Hebrew. Students will gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary,
morphology, and grammar of the Hebrew language, and will learn how to use
grammatical and lexical reference tools. The mastery of these basic elements
will provide for the student the skills necessary to use the language as a tool
for the exegesis of the Old Testament.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- A thorough knowledge of the scriptures is essential in pastoral
ministry. Reading the scriptures in their original languages allows a deeper
understanding and more insightful exegesis of the Bible, particularly the Old
Testament, which was written within a cultural context far different from our
own. In addition, basic knowledge of the Hebrew language gives one tools to
better evaluate commentaries, articles, and English translations.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course will meet twice weekly, fours hours per session. The
course will be based on the material in The First Hebrew Primer, Third
Edition, with the frequent introduction of supplemental information. Class
sessions will include lecture, review of assignments, oral reading and
translation, and scheduled quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to
provide students with feedback about their progress.
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. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996.
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed.
Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.
- Kautzsch, E. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Trans. A. E. Cowley. 2nd ed.
Oxford: Clarendon, 1982.
- Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew
Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3d ed. Oakland, CA:
EKS Publishing, 1992.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic
Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Joüon, Paul. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Trans.
Takamitsu Muraoka. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1991; reprint,
with corrections, 1993.
- Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville:
Abingdon Press, 1995.
- Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. (latest edition)
Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1988.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- An intensive language course requires a major time commitment.
Attendance at all class sessions is vital to the successful completion of
Beginning Hebrew. Students will be expected to spend at least two hours of
outside preparation for every hour of class. Daily assignments will include
reading from the Primer, the completion of exercises, and the learning
of vocabulary. Regular announced quizzes and tests will be given to assess the
students' vocabulary acquisition and their understanding of grammatical and
syntactical features. The final grade will be based on attendance and
participation, quizzes and tests, a mid-term, and a final exam.
PREREQUISITES:
- Good standing. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets the M. Div. Core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.