Fall 2003/Pasadena
LG502A
Sun
LG502A: BEGINNING HEBREW. Chloe T. Sun.
DESCRIPTION:
- This is the first half of a Hebrew language course. Students
enrolling in this section are expected to continue in the same section in the
winter quarter; no transferring between sections is permitted. This 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 students 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 two-course sequence will meet twice weekly, two hours per
session, throughout the fall and winter quarters. 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, reading from the BHS, translation
exercises, and weekly quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to provide
students with feedback about their progress.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, F.; S. R. Driver; & C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and
English Lexicon of the Old Testament, with an appendix, containing the Biblical
Aramaic. Hendrickson, 1996.
- Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th
ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.
- Pratico, Gary D. and Miles V. Van Pelt.Basics of Biblical Hebrew:
Grammar. Zondervan, 2001.
- __________. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Workbook. Zondervan, 2001.
- Choose either one of the following two grammars:
- Joüon, Paul. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew.
Trans. Takamitsu Muraoka. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1991; reprint
with corrections, 1993.
- Kautzsch, E. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Trans. A. E. Cowley. 2nd ed.
Clarendon, 1982.
- 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:
- Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon
Press, 1995.
- Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. (latest edition)
University of Toronto Press, 1988.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Students will be expected to spend at least two hours of outside
preparation for every hour of class.
- Daily assignments will include reading from Pratico and Miles, the
completion of exercises, and the learning of vocabulary.
- Weekly quizzes will be given to assess the students' vocabulary.
- There will be a mid-term and a final exam.
- The final grade will be based on attendance, quizzes, mid-term, and
final exam.
PREREQUISITES: None. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- The two-course sequence meets the M. Div. Core requirement in
Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.