Spring 2004/Pasadena
LG502B
Galán

LG502B: BEGINNING HEBREW. Benjamin Galán.


DESCRIPTION:

This is the second half of a two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students enrolling in the winter quarter are expected to complete their study in the spring quarter with the same instructor. No transferring between sections is permitted. The course will continue to develop the mastery of elementary Hebrew grammar and vocabulary through translation of exercises from Van Pelt's Basics of Biblical Hebrew, as well as large portions of the Hebrew Bible, in preparation for future exegetical work.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
The study of biblical Hebrew will help students to better handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Almost two thirds of the Scriptures were written in Hebrew. Learning this language will open a window into the culture and history of the biblical text, enabling us to deal with Scripture more correctly. In this introductory course the students will lay the linguistic foundations for future exegetical courses.

COURSE FORMAT:
This course will meet twice a week for two hour sessions. We will introduce two new lessons from the textbook in each class by means of class presentations. Each lesson will be followed by selected exercises, which will be examples for students' homework.

REQUIRED READING:
Brown, Francis; S. R. Driver; and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson. 1979.

Elliger, Karl and Wilhelm Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.

Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Grammar. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.

__________. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Workbook. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.
See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.
Scott, William R. A Simplified Guide to BHS. Richland Hills: Bibal Press, 1987.

Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Read lessons and participation in class.(13%)

  2. Vocabulary quizzes.(12%)

  3. Homework.(10%)

  4. Oral recitation.(10%)

  5. Take four (4) tests during the term.(40%)

  6. Final Exam.(15%)

PREREQUISITES:
LG502A, same section.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
The two-course sequence meets M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).

FINAL EXAMINATION:
Yes.