Winter 2005/Pasadena
LG502A
Wydro
LG502A: BEGINNING HEBREW. Alice M. Wydro.
DESCRIPTION:
- LG502 is an introductory course in biblical Hebrew, designed to
equip students with the basic grammatical and lexical knowledge required for
successful Old Testament exegesis. LG502A is the first of a two-quarter
sequence; students enrolling in this course are expected to remain in this
section for both quarters. Transferring between sections is not
permitted.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm
119:105). As pastors, ministers, and leaders in the Christian community we are
responsible for the illumination of our congregations with the light of God's
word. This awesome responsibility requires us to wrestle with the rhythms,
imagery, ambiguity and syntax of the original text. Mastery of basic Hebrew
grammar and familiarity with reference tools can unlock the Old Testament and
make accessible the revelations of God preserved therein.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class
attendance is required to earn a passing grade.
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. Hendrickson, 1996.
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed.
Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.
- Long, Gary A. Grammatical Concepts 101 for Biblical Hebrew.
Hendrickson, 2002
- Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew
Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3d ed. EKS
Publishing, 1992.
- One of the following reference 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.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- The acquisition of language requires regular practice and
discipline. Students are expected to complete daily reading assignments,
exercises from the Primer, translations and vocabulary drills. At least two
hours of pre-class preparation are required for every one hour of class time. A
short exegetical assignment will be required at the end of each quarter to help
prepare students for ministry. Students will be tested regularly to assess
their understanding of grammatical and syntactical concepts. The final grade
will be based on attendance, participation, tests and quizzes, and the
exegetical assignment.
PREREQUISITES:
- None. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- The two-quarter sequence meets the M. Div. Core requirement in
Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.