Spring 2005/Pasadena
LG502
Caudill
LG502: BEGINNING HEBREW. Norah W. Caudill.
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:
- The ability to exegete and interpret the Bible is a necessary
ingredient of any preaching or teaching ministry. A working knowledge of Hebrew
will enhance the minister's skill in exegesis, will provide the critical skills
necessary to evaluate various translations, and will broaden access to advanced
study tools and commentaries. In addition, the minister will gain an
appreciation for the rhythms and artistry of the Hebrew text.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The class will meet twice weekly, four 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 frequent quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to provide
students with feedback about their progress.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs. A Hebrew
and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996.
- Elliger, Karl and Wilhelm Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
5th ed. 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: Third Edition, revised with new explanatory notes. Albany, 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:
- Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Revised edition.
Nashville: Abingdon, 1995.
- Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. (Latest edition.)
Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1988.
- Simon, Ethelyn and Dorey Brandt-Finell. Answer Book for the First Hebrew
Primer (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: EKS Publishing, 1997.
- _________. "Master Set of Bible Flashcards, keyed to The First Hebrew
Primer." EKS, 1997.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- An intensive language course requires a major time commitment.
Attendance at all class sessions is vital, and students should expect to spend
at least two hours of outside preparation for every hour in class. This
translates into sixteen hours a week preparation time in addition to the eight
weekly hours of class time. Daily assignments will include reading from the
Primer, the completion of exercises and the learning of vocabulary.
Frequent scheduled quizzes and tests will serve to reinforce the various skills
and vocabulary learned.
PREREQUISITES: Good standing. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MDiv core requirement in Hebrew
(HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.