Winter 2007/Pasadena
LG502A
Smoak

LG502A: BEGINNING HEBREW. Jeremy D. Smoak.


DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students will gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of biblical Hebrew and begin developing translation skills necessary for biblical exegesis. The course is designed as the first half of a two-quarter sequence; students enrolling in this course are expected to enroll in the second half of the course in the spring quarter. Transferring between sections is not permitted.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the quarter the student will be able to (1) demonstrate a command of basic Hebrew vocabulary; (2) read aloud from the Hebrew Bible; (3) recognize and explain the basic elements of the grammar of Hebrew; (4) differentiate between and explain the basic morphological Hebrew word forms; (5) translate basic Hebrew sentences; and (6)  demonstrate a solid understanding of how to use a Hebrew-English lexicon.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: As ministers and teachers in the church, knowledge of the Hebrew language allows us to gain a deeper appreciation for linguistic background of the Bible. Knowledge of the Hebrew language opens a window for ministers and teachers to move beyond modern translations and interpret the biblical message in its original linguistic composition. Since there is always a close connection between language and culture in societies, an understanding of biblical Hebrew also provides a greater appreciation for the cultural background of the Old Testament. A solid grasp of biblical Hebrew also aids interpretation of the Old Testament's theological message.

COURSE FORMAT: This course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class attendance is required and necessary to maintain a passing grade in the course. Class sessions will consist of short lectures, reading, daily quizzes, and translation exercises from The First Hebrew Primer and the Hebrew Bible.

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 [original date, 1906].

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Simon, E., I. Resnikoff, and L. Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3rd ed. Oakland: EKS Publishing, 1992.

Kautzsch, E. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Trans. by 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:
Braun, Frank X. English Grammar for Language Students. Ulrich's Books, 1947.

Würthwein, E. The Text of the Old Testament. Trans. by E. F. Rhodes. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992.

ASSIGNMENTS: Gaining a solid knowledge of any language requires regular practice and discipline. Thus, assignments for this class will emphasize repetition through frequent quizzes and other small homework assignments. The overall evaluation for this course will be based upon several components: (1) vocabulary and grammatical quizzes given at each class session (20%); (2) three exams (60%) (exam #1: 20%; exam #2: 20%; final exam: 20%); (3) class attendance, participation, and short homework assignments (10%); and (4) a short exegetical assignment at the end of the quarter (10%).

PREREQUISITES: None; no audits.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.