Winter 2007/Pasadena
LG502B
Galán

LG502B: HEBREO ELEMENTAL [Beginning Hebrew]. Benjamin Galán.


DESCRIPTION: This is the second part of an introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students enrolling in the Fall quarter are expected to complete their study in the Winter quarter with the same instructor. No transferring between sections is permitted. The course will seek to develop the mastery of elementary Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, and translation of exercises from Lambdin's Introducción al hebreo bíblico, as well as provide an introduction to the use of reference material for the reading and translation of Hebrew. In this quarter we will continue learning basic Hebrew grammar and reading large portions of the Hebrew Bible.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: The students will (1) memorize basic vocabulary for prose readings of the Hebrew Bible; (2) understand and recognize the different grammatical categories present in Hebrew: nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, verbs, and verbal forms; (3) learn to read aloud biblical sections of the Hebrew Bible according to the Sephardite tradition; (4) translate Hebrew texts and interact with reference books and commentaries for biblical exegesis; (5) understand a basic introduction to exegesis of Old Testament texts.

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:

Lambdin, Thomas O. Introducción al hebreo bíblico. Estella (Navarra): Editorial Verbo Divino, 1999.
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:
Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.

ASSIGNMENTS:
  1. Attend class on time every session.

  2. Read the lessons in the textbook that will be covered that day.

  3. Memorize the vocabulary that is presented in the lessons.

  4. Complete the exercises that are assigned and be prepared to hand them in on request.

  5. Take four (4) quizzes during the term.

  6. Final Exam.

PREREQUISITES: LG502A, same section. No audits.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.