Winter 2008/Pasadena
LG807/507
Butler
LG807/507: HEBREW READING. James T. Butler.
DESCRIPTION: This course will help students to reinforce and to enhance skills
learned in beginning Hebrew classes and to expand their familiarity with the
variety of literature in the Hebrew canon. Attention will be given to reviewing
basic vocabulary and forms as well as to introducing more advanced grammar and
syntax as they are encountered in a selection of texts drawn from different
genres.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will be able
to do the following, as specified by published standards of the Biblical
division: (1) to read aloud in the language and to write legibly in its
standard script; (2) to recognize a basic vocabulary and set of forms; (3) to
understand its basic grammar and syntax; (4) to use the standard exegetical
tools in translating and analyzing the original language.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The ability to read ancient texts of Scripture in
their original languages is fundamental to understanding and appropriating
their message.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly, two hours per session, for
ten weeks. The majority of time will be given to reading and discussing texts
that students will have prepared in advance.
REQUIRED READING: Students should own a text and a lexicon, and should own or
have easy access to a reference grammar and a syntax guide.
- Text:
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft,
1997.
- Lexicon:
- 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. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996 [1906].
- Or Koehler, Ludwig and Walter Baumgartner et al. Hebrew and
Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. Trans. M. E. J. Richardson et al.
Leiden: E. J. Brill, 1994-2000 (2-volume, unabridged study edition,
2002).
- Reference Grammar:
- Joüon, P. and T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical
Hebrew. Roma: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991.
- Or Gesenius, W. and E. F. Kautzsch et al. Gesenius' Hebrew
Grammar. 2d ed. Oxford: Clarendon, 1963 [1910].
- Syntax:
- Waltke, Bruce K. and M. O'Connor. An Introduction to
Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1990.
- Or Arnold, B. T. and J. H. Choi. A Guide to Biblical Hebrew
Syntax. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic
Advising office.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Students will be expected to prepare a translation and
specific grammatical notes for each assigned passage, and to participate in
oral reading and discussion. Consistency of preparation, attendance, and
participation will be very important. Preparation materials will be collected
and evaluated weekly (70%). (2) Each student will prepare a grammatical
commentary on one of the passages read in class, following guidelines provided
in the syllabus (30%).
PREREQUISITES: LG502 or equivalent.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)