Spring 2008/Pasadena
LG512C
Pounds
LG512C: BEGINNING GREEK. Brian Pounds.
DESCRIPTION: This course is the third part of a three-quarter series designed
to give the student a basic knowledge of the essential grammar of New Testament
Greek as well as an introduction to morphology, syntax, and other matters of
beginning grammar.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon completion of the three-quarter sequence the student
should be able to (1) read the Greek NT aloud; (2) identify the meaning of
frequently occurring words in the Greek NT; (3) identify and grammatically
analyze various nouns, pronouns, adjectives, etc.; (4) identify and
grammatically analyze various "regular" verb forms as well as "irregular" verb
forms; (5) use a lexicon effectively to locate unfamiliar words and enhance the
student's understanding of such words; (6) use a reference grammar effectively
to locate unfamiliar grammatical and syntactical concepts and enhance the
student's understanding of such concepts; (7) translate basic texts in the
Greek NT; (8) understand the challenges, purposes, and value of learning NT
Greek.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: One of the elements in interpreting the text of the
New Testament is understanding the language of Koine Greek in which it was
written. The student who successfully completes this course should, with the
use of various resources, be able to consult the Greek text as part of the
exegetical task, which in turn will enhance her personal devotion as well as
her teaching and sermon preparation. The student will also be equipped to
evaluate theological and exegetical positions that purport to be based on some
feature of the Greek text.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets twice each week for two-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Aland, K.; M. Black; C. Martini; B. Metzger; and A. Wikgren, eds.
The Greek New Testament. 4th rev. ed. United Bible Societies, 1993.
- Danker, F. W. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other
Early Christian Literature. 3d ed. Based on Walter Bauer. . . . University
of Chicago Press, 2000 [BDAG].
- Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar. Zondervan,
1993.
- _________. Basics of Biblical Greek: Workbook. Zondervan, 1993.
- 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:
- Black, D. A. It's Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide
to Intermediate Greek. Baker, 1998.
- Metzger, Bruce M. Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek.
3d ed. Baker, 1998.
- Newman, Barclay M. A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New
Testament. United Bible Societies, 1993. (Get this if the GNT above does
not include dictionary.)
- Van Voorst, R. E. Building Your New Testament Greek Vocabulary. 2d
ed. Scholars Press, 1999.
- Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax
of the New Testament. Zondervan, 1996.
ASSIGNMENTS: Each student is expected to be present at all class sessions with
assigned lessons fully prepared. The course grade is based on daily quizzes and
homework, as well as periodic tests and one final exam. Exams = 60%; Quizzes =
20%; Homework = 20%.
PREREQUISITES: LG512B (same section as this quarter). No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: The completed three-quarter sequence LG512A/B/C
meets the MDiv core requirement in Greek (GRK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (1/08)