Fall 2008/Pasadena
LG512
Land
LG512: BEGINNING GREEK. Darin Land.
DESCRIPTION: This course is 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 intermediate grammar. The course
combines the deductive approach with an inductive study from the text of the
New Testament.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will (1) be able to read
aloud in the language; (2) be able to identify the various forms of the
language; (3) have command of a basic vocabulary; (4) be able to use the
standard exegetical tools in dealing with the original language; (5) be able to
translate basic texts in the original language.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: One of the elements in interpreting the text of the
New Testament is understanding the language in which it was written. Students
who successfully complete the course should, with the use of various resources,
be able to consult the Greek text as part of the exegetical (and ministerial!)
task and should be able critically to evaluate theological and exegetical
positions that purport to be based on some feature of the Greek text.
COURSE FORMAT: The course meets three times each week for four-hour
sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- 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].
- Either Nestle, E., and K. Aland. Novum Testamentum Graece.
27th ed. Updated 8th printing. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 2001 (either
with or without dictionary bound in back).
- Or Aland, K., et al. The Greek New
Testament. 4th rev. ed. United Bible Societies, 1993 (either with or
without dictionary bound in back).
- Kubo, S. A Reader's Greek-English Lexicon of the New
Testament. Zondervan, 1975.
- Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar. 2d ed.
Zondervan, 2003.
- _________. Basics of Biblical Greek: Workbook. 2d ed. Zondervan,
2003.
- See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical
Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/084/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Black, D. A. It's Still Greek to Me: An Easy-to-Understand Guide
to Intermediate Greek. Baker, 1998.
- Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and
Pastors. 3d ed. Westminster John Knox, 2002.
- Van Voorst, Robert E. Building Your New Testament Greek Vocabulary.
3d ed. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2001.
- Wallace, D. 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.
PREREQUISITES: None. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Fulfills the MDiv core requirement in Greek
(GRK).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.