Fall 2011/Pasadena
LG525
Lundberg
LG525: BIBLICAL ARAMAIC. Marilyn J. Lundberg Melzian.
DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the essential elements of the phonology,
morphology, and syntax of biblical Aramaic, using the Aramaic portions of Ezra
and Daniel. Some attention will be paid to other Aramaic literature for
purposes of comparison.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Since a portion of the Old Testament is
written in Aramaic, an ability to exegete this material is dependent upon a
knowledge of the grammar of that language. This course will provide that skill,
a requisite one for a student desiring to pursue a career of teaching in the
area of Old Testament studies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: On completion of this course the student will
- be able to read the Aramaic biblical texts aloud and translate both
literally and in smooth English;
- be able to identify nouns, pronouns, regular and irregular verbs and other
grammatical forms;
- be able to identify subjects, adjectives, direct and indirect objects,
prepositional phrases, and adverbs and other syntactical units;
- be able to read a basic narrative text in Aramaic;
- be able to use lexicons and reference grammars; and
- have the tools with which to study other ancient Aramaic texts.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions. Each
two-hour session will include presentation of new material and recitation of
prepared readings.
REQUIRED READING:
- Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990. (Biblia
Hebraica Stuttgartensia Editio Minor--Compact Edition with Student
Discount. Available at American Bible Society, $41.99. ISBN
9783438052193.)
- Johns, Alger F. A Short Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. Berrien
Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 1972. ISBN: 978-0-943872-74-2. Price
$14.99.
- Rosenthal, Franz. A Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. 7th, rev. ed.
Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2006. ISBN: 3-447-05251-1; ISBN13: 978-3-447-05251-1.
Eisenbrauns price $38.00; Harrassowitz price 24 Euros.
- Material in class syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Students will be assigned a biblical Aramaic
passage to prepare for each class. They will be expected to be able to read
aloud and translate any part of the passage in class. In addition, they will be
expected to discuss issues of grammar and syntax on the passage prepared. At
the beginning of the course, guide sheets will be provided for use by the
students in their preparation of biblical passages; as the course progresses
the students will be expected to provide increasing levels of analysis and
translation. Vocabulary quizzes will be given once a week, and there will be
mid-term and final exams.
Attendance is required for all classes.
PREREQUISITES: LG502 or equivalent. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Satisfies the Aramaic language requirement for PhD
in Old Testament. Elective for MDiv. Requisite course for MA in
Theology--Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature format.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2011)