Spring 2013/Pasadena
LG502
Smoak
LG502: BEGINNING HEBREW. Jeremy D. Smoak.
DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students will gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of biblical Hebrew and begin developing translation skills necessary for biblical exegesis.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: As ministers and teachers in the church, knowledge of the Hebrew language allows us to gain a deeper appreciation for the linguistic background of the Bible. Knowledge of the Hebrew language opens a window for ministers and teachers to move beyond modern translations and interpret the biblical message in its original language. Since there is always a close connection between language and culture in societies, an understanding of biblical Hebrew also provides a greater appreciation for the cultural background of the Old Testament. A solid grasp of biblical Hebrew also aids interpretation of the Old Testament’s theological message.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of the quarter the student will be able to (1) identify and explain the different categories of Hebrew grammar: nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, verbs; (2) demonstrate an increased knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary; (3) demonstrate an understanding of how to interact with academic tools and resources necessary for translating and interpreting the Hebrew Bible; (4) translate prose narrative sections of the Hebrew Bible and analyze morphological and grammatical elements of narrative sentences; and (5) explain how knowledge of biblical Hebrew aids an interpretation of the Hebrew Bible.
COURSE FORMAT: This course meets twice weekly for four-hour sessions. Class attendance is required and necessary to maintain a passing grade in the course. Class sessions will consist of short lectures, reading, daily quizzes, and translation exercises from A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible.
REQUIRED READING:
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. Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906]. ISBN: 978-1565632066, Pub.price $34.95 [1216 pp.].
Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Hendrickson Publishers, 2006. ISBN: 978-1598561609, Pub.price $89.95 [1574 pp.].
Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 978-0687157860, Pub.price $40.00 [380 pp.].
See the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs” available in the SOT Academic Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
Braun, Frank X. English Grammar for Language Students. Ulrich’s Books, 1947. ISBN: 978-0914004035, Pub.price $15.95 [23 pp.].
Green, Jennifer S., G. Brooke Lester, and Joseph F. Scrivner, Handbook to a Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 2005. ISBN: 978-0687008346, Pub.price $16.00 [146 pp.].
Kautzsch, E. Gesenius’ Hebrew Grammar. Trans. by A. E. Cowley. Bilingual ed. Dover Publications, 2006. ISBN: 978-0486443447, Pub.price $24.95 [624 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Gaining a solid knowledge of any language requires regular practice and discipline. Thus, assignments for this class will emphasize repetition through frequent quizzes and other small homework assignments. The overall evaluation for this course will be based upon several components:
vocabulary and grammatical quizzes (20%)
three exams (together 60%; exam #1: 20%; exam #2: 20%; final exam: 20%)
class attendance, participation, and short homework assignments (20%).
PREREQUISITES: Good standing; no audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the MDiv core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.