Fall 2013/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 (1) be able to read the Aramaic biblical texts aloud and translate both literally and in smooth English; (2) be able to identify nouns, pronouns, regular and irregular verbs and other grammatical forms; (3) be able to identify subjects, adjectives, direct and indirect objects, prepositional phrases, and adverbs and other syntactical units; (4) be able to read a basic narrative text in Aramaic; (5) be able to use lexicons and reference grammars; and (6) 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. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990. (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia Editio Minor—Compact Edition with Student Discount. Available at American Bible Society, ISBN: 978-3438052193, Pub. Price $41.99).

Johns, Alger F. A Short Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. Andrews University Press, 1972. ISBN: 978-0943872742, Pub. Price $14.99.

Rosenthal, Franz. A Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. 7th, rev. ed. Harrassowitz, 2006. ISBN: 978-3447052511, Pub. Price $38.00.

Material in class syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Attendance is required for all classes.

  1. 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 (40% of final grade).

  2. 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 (15% of final grade) will be given once a week.

  3. Mid-term (20% of final grade).

  4. FINAL exam (25% of final grade).

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.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.