Fall 2016/Pasadena

LG502A

Bunn

LG502A: BEGINNING HEBREW (4 Units: 160 Hours). Daniel D. Bunn Jr.

DESCRIPTION: This two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew consists of the first half, offered in Fall, and the second half, offered in Winter quarter. Students enrolling in this course must enroll in both LG502A and LG502B with the same instructor (transferring between sections is not permitted).

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this two-quarter course will have demonstrated that they are able to do the following: (1) read aloud from the Hebrew Bible; (2) write legibly in a standard Hebrew script; (3) recognize and use high frequency vocabulary of biblical Hebrew; (4) identify basic word forms, grammatical structures, and syntax; (5) translate short passages from the Hebrew Bible using a standard lexicon and other tools.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.Class attendance is required and necessary to maintain a passing grade in the course. Class time will consist of lecture, reading, and translating from the Hebrew Bible; translation exercises, quizzes, and tests. Students should expect to spend at least two hours of outside preparation/homework for every hour of class time.

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.

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Compact Edition. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006. ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $69.95. *Do not purchase until after the course begins.

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 978-1426789076, Pub. Price $39.99 [366 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Learning a foreign language involves commitment and dedicated study. Assignments for this class will emphasize repetition and critical thinking as a key to understanding and remembering the material. Students will complete weekly homework assignments, will memorize high-frequency and important vocabulary, and will be evaluated through quizzes and exams.

  1. 400 pp. of required reading from the textbook and other handouts [25 hours].

  2. Vocabulary Quizzes: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 3, 4, 5]. [40 hours].

  3. Daily Homework: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. [40 hours].

  4. Grammar Quizzes: 20% [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 4, 5]. [10 hours].

  5. Attendance and Participation: 10%. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

  6. FINAL Exam: 30% [This assignment is related to learning outcome 2, 3, 4, 5]. [5 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Good standing; no audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: The completed two quarter sequence LG502A/B meets the Hebrew requirement in the MDiv Program. Required in the Biblical Languages emphasis.

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.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.