Spring 2018/Pasadena
LG500
Melzian
LG500: HEBREW TOOLS FOR BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (4 Units: 160 hours). Marilyn Lundberg Melzian, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION: This course offers a limited introduction to biblical Hebrew, including the writing system, basiclexicon,morphology, and syntax. The emphasis is on theresponsible employmentofstandard reference works, commentaries, and Bible softwareto the practice of Old Testament interpretation in ministry contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated the ability (1) to recognize and write the Hebrew alphabet in square script; (2) to read and pronounce Hebrew words easily; (3) to work with standard Hebrew language tools (e.g., lexicons, concordances, analytical concordances, grammars, and Bible software) in the service of Old Testament exegesis; (4) to discern the syntax of sentences with and without verbs; (5) to discern the meaning of words in sentences; (6) to recognize the distinctive features of Hebrew poetry in contrast to prose; and (7) to translate short passages with the aid of standard tools.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.
REQUIRED READING:
Walker-Jones, Arthur. Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation. Society of Biblical Literature, 2003. ISBN: 978-1589830868, Pub. Price $34.95 [263 pp.]. [Reading, reference and exercises.]
Instructional videos available on Canvas.
BibleWorks, including the module “Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (HALOT)”
Notes:
RECOMMENDED READING:
Brown, A. Philip and Bryan Smith. A Reader's Hebrew Bible. Zondervan, 2008. ISBN: 978-0310269748, Pub. Price $59.99.
Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Hendrickson, 2006. Compact edition: ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $69.95.
Vance, Donald A., George Athas, and Yael Avrahami. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia: A Reader’s Edition. Hendrickson, 2015. ISBN: 978-1598563429, Pub. Price $59.95.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Hebrew requirement in 120 MDiv Program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.