LG502
Haney
LG502: BEGINNING HEBREW. Linda S. Haney.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course provides an introduction to the grammar and syntax of
Biblical Hebrew. The mastery of the basics of Hebrew will form a foundation on
which to build and develop skills which can be applied to study in a Hebrew
exegetical class, to further exploration of Semitic languages, or to growth in
personal Bible study.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Anyone who has taught from the Bible will be aware that different
versions of the Bible often give radically different translations for the same
verse. Consulting commentaries can sometimes make the confusion greater, not
less, as it can be difficult to determine which commentary author has provided
the correct interpretation. A knowledge of Hebrew can equip a person to make
intelligent choices among the array of options presented by commentators and
translators.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will be based on Seow's grammar, supplemented with
material to further explain various features of the language. The class will
meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions. Class will consist of lecture,
reading from the Hebrew Bible, recitation in class on homework assigned, and
frequent quizzes designed both to reinforce learning and to provide students
with feedback about their progress.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A
Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson,
1979.
- Elliger, Karl, and Wilhelm Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.
- Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Revised edition.
Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Books and articles that will enhance the student's understanding of
Hebrew will be recommended during class for the purpose of providing those
students with the desire to delve more deeply into Biblical Hebrew the
opportunity to do so.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- An intensive language course requires a major time commitment from
those taking it. The seminary guideline for class preparation is two hours of
outside preparation for each hour of class time. This translates into sixteen
hours a week preparation time in addition to the eight weekly hours of class
time. Assignments will be made based on the expectation that this amount of
time will be spent. Because there is a great deal of material to cover in a
relatively short amount of time, attendance at class is vital as well. Typical
assignments will include a vocabulary list to learn, text to read and study,
and exercises to prepare. Quizzes will be frequent, and there will be a midterm
exam. The student's grade will be based on class participation, daily quiz
scores, the midterm exam, and the final.
PREREQUISITES:
- Good standing.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets the M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.