LG502A
Haney
LG502A: BEGINNING HEBREW. Linda S. Haney.
DESCRIPTION:
- This is the first half of a two-quarter Hebrew language class. The
second half of the course will be offered in the Winter quarter. Those who
enroll are expected to complete their study in the Winter quarter, and with the
same instructor. No transferring between sections is permitted. 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 the material in Seow's grammar,
supplemented with material to further explain various features of the language.
The class will meet two hours per day (8 - 9:50 a.m.) on Tuesday and Thursday
for both the Fall and Winter quarters. Classes 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.
- Haney, Linda. Supplement to LG502 Beginning Hebrew.
- 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:
- A 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 eight hours a
week preparation time in addition to the four 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 so that the student can have immediate
feedback on concepts that need further study. The student's grade will be based
on class participation, daily quiz scores, translation work, and the
final.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Taken with LG502B, meets the M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew
(HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.