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 class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions on Monday
and Thursday mornings. 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. The course will be based on Seow's grammar, supplemented with
material to further explain various features of the language.
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. LG502 Beginning Hebrew Supplement.
- 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 all class sessions is vital as
well. Typical assignments will include a vocabulary list to learn, grammar
material to read and study, and exercises (including Hebrew translation) to
prepare. Quizzes will be frequent so that the student can have immediate
feedback in order to identify those concepts that need further study. The
course grade will be based on class participation, daily quiz scores,
translation grades, and the final exam.
PREREQUISITES:
- Good standing.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets the M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.