Winter 2009
FSW – Las Vegas
LG502B
Wilson
DESCRIPTION: This is the second of two quarters of Beginning Hebrew. The course is designed to acquaint the student with the structure of Biblical Hebrew focusing on forms, syntax, and basic Old Testament Hebrew vocabulary.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of this two-course track each student demonstrate the ability: (1) to read aloud in the Hebrew language and to write legibly in its standard script; (2) to recognize a basic vocabulary and set of forms; (3) to understand its basic grammar and syntax; (4) to use the standard exegetical tools in translating and analyzing the original language.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: One of the most basic elements in interpreting the text of the Old Testament is to understand the language in which it is written. Students who successfully complete this year should, with the use of various resources, be able to consult the Hebrew text as a part of the exegetical task, and should be able to evaluate critical theological and exegetical positions, which purport to be based on some feature of the Hebrew text.
COURSE FORMAT: Ten weekly meetings for three and one half-hour sessions to provide 35 in-class hours.
REQUIRED READING:
• Expanded Syllabus
• Brotzman, Ellis R. Old Testament Textual Criticism. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1994. ISBN: 0801010659.
• Brown, Driver, and Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996. ISBN: 1565632060. (Don’t buy until after class begins)
• Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 2001. ISBN:
• 1565634853.
• Kittel, R. Biblia Hebraica. Editio Minor. Stuttgart: Wurtembergische Bibelanstalt, 1973. ISBN: 3438052199. Note on Hebrew Bible (BHS): There is a large print edition (large print ISBN: 3438052180), regular print edition (ISBN: 3438052199, and an edition combined with Greek New NT, titled Biblia Sacra Hebraica et Graeca (ISBN: 34380525004), to choose from, depending on your needs and finances. (Don’t buy until after class begins)
• Ross, Allen P. Introducing Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. ISBN: 0801021472.
• Van Pelt, Miles V. and Gary D. Pratico. The Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0310250722.
RECOMMENDED READING:
• Dobson, John H. Learn Biblical Hebrew. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1999. ISBN 1-5567-1088-7.
• Groom, Sue. Linguistic Analysis of Biblical Hebrew. London: Paternoster, 2003. ISBN: 1842271644.
• Pennington, Jonathan T. Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary - audio CD. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 0310255300.
• See the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program” available at the FSW office.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1. Weekly assignments and class participation (10%)
2. Weekly quizzes (10%)
3. 1st Exam (25%)
3. 2nd Exam (25%)
4. Final Exam (30%)
PREREQUISITES: LG502A.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: LG502A and B fulfill the M.Div. core requirements in “Hebrew” (HEB). MAT: Elec.; MACL: None.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.