Introduction to Hebrew Fall 2008INSTRUCTORTACOURSE DESCRIPTIONT v f r q c p [ s n m l k y j x z w h d g b aMETHOD OF INSTRUCTIONIntroduction to Hebrew Fall 2008 OT502 INSTRUCTOR John D. Currid, Ph.D. IM: Hebraic7 [email protected] TA COURSE DESCRIPTION The aim of this course is to introduce the student to the Biblical Hebrew language. As such, the student will learn the Hebrew alphabet, pronunciation, and basic grammatical structures. Our intention is also to help the student acquire a significant Hebrew vocabulary, and to equip the student with some exegetical skills. Paul wrote the following to Timothy in regard to ministry: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Beyond a doubt, the study of Hebrew enhances a person’s ability to work with the biblical texts and adds depth to one’s ministry. So, this course is a means to an end, that is, the student’s better understanding of God’s holy word and an application of it to today’s world. Do not fear! Your study is not in vain. It is a noble task you have been called to perform. Do it to the glory of Christ! “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). T v f r q c p [ s n m l k y j x z w h d g b a 1METHOD OF INSTRUCTION The emphasis in this class is student performance. Students must come prepared to class each day to participate in the instructional process. This means that all of the assigned reading from the grammar and all of the assigned homework from the workbook must be completed by the beginning of the class period for which it is assigned. Failure to comply will inhibit acceptable performance and impede the benefit of the classroom experience for other students. COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Homework. There will be daily assignments from your Hebrew grammar book. These assignments are important and must be completed on time. At the end of the semester, I will collect your homework to see if you have completed the assignments. This, along with required outside reading and class participation, will account for 10% of the final grade. 2. Quizzes. There will be a short quiz at the beginning of each class period. Quizzes will cover the material from the grammar and the workbook due for that day, including vocabulary acquisition. Due to the very nature of language learning, quizzes are, in essence, cumulative. Twelve quizzes have been scheduled throughout the semester. Total quiz score constitutes 40% of the final grade. 3. Tests. There will be a final examination. It is, of course, inclusive and it will be given during final examination week. It is 50% of the final grade. COURSE PROTOCOLS 1. Grading Schedule. The institutional catalogue stipulates the letter grading scale. Note that the instructor would not consider a student competent with a grade below 80%. Students performing below this level must consult with the instructor before enrolling in Hebrew 2. 2. Attendance and Late Assignments. Language acquisition can be a difficult task and requires constant vigilance and diligence in the beginning stages. Because of this, attendance at each class session is essential. Additionally, there are absolutely no make-up quizzes. In the instance of a missed quiz, students may drop their two lowest quiz 2scores during the semester. A quiz missed is considered one of the two permitted drops. 3. Special Needs. In order to ensure full class participation, any student with a disabling condition requiring special accommodations (e.g., tape recorders, special adaptive equipment, or other needs) is strongly encouraged to contact the professor at the beginning of the course. 4. Computer Use. Computers may not be used during class time, except during the hour in which the professor is lecturing on specific hermeneutical issues. 5. Disclaimer. This syllabus is intended to reflect accurately the learning objectives, instructional format and other information necessary for students to appraise the course. During the course of the semester, however, the instructor reserves the right to modify any portion of this syllabus as he deems fit. TEXTBOOKS Mark D. Futato, Beginning Biblical Hebrew (Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2003). *Note that the grammar book must be brought to class every day. R. B. Dillard, Hebrew Vocabulary Cards (Springfield, Ohio: Visual Education Association, 1981). CLASS SCHEDULE The class will normally be structured in the following manner: 1) the day will begin with a quiz over the assigned material; it will then be graded in class, and any questions will be answered; 2) a review of the exercises in the grammar book (be prepared to read); 3) introduction of a new lesson; 4) give a new assignment, including an introduction to new vocabulary; and, 5) a lecture on an exegetical topic. August 26 Syllabus Why Study Hebrew? Introduction of Chapters 1and 2: The Hebrew Alphabet Assignment 1: Read Chapters 1 and 2 and Do “Practices” 3September 2 Quiz # 1 Review Practices 1-2 Introduction of Chapter 3: Sheva Memorize Vocabulary Assignment 2: Read Chapter 3 and Do Practice September 9 Quiz #2 ` Review Practice 3 Introduction of Chapter 4: Hebrew Nouns Assignment 3: Read Chapter 4 and Do Practice Memorize Vocabulary September 16 (no class) September 23 Quiz #3 Review Practice 4 Introduction of Chapter 5: Pronouns Assignment 4: Read Chapter 5 and Do Practice Memorize Vocabulary September 30 Quiz #4 Review Practice 5 Introduction of Chapter 6-7: Verb (Qal Perfect) and Sentences Assignment 5: Read Chapter 6-7 and Do Practices Memorize Vocabulary October 7 Quiz #5 Review Practices 6-7 Introduction of Chapter 8: Noun Vowel Changes Assignment 6: Read Chapter 8 and Do Practice Memorize Vocabulary October 14 (break) 4October 21 Quiz #6 Review Practice 8 Introduction of Chapter 9: Prepositions Assignment 8: Read Chapter 9 and Do Practice Memorize Vocabulary October 28 Quiz #7 Review Practice 9 Introduction of Chapter 10: Adjectives Assignment 8: Read Chapter 10 and Do Practice Memorize Vocabulary November 4 Quiz #8 Review Practice 10 Introduction of Chapter 11: The Verb (Qal Imperfect) Assignment 9: Read Chapter 11 and Do Practice Memorize Vocabulary November 11 Quiz #9