Beginning Biblical Hebrew
Religion 175, Fall 2015
In this course (in combination with its sequel, REL 176) students will develop an introductory knowledge of classical (biblical) Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, and of how biblical language expresses itself in selected biblical passages. By the end of the term, students will be able to read and translate simple narrative prose from the Hebrew Bible, and will gain a more nuanced understanding of the life and thought of the ancient Israelites through their own language.
Assignments:
Attendance and informed class participation: 15% (Missed classes result in a grade of 0 for that day; excused absences: illness and away games with summary of missed work)
Weekly practice assignments (homework): 35%
Midterm test: 25%
Final exam: 35%
Textbooks:
Beginning Biblical Hebrew: a grammar and illustrated reader by John. Cook and Robert. Holmstedt (2013)
The New Reading Hebrew: A Guided Instruction Course Paperback (2004) by C. Castberg and Lillian W. Adler. A self-guided course for adult beginners
Meetings and Assignments:
September
15 Introduction. The alphabet and vowels.
22 (to be rescheduled) In class: review alphabet and vowels. Introduce sh’va, dagesh, and singular pronouns. Reading and vocabulary practice.
Prepare before class: (1) Beginning Biblical Hebrew [BBH], Chapters 1-2 including exercises and vocabulary
(2) The New Reading Hebrew: finish the entire book
29 Class: review Chapters 3-7; introduce article and possessive lamed. Reading practice. Vocabulary practice.
Prepare before class: BBH, Chapters 3-7 including written exercises and vocabulary
October
6 Class: review and practice vocabulary and grammar. Reading and translation practice.
Prepare: BBH, Chapters 8-9, and Reading I, including written exercises and vocabulary
13 Class: review and practice plural nouns and pronouns. Reading, translation, and vocabulary practice.
Prepare: BBH, Chapters 10-11, including written exercises and vocabulary
20 Class: review and practice reading and vocabulary. Test
At home: Review for midterm test.
27 Class: Review new grammar, introduce verb forms. Reading, translation, and vocabulary practice.
Homework: BBH, Chapters 12-14 and Reading 2 (Genesis 3 simplified) with written exercises and vocabulary.
November
3 Class: review new grammar. Reading, translation, and vocabulary practice.
Homework: BBH, Chapters 15-18 with written exercises and vocabulary.
10 Class: introduce kal-perfect conjugation. Reading, translation, and vocabulary practice.
Homework: BBH, Reading 3 (Genesis 22 simplified) with written exercises and vocabulary
17 Class: grammar, translation, and vocabulary practice. Introduce kal-perfect conjugation.
Homework: BBH, Chapters 19-22 with exercises and vocabulary.
December
1 Class: Reading, grammar, translation, and vocabulary practice. Introduce kal-imperfect conjugation.
Homework: BBH, Reading 4 (Genesis 37 simplified) with written exercises and vocabulary.
8 Class: review new grammar. Work on BBH, Reading 5 (Genesis 3, less simplified) in class.
Homework before class: BBH, Chapters 23-26 with exercises and vocabulary.