Introduction to Hebrew Syllabus 4
Introduction to Hebrew
OT502 Fall 2011
Richard (Dick) Belcher, Jr.
Welcome to the study of Hebrew. Although there are some initial barriers to overcome, most people who are diligent and disciplined in their study can understand this material. Learning Hebrew is part of our devotion to God and is important because of the high esteem we have for the Word of God. If we believe that theology is based on exegesis, then it is imperative that we learn Hebrew to the best of our ability.
I. Course Goals
A. To learn the fundamentals of Hebrew word formation and pronunciation.
B. To gain an introductory understanding of Hebrew grammar.
C. To achieve an elementary ability to read Hebrew.
II. Getting Started
A) The documents in the syllabus come in the pdf format with the capability of taking notes in that format (this will be explained the first day of class)
B) You will need to buy Beginning Biblical Hebrew by Futato and the Trinity Psalter from the RTS bookstore as they are not as readily available through Mind and Heart.
C) For the first day of class bring your Hebrew Bible (BHS) and all the material for the first day (Hebrew Syllabus, Schedule, Futato Practice Guide, the Alphabet Chart and the Vowel Chart). The document The Hebrew Alphabet Practice Sheet needs to be printed out so you can bring a hard copy to class the first day.
D) You will do yourself a big favor if you already know the alphabet and vowels on the first day. We will go over them in class, but because they are so different from anything you have ever seen, already knowing them will give you a jump-start on Hebrew. To that end there is posted on Self-Service materials for the first day of Hebrew which you can use to review the Alphabet and Vowels.
II. Required Textbooks
1) Mark D. Futato, Beginning Biblical Hebrew (Eisenbrauns, 2003): buy from the RTS Charlotte bookstore
2) A Hebrew Bible: either the Hebrew text alone (Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia) or the Hebrew and Greek text published together (Biblia
Sacra: Hebraica et Graeca)
3) A Hebrew Lexicon: Francis Brown, S. R. Driver, and Charles Briggs, Brown- Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Hendriksen, **), also known as BDB
4) Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary Cards, Raymond Dillard
5) William R. Scott, A Simplified Guide to BHS (3rd ed; Bibal Press, 1995)
6) Ellis R. Brotzman, Old Testament Textual Criticism (Baker, 1994)
7) The Trinity Psalter, Crown and Covenant Publications, 1994 (buy from RTS Charlotte bookstore)
III. Course Requirements
A) Quizzes: The quizzes provide a series of short term goals which, if met, will advance you smoothly through the course. They are important.
1) Quizzes will be given right at the start of class. Do not be late.
2) You will always be told what new material to expect on a quiz. The
quizzes will focus on what is emphasized in class as important.
3) Eleven quizzes will be given. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
4) The first time you miss a quiz for whatever reason will be your dropped
quiz.
B) Exams: there is a Midterm and a Final Exam, which are cumulative over the
semester.
C) Assignments and Review: there are homework assignments that need to be completed and the review in class after the quiz will focus on those assignments. Students will get a chance to orally participate during this time. Be prepared to answer questions based on the assignments.
1) Vocabulary: the vocabulary words for each week are listed on the Schedule according to the number on the vocabulary cards. Vocabulary is cumulative throughout the semester.
2) For assignments you will need to consult the Futato Practice Guide (a word document), which will identify the assignments in Futato that are required, plus, other work that will supplement what is in Futato.
a) Answers to the assignments in Futato are in the back of the book and answers to the supplementary assignments are in the Futato Practice Guide Answers. Please try to do the work yourself first, and then check the answers.
b) On each quiz there will be a statement concerning the completion of the assignments. A student must complete 90% of the assignments, including the reading, to get credit.
D) Class Participation: it is not easy at first to get your tongue and your brain working together in pronouncing the Hebrew, but it is important to give a good effort, which is all that the instructor wants to see. If you regularly miss class (or slip out the third hour), your grade will be deducted.
IV. Grading
10% Assignments and Class Participation
60% Exams
30% Quizzes
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course: Hebrew 1
Professor: Richard P Belcher
Campus: Charlotte
MDiv* Student Learning OutcomesIn order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus. / Rubric
Ø Strong
Ø Moderate
Ø Minimal
Ø None / Mini-Justification
Articulation
(oral & written) / Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks. / None
Scripture / Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) / Minimal / at the introductory level we are beginning the process of using Hebrew to understand the original meaning of Scripture
Reformed Theology / Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards. / None
Sanctification / Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student’s sanctification. / Minimal / open each class with devotion and singing of a psalm
Desire for Worldview / Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God. / None
Winsomely Reformed / Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians; and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.) / None
Preach / Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm. / None
Worship / Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. / None
Shepherd / Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both in America and worldwide. / None
Church/World / Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues. / None
Date: March 2009