NT 501: BIBLICAL GREEK II

Transcription

1 1 NT 501: BIBLICAL GREEK II ASHLAND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Winter, 2014 s, 5:30PM 10:00PM, COL Henri L. Goulet, M.A., S.T.M., (Ph.D. Candidate) I. Course Description In addition to the acquisition of Greek as a tool for New Testament interpretation, students are exposed to and exercised in a number of basic exegetical skills appropriate to the stages of their mastery of the language and invited to engage the New Testament in Greek for both purposes of study and spiritual formation. Prerequisites: NT 500 Further Description: The focus of this continuation of NT 500 is on equipping students motivationally and academically for lifelong learning in the Biblical languages in general and Biblical Greek in particular. While training students in the basics of Biblical Greek grammar and syntax, and introducing them to ~80% of the vocabulary of the NT, this course anticipates the needs of the lifelong learner and orients students to a variety of tools and resources necessary to progressively, effectively utilize Biblical Greek in their ministry and everyday life (e.g., BibleWorks 9.0 software, major lexicons, and intermediate and advanced reference works). II. Student Learning Outcomes The study of Biblical Greek, like the study of Biblical Hebrew or Aramaic, allows for a more direct and profound engagement of Scripture, which arguably allows for a more profound discovery and development of the 4Cs of the ATS curriculum: (1) core identity (rooted in Christ, as the source from which life and ministry flow); (2) character (that reflects maturity in Christ); (3) calling (that is foundational for servant leadership in the church, community, and world; and (4) competency (in the disciplines and skills relevant to Christian ministry) throughout the student s lifetime. The equipping for lifelong learning in Biblical Greek in this course, along with prayerful interpretation and application of a specific sampling of Greek texts (see the Biblical Greek & the 4Cs of the ATS Curriculum handout), is strategically intended to facilitate growth in the 4Cs. Moreover, a measure of proficiency in the Biblical languages helps to ensure the responsible interpretation and application of the Word of God, which is equally essential in every aspect of ministry (e.g., praying, teaching, preaching, shepherding, evangelizing, counseling, chaplaining, working in the marketplace, etc.) as well as in one s devotional life. As a result of this course, students will be able to: Demonstrate COMPETENCE in the disciplines and skills relevant to Christian ministry. 1 Develop a richer articulation of the content and major themes of Scripture and Christian doctrine because of their assessment of Greek vocabulary, grammar, & syntax. 2 Demonstrate beginner level proficiency in biblical and historical exegesis and theological reflection because of their initial mastery of the basics of Biblical Greek morphology, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. 3 Integrate insights from their study of Biblical Greek into their specific ministry practice. 4-6 Not assessed in this course 7 Utilize Greek vocabulary, grammar, & syntax, and Greek-based lexicons and commentaries, with the assistance of the professor, to exegete the word of God faithfully and effectively. 8-9 Not assessed in this course

2 2 III. IV. Teaching & Learning Strategies A strategic combination of teaching and learning approaches is utilized that is informed by the latest research on student-centered teaching. At the heart of this strategy is the inculcation of the ideal of lifelong learning which aims to afford a permanent stimulus to the desire to learn and instruct oneself (in a biblical versus Western sense). All of the following approaches are employed: student study partnerships; lecture; seminar-style discussions; synthesis & review segments; Q&A; student presentations; PowerPoint content mastery exercises; oral/aural/written exercises; handouts; memorization & mnemonic devices; traditional quizzes and tests; inculcative readings of Greek words & texts focused on the 4Cs; and modeling what it means to be a doulos (i.e., slave ) of Christ. Humor is also utilized as a demonstrated pedagogical tool. Course Requirements A. Textbooks and Other Readings (Used in both NT 500 and NT 501) 1. Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar. 3 rd Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ISBN Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook. 3 rd Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ISBN NET - Novum Testamentum Graece Greek-English Diglot (NET Bible English Translation and NA 27 8 th Corrected Printing). Co-produced by the NET Bible Press in partnership with the German Bible Society (Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft), ISBN or The best new purchase price is available here: See also used options at Amazon.com. The NET-NTG27 Greek-English Diglot s features include large print (120%), marginal references for the study of intertexture, a set of study notes focused on the Greek text (including text-critical notes), and key references to Jewish and Second Temple Literature with a dual citation system for Josephus and Philo. Arguably, this is the finest Greek-English NT Diglot available. The NET-NTG28 is not close to publication. Recommended Resources 1. Bauer, Walter, Frederick W. Danker, William F. Arndt, and F. Wilbur Gingrich. A Greek English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). 3 rd edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, ISBN While very expensive, this is an indispensable research tool for lifelong learning in the Greek NT. It is also available and strongly recommended as a software module (see the next entry). 2. BibleWorks 9.0 with the BDAG and HALOT bundle OR similar Logos or Accordance Bible Software. Such software packages make for efficient and effective study given the constraints of real life ministry. The most cost effective option for purchase is a group purchase by 10 or more persons. I have BibleWorks up on the classroom screen at all times in every course. 3. Mounce, William D. Biblical Greek: A Compact Guide. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ISBN This is a handy pocket guide that includes chart-like summaries of the most important information from Mounce s textbook, and more. 4. DeMoss, Matthew S. Pocket Dictionary for the Study of New Testament Greek. Downers Grove: IVP, ISBN Concise, but very useful definitions of grammatical, syntactical, and linguistic terms. 5. Lamerson, Samuel. English Grammar to Ace New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ISBN Very accessible explanations of English grammar to help the student to ace New Testament Greek.

3 3 B. Attendance According to the student handbook, attendance at all class sessions is expected unless the professor has been notified in advance. Any student missing the equivalent of six class hours will be required to do additional work, receive a lower grade or withdraw from the class; this is at the discretion of the professor. This policy also includes tardiness. C. Assignments/Assessment of Student Learning 1. Textbook Readings Summarizations The student carefully completes the assigned weekly readings listed in the tentative course schedule below in preparation for each class session, memorizing and synthesizing the material, and then prepares and shares a concise but complete summary of that material with their study partner, so that classroom time can be spent on clarification, refinement, synthesis, and Q&A. This ungraded but required assignment is due before the beginning of each class session, and study partners will hold each other accountable by checking off whether their study partner completed the assignment. 2. Workbook Exercises The student carefully completes the assigned weekly workbook exercises listed in the tentative course schedule below in preparation for each class session, turning in a copy of the exercises to the teaching assistant. The student then prepares to highlight the insights gained and questions raised from the assignment during the in-class workbook review session. These workbook exercises are worth 100 points each, and together constitute 35% of the course grade. 3. Vocabulary Builders The student memorizes the assigned vocabulary in preparation for regular vocabulary builders as shown in the tentative course schedule below (i.e., regular quizzes designed to build and demonstrate a mastery of Biblical Greek vocabulary for ease of access to the Greek NT). Vocabulary cards are strongly encouraged (but students should heed the professor s caveat about oversimplified understandings of word meanings ). These quizzes are worth 100 points each and together constitute 25% of the course grade. When the words in the list below are encountered in the assigned vocabulary, the student carefully assesses their semantic range in class (using the BDAG Lexicon with the assistance of the professor) in order to develop a richer articulation of the content and major themes of Scripture and Christian doctrine. Christos CH4; Agape, Basileia, & Ergon CH6; Euangelion & Kurios CH 7; Doulos & Pistos CH9; Hagios CH10; Ekklesia, Pistis, & Charis CH11; Mathetes CH12; Dikaiosune/Dikaios CH13; Aletheia, Eirene, Epangelia, Diatheke, and Psuche CH14; Akouo, Nomos, & Pisteuo CH16; Agapao CH17; Basileus & Holos CH18; Meno CH20; Peripateo CH21; Proseuchomai CH22; Hiereus/Hierateuma & Euangelizo CH27; and Soter/Soteria CH Grammar Builders The student reviews all course materials in preparation for two grammar builders as shown in the tentative course schedule below (i.e., one midterm and one final exam designed to build and demonstrate a mastery of Biblical Greek vocabulary, grammar and syntax for ease of access to the Greek NT). These exams are worth 100 points each and together constitute 40% of the course grade.

4 5. In-Class Assisted Exegesis in Ministry Exercises In preparation for NT 502, in weeks # 7 and 8, the student is oriented to Daniel B. Wallace s Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics, and participates in an exegetical discussion of select passages from Philippians in context, with the assistance of the professor, using the insights gained from their study of Greek grammar and syntax, as well as the BDAG Lexicon and exemplary high level Greek-based commentaries, and then explains how they would apply the messages of these texts in their specific ministry context. This assignment is ungraded and designed to equip the student for lifelong learning and the regular use of Greek in ministry. D. Calculation of Grade and Connection of Learning Outcomes Assignments Learning Outcomes Percent of Final Grade Textbook Readings Summarization 1, 2 0% Workbook Exercises 1, 2 35% Vocabulary Builders 1, 2 25% Grammar Builders 1, 2 40% In-Class Exegesis in Ministry 3, 7 0% V. Tentative Course Schedule Week# Month/Day Topic(s) to be Covered Readings/Assignments Advance Preparation for 1 st Class: 1 Communicated in detail by . Verbal Roots, & Other Forms of Future Vocab Builder #9 CH /07 Workbook: Exc 19 pp Mounce: CH 20 pp /14 Review & Synthesis Imperfect Indicative Vocab Builder #10 CH Mounce: CH 21 pp Workbook: Exc 21 pp /21 Review & Synthesis First & Second Aorist Vocab Builder #11 CH Mounce: CH pp ; Workbook: Exc pp ; /28 Aorist & Future Passive Discuss Grammar Builder #1 due 02/04 Vocab Builder #12 CH Mounce: CH 24 pp Workbook: Exc 24 pp /04 Perfect Indicative Vocab Builder #13 CH (last one) Grammar Builder #1 CH due Mounce: CH 25 pp Workbook: Exc 25 pp /11 Introduction to Participles/Present (Continuous) Adverbial Participles Vocab: You now know ~83% NT vocab! Mounce: CH pp Workbook: Exc 27 pp /18 Aorist (Undefined) Adverbial Participles In-Class Assisted Exegesis Part I Mounce: CH 28 pp Workbook: Exc 28 pp

5 5 8 02/25 Adjectival Participles; Perfect Participles & Genitive Absolutes In-Class Assisted Exegesis Part II Mounce: CH pp Workbook: Exc pp ; /04 Subjunctive & Infinitive Discuss Grammar Builder #2 Mounce: CH 31 & 32 pp Workbook: Exc pp ; /11 Discussion of Imperatives Indicative of δίδωμι Mounce: CH 34 pp Workbook: Exc 34 pp VI. VII. VIII. Other Course Instructions Not Applicable Recommendations for Lifelong Learning 1. Customized Recommendations. Following the principles of student-centered teaching, customized recommendations for lifelong learning are made to each student based upon their level of competency and goals. During the NT series, students are also wholly oriented to my document entitled Biblical Greek and Beyond: A Beginner s Bibliography. 2. Reading & Study of the Septuagint (LXX), New Covenant Scriptures, and Early Patristic Literature. The student is encouraged to continue to give primacy to the primary sources for the rest of their lives, and take a chrestomathic approach to the reading/study of the LXX, the New Covenant Scriptures, and the Early Patristic Literature. The following excellent chrestomathy is highly recommended: Decker, Rodney. Koine Greek Reader: Selections from the New Testament, Septuagint, and Early Christian Writers. Grand Rapids: Kregel, In addition, note that Daniel B. Wallace has categorized the writings of the New Covenant Scriptures according to their relative level of difficulty on page 30 of his Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics. Students are thereafter encouraged to work through individual books of the Bible using resources recommended by the professor. 3. Intermediate and Advanced Study. The student is strongly encouraged to work through the following intermediate grammar immediately following the NT series: Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Customized recommendations are also made for further intermediate and advanced study, including hermeneutics and discourse level exegesis. 4. BibleWorks 9.0 or Logos or Accordance Bible Software with the BDAG/HALOT bundle. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase a premier Biblical Languages software package in order to continue their lifelong learning of the biblical languages. Seminary Guidelines A. ATS Academic Integrity Policy Ashland Theological Seminary seeks to model servant leadership derived from biblical standards of honesty and integrity. We desire to encourage, develop, and sustain men and women of character who will exemplify these biblical qualities in their ministry to the church and the world. As members of the seminary community, students are expected to hold themselves to the highest standards of academic, personal, and social integrity. All students, therefore, are expected to abide by the academic integrity standards outlined in the Student Handbook.

6 B. Academic Support Services If you need assistance with writing projects for your coursework, contact the ATS Academic Support Center. The center provides free sessions with a peer consultant who can help you with all of your concerns about academic support including writing, critical thinking, documentation, reading skills, study skills, test taking skills, time management. Contact the center if you have a question about how to complete your assignment, if you have documentation questions, or if you would like to have your paper evaluated for areas needing improvement. The ATS Academic Support Center can be reached at or by at atswc@ashland.edu. C. Students with Disabilities Ashland University makes every effort to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students who have a specific physical, psychiatric or learning disability and require accommodations are encouraged to inform their instructors of their needs early in the semester so that learning needs can be appropriately met. It is the student s responsibility to document the disability with Disability Services in The Center for Academic Support on the 7th floor of the Ashland University Library, (419) D. ATS Grading Scale Grade Percent Description A Superior achievement of course objectives, diligence and originality, high degree of freedom from error, outstanding evidence of ability to utilize course knowledge, initiative expressed in preparing and completing assignments, positive contributions verbalized in class. A B B Good work submitted, commendable achievement of course objectives, some aspects of the course met with excellence, substantial evidence of ability to utilize course material, positive contributions verbalized in class, consistency and thoroughness of work completed. B C C Acceptable work completed, satisfactory achievement of course objectives, demonstrating at least some ability to utilize course knowledge, satisfactory class contribution. C D D Passing but minimal work, marginal achievement of course objectives, poor performance in comprehension of work submitted, inadequate class contributions. D F Below 65 Unacceptable work resulting in failure to receive class credit, inadequacy of work submitted or of performance and attendance in class. 6 IX. Selected Bibliography or References See handout entitled Biblical Greek and Beyond: A Beginner s Bibliography.