B324 INTRODUCTION TO GREEK EXEGESIS I (J-Term 2014)
Instructor : Kelly Whitcomb e-mail: kwhitcomb@mccormick.edu
Time: M-F , 9am-12pm
Location: TBD
Office Hours: by appointment
Purpose
To introduce basic Greek grammar with particular emphasis on nouns, prepositions, adjectives, pronouns, and the verb in the Indicative mood along with some of the basic principles of Greek verse and sentence structure. Another purpose of this first semester of Biblical Greek is to build an elementary vocabulary, so that we can start to read Biblical verses (with help) not too far into the course. It is also hoped that students will begin to grasp the relationship between translation and biblical interpretation.
This course is the first half of a non-divisible two-semester sequence in Greek Exegesis.
The ultimate purpose of the two-semester sequence is to become prepared to translate, interpret and consult the Greek Bible with the assistance of lexical and grammatical tools, and to begin a life-long enjoyment of Biblical Greek. In the second semester we will give greater attention to the exegetical tools, strategies and methods that are particularly linked to the study of the Greek
New Testament, and we will have the chance to do continuous reading and exegesis within it.
Expectations and Requirements
Class sessions will be divided between reviewing previously introduced material and introducing new material in a large group, and some use of small groups for drilling, reading and translating (small groups will play a larger role in the second semester). You will be given a limited number of workbook exercises to complete as homework, and if you can do more—you will find it helpful for learning the Greek. You are expected to read carefully the lessons in the grammar prior to the class in which they will be introduced.
During the half-hour preceding each class, an educational assistant will be in the classroom to answer any questions you might have on the homework and to review any of the material introduced in the previous class that has given you difficulty (In-class review will be very limited). Take advantage of this time! Be sure that your questions are answered and that any difficulties or confusion are worked out on a daily basis.
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Specific requirements include:
1.
Workbook Exercises. Workbook exercises should be completed by the start of the following class session and will be corrected and graded with a plus, check or minus by the EAs. You are encouraged to check your answers using the CD that comes with the book and to ask about anything you don’t understand in the half hour before class starts. The grading reflects the completeness of the assignment and whether or not you have turned it in on time— not how many answers you got right or wrong . In other words: homework that is turned in on time and includes at least 5 exercises beyond those assigned will receive a plus; homework turned in on time and includes all the assigned exercises will receive a check; homework that is turned in late or without all the assigned exercises will receive a minus. (10% of grade).
2.
Daily quizzes. Please do not be intimidated, and do not skip class, because you do not feel prepared to take the quiz. These are meant to ensure that you are grasping the basic concepts, to help us to figure out when you need additional help and to signal to the instructor when she needs to do more explaining or reviewing for the whole class. No make-up quizzes will be offered. If you take all of the quizzes, several of the lowest quiz scores will be dropped. (20% of grade).
3.
Exams. There will be three exams during the semester, one every week or so, on the dates identified in the course schedule below. Exams are always cumulative. (20% each of grade). The third (final) exam is take-home and will be due after the class sessions are completed (Monday, January 27).
4.
Attendance and Participation in class. You should plan to attend each class, arriving on time and be prepared to participate in a way that demonstrates your preparation in all class sessions. (10% of grade).
*Please Note: The dates for examinations are NOT NEGOTIABLE. You must plan to take the exams on the dates for which they are scheduled.
Required Texts
Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar. 3 rd
edition.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.
Mounce, William D. Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook. 3 rd
edition.
Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.
Mounce, William D. Biblical Greek Laminated Sheet. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan, 2005.
Contemporary Bible Translation (print or electronic)
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Strategy
It is important to develop a regular routine in order to avoid falling off the Greek Wagon.
Here is our two cents worth in an effort to help you think about your strategy:
1.
Plan on regularly allotted study time between classes and on weekends. Try figuring out the times during each day that you are going to study Greek and do homework exercises. It’s a lot to ask, but if you invest time-wise early on, the pay-off will be great as the cumulative effect of learning a language starts to become a burden.
2.
Review the chapters and follow through on all assignments carefully. Go over the mistakes you make on the quizzes. Jot down your questions so that you will remember to ask them.
3.
Do not allow yourself to fall behind. Learn paradigms and memorize the basics as you go along. This course moves very rapidly through Greek grammar and the translation of texts, and it is cumulative .
4.
Come to class even when you are not prepared. “Hiding” by skipping class only causes you to fall further behind.
5.
Focus on “the heart of the matter,” learning major patterns first and well, and only then working to fit the exceptions into that framework.
6.
Ask questions and seek help as soon and as often as you need it. You may ask your questions in public or in private. Often people hesitate to ask in class, because they assume that they are asking about something that everyone else understands. In fact, you are usually doing the class a favor by asking. More often than not your questions are what others need to know too. So ask away—don’t worry—I’ll tell you
(privately) if I think your questions would be better asked and answered in private.
7.
Work to integrate visual and aural skills as much as possible. You need both.
Pronounce the Greek out loud as you read, write, translate or work with flashcards.
8.
Share any techniques for learning or remembering which you develop with the rest of the class.
9.
Three final, but crucial words: flashcards, flashcards, flashcards! It is best if you make your own to learn the vocabulary well.
Help Outside of Class Sessions
The different members of the teaching team are available to work with you in groups or individually, by appointment or in regularly scheduled help sessions. In addition to the help offered preceding the morning class session (in the classroom), we will be announcing additional review sessions before each exam. You may contact the instructor or the EA's via the e-mail addresses at the top of the syllabus or at the designated times and places for office hours.
Health or Learning Disabilities and Accomodations
If you have any health or learning disabilities or require classroom accommodations, please talk with the instructor at the beginning of the course.
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CALENDAR
January 6 (Monday) :
Quiz: alphabet
Introductions and Housekeeping
Chapter 1: The Greek Language
Chapter 2: Learning Greek
Chapter 3: The Alphabet and Pronunciation
Chapter 4: Punctuation and Syllabification
January 7 (Tuesday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-4
Chapter 5: Introduction to English Nouns
Chapter 6: Nominative and Accusative, Definite Article
Chapter 7: Genitive and Dative
January 8 (Wednesday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-7
Chapter 8: Prepositions
Chapter 9:Adjectives
January 9 (Thursday) :
Review: Lessons 1-9
Exam 1: Lessons 1-9
January 10 (Friday) :
Chapter 10: Third Declension Nouns
Chapter 11: First and Second Person Personal Pronouns
January 13 (Monday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-11
Chapter 12: A special pronoun
Chapter 13: Demonstrative Pronouns/Adjectives
January 14 (Tuesday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-13
Chapter 14: Relative Pronouns
Chapter 15: Introduction to Verbs
Chapter 16: Present Active Indicative
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January 15 (Wednesday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-116
Chapter 17: Contract Verbs
Chapter 18: Present Middle/Passive Indicative
January 16 (Thursday) :
Review: Lessons 1-18
Exam 2: Lessons 1-18
January 17 (Friday) :
Chapter 19: Future Active/Middle Indicative
Chapter 20: Verbal Roots and Other Forms of Future
January 20 (Monday) :
No Class: Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
January 21 (Tuesday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-20
Chapter 21: Imperfect Indicative
Chapter 22: Second Aorist Active/Middle Indicative
January 22 (Wednesday) :
Quiz: Chs. 1-22
Chapter 23: First Aorist Active/Middle Indicative
Review: Lessons 1-23
January 27 (Monday) :
Due: Take-home exam, lessons 1-23
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