Functional Foundations of Greek

Transcription

1 Functional Foundations of Greek NTS 501N 3 CREDIT HOURS Western Seminary Portland Campus Bill Mounce, Ph.D. Class website: Syllabus Fall, 2012 COURSE SCHEDULE Thursday nights 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Sept. 6 through December 13. COURSE DESCRIPTION The functional language track gives students the practical ability to access the original Greek through software and other reference tools. You are learning Greek, but through reliance on the tools. In the first semester students will develop a foundational Greek vocabulary, an understanding of the structure of the language and essentials of Greek grammar along with learning the software and other reference tools. They will also be introduced to the basics of the exegetical method using Greek. COURSE OBJECTIVES 1. The student will learn to interpret and apply biblical texts using sound hermeneutical principles and the biblical languages by learning the basic vocabulary and structure (grammar and syntax) of Greek, translating and interacting theologically with the original text, and learning to effectively use the best print and electronic tools. 2. The student will develop his or her ability to think biblically and critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated by embracing a biblical world view applying the basic elements of critical analysis and sound reasoning sensitive to cultural variations in styles of thinking reflecting an appropriately humble and charitable spirit in applying biblical criteria for truth 3. The student will work towards becoming a true life-long learner by committing to pursuing growth and learning in key areas of need and accessing and managing information (including that available via computer/online resources) so that it is readily available when needed

2 RESOURCES These are listed in the online class at with links to buy them from Amazon and CBD at reduced prices. These are the same resources that are used for the second class in the sequence next Spring; no more books to buy. These resources are also listed on the class website with links to purchase from Amazon and ChristianBook. 1. One of the following tools that will show you the Greek text behind the English. Interlinear for the Rest of Us (Mounce, Zondervan) Greek and English Interlinear New Testament: NIV/NASB (Mounce, Zondervan). Bible search software. See specific information as to which modules to buy at the class website. 2. Greek for the Rest of Us (second edition). William D. Mounce (2013). This will be distributed in class as a PDF. 3. Mounce s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. William D. Mounce (2006). Zondervan (ISBN: ). 4. Biblical Greek Primer video series, available at ONLINE CLASSROOM (Western students only) This class has an online classroom. By the Friday of the first week of the semester, you will need to log onto the class learning center and complete the first assignment. And by Friday of the last week of the semester you will need to log on and complete the final course evaluation. To access the site, please use the following link: Click on the link for your campus/semester and locate your course. If you have not registered for the classrooms site before, you will also find instructions on how to do so. COURSE REQUIREMENTS (Western students only) Before the end of the first Friday of the semester, you need to log onto the learning center, download the syllabus for the course, and complete the report indicating that you have read and understand the course requirements. By federal law, we now need to ensure that students participate in classes for the full length of the class. So failure to complete the online orientation on time will result in a grade penalty and may impact your financial aid eligibility. Course Website. Information about the course including lessons, handouts, and more resources can be found at The online orientation to this class is at Participation. Since this is a language class, regular participation in class exercises is crucial to the student s success. Students will be expected to come to class prepared to discuss any reading or lessons due for that day and to participate in any class exercises. Additionally, some reading and exercises will be assigned for students to complete after each course session. These readings and exercises should be completed before the beginning of class the next morning. Memorization. During the term, the student will be expected to memorize approximately 150 of the most commonly occurring words in the Greek New Testament. The student will also memorize several basic paradigms.

3 Assignments. Students will complete three exegetical projects. These projects will build on the information addressed during the class and the readings from the required textbooks. Additionally, students will continue to be quizzed on the vocabulary and paradigms learned during class. Examinations. Examinations will be given as indicated on the course schedule. Each of the exams will be cumulative and will cover all grammar, syntax, and vocabulary learned up to that point. GRADING A % B % C % D % A 95-98% B 88-90% C 81-83% D 74-76% A % B % C % D % Borderline grades are determined based on class participation and pattern of improvement. GRADE DISTRIBUTION Activity Percent of Final Grade Estimated Time to Complete Assignments 45% 65 Memorization & Examinations 35% 25 Reading 15% 15 Participation 5% % 105 hrs. COURSE POLICIES Attendance and Late Assignments: Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Students who miss class are responsible for missed work. Absences and tardiness may impact a student s grade. Students who anticipate an absence should discuss it in advance with the instructor. Students who miss more than 20% of the seat time for the class will not pass the course, without a request for and the completion of additional assignments. Assignments submitted after the due date and time will result in a reduction of the student s letter grade for that assignment.

4 Incompletes/Extensions: The final deadline for submitting all course work is the last day of the semester as noted in the Academic Calendar and in the class schedule. In the case of serious illness, family emergency, or similar extenuating circumstances, the student may request an extension. A 1-3 week extension is typical in all except the most extreme cases, and some penalty for late work may apply. Under no circumstances will the student be given more than 5 weeks to complete all required coursework except by petition and approval of the Administrative Committee. (Extensions longer than 5 weeks are rare and should only be requested under extreme circumstances.) If students face a personal emergency that requires requesting an extension going beyond the end of the semester, it may affect their ability to receive financial aid in the next semester, and they may face the possibility that their next semester s course registrations will be cancelled. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance. The Availability of Disability Services at Western Seminary: Western Seminary is committed to responding to the needs of students with disabilities as outlined in both the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of Western students are assisted individually as their needs dictate. It is the responsibility of students with disabilities to identify themselves and the nature of the disability. Any student who has a disability should contact the seminary s Disability (Section 504) Coordinator, Ken Epp, at / , ext His office is at the Portland campus. Students at the northern California campuses may contact Student Services Coordinator San José or Director of Student Development Sacramento, or they may contact Dr. Epp directly. Appropriate forms will be provided and must be submitted to the Disability Coordinator s office. Period of Enrollment. In order to comply with federal regulations Masters level courses will be scheduled to begin and end within the published dates for the three semesters: fall, spring, and summer. This includes intensive hybrid (in-ministry) courses and independent studies. Distance education courses will start and end within the dates of the three semesters. In light of this, every student will be required participate in the course in the first week and the final week of the semester. HANDING IN ASSIGNMENTS Unless otherwise indicated, all assignments may be ed to me. Please make sure that you follow these instructions: use Microsoft Word or Word compatible program to create your document. include the course number, assignment name, and your last name in the file name for example, NTS 501N Selected Reading Smith.doc and at the top of the document itself. send it before the beginning of the class period on which it is due. Assignments submitted via will be returned in the same way. If you prefer to submit hard-copies of assignments, please follow the general guidelines provided in the Western Seminary Writing Guide available on the class website or at the Western website, Hard copies should be handed in with name, date, and box number clearly indicated and, if necessary, a single staple in the upper left corner. Note well that spelling and grammar will be taken into consideration in the final grade of any assigned projects. Please proof your papers carefully.

5 COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE Will be handed out in class.