Module THEO45130: Introductory New Testament Greek

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO45130: Introductory New Testament Greek

Prerequisites

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• May be taken with any one, but no more than one, of the following: THEO4XXX Introductory New Testament Greek; THEO4XXX Extended Study in Foreign Language; THEO43710 Extended Study in Theology and Religion.

Aims

• To give the students a grounding in New Testament Greek and a knowledge of some advanced issues of translation.
• To equip students with skills and knowledge for further study of Greek texts at research level.
• To equip students with skills and knowledge ancillary to other modules which they are taking or will take.

Content

• The course is aimed to help those who are absolute beginners in New Testament Greek. Therefore for much of the course, students study alongside students on THEO1161, in order to equip them with the linguistic skills and knowledge needed to read relatively simple New Testament texts. The grammar used will be J Duff's The Elements of New Testament Greek (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005); this will be supplemented with exercises supplied in class. Towards the end of the course, classes will be focused on the New Testament text in Greek. As a set text, students will read and translate a short passage of the New Testament, e.g. Mark 1 or Luke 1.
• Those on the L4 course, however, will be expected to develop more advanced skills in exegesis and translation of the New Testament text. To this end, they will receive reading, guidance and extra tutorials, in which more advanced issues of translation and exegesis will be discussed. On the basis of this, students will be expected to plan and write an essay on their set text.

Learning Outcomes

• A basic knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of New Testament Greek

• The ability to translate New Testament Greek and to identify grammatical forms
• The ability to read and understand basic New Testament texts in the original language
• The ability to plan and write an exegetical essay on a New Testament text
• The ability to identify some of the major issues in translating from one language into another

• Generic linguistic skills
• Translation skills
• Exegetical skills

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Grammar and Translation Classes introduce students to the language and the texts, convey information and enable the students to develop their linguistic skills in a supportive environment
• Tests and language exercises permit staff and students to assess progress in learning of the language, and to identify areas for remedial work.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, and in this module especially assess subject skills
• Guided reading develops awareness of advanced matters of translation and exegesis, and tutorials provide a forum for discussion of these issues, and give structured guidance in planning an essay
• Summative essay tests advanced skills in working with a New Testament text

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Frequent, short class tests in grammar and vocabulary; weekly written exercises in translation. One written examination (50 minutes).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University