DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to give the student a basic knowledge of the essential elements of the phonology, morphology and syntax of biblical Aramaic, using the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel. Some attention will be paid to other Aramaic literature for purposes of comparison.

Since a portion of the Old Testament is written in Aramaic, an ability to exegete this material is dependent upon a knowledge of the grammar of that language. This course will provide that skill, a requisite one for a student desiring to pursue a career of teaching in the area of Old Testament studies.

The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour sessions. Each two-hour session will include presentation of new material and recitation of prepared readings.

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1983.

Greenspahn, Frederick E. An Introduction to Aramaic. SBL Resources 38. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1999.

Rosenthal, Franz. A Grammar of Biblical Aramaic. 6th, rev. ed. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 1995.

Material in class syllabus.

Assigned readings and exercises from the Bible and Greenspahn's book will be prepared before coming to class. At the beginning of the course, detailed guide sheets will be used by the students in their preparation of biblical passages; as the course progresses the students will be expected to provide increasing levels of analysis and translation.

LG502 or equivalent. No audits.

Satisfies the Aramaic language requirement for Ph.D. in Old Testament. Elective for M.Div. Requisite course for M.A. in Theology concentration in Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Literature.

Yes.