Unit information: Elementary New Testament Greek (Trinity & Baptist College) in 2013/14

Unit name	Elementary New Testament Greek (Trinity & Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS20137
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Reverend Dr. Lucas
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	basic linguistic abilities
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

During the first half of the module much of the focus will be on grammar and syntax, but learning will, from the beginning, be related to passages of the New Testament. The second half of the course, while advancing the students' knowledge of grammar, will involve more translation exercises based on New Testament passages.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The unit aims to:

1. introduce students to the basic essentials of Greek (and English) grammar and Greek syntax and vocabulary;
2. deepen understanding of the problems and subtleties of translation work and introduce resources for further study;
3. deepen understanding of the issues that arise in textual criticism.

On completion of the unit students should:

1. be able to translate simple passages of the New Testament with the use of lexical aids.
2. be aware of deeper issues involved with translation and should have drawn their own exegetical conclusions from the passages;
3. have a working knowledge of the main elements of Greek syntax and most vocabulary occurring over 100 times;
4. be able to make use of the text-critical apparatus of the UBS The Greek New Testament (4th revised).

Teaching Information

The module consists of 40 class hours. The approach will be primarily the structured one of the basic textbook. This will be supplemented by duplicated sheets. In order that the students may encourage one another and that the tutor may gauge individual rates of progress, there will be a large amount of corporate participation in the classes: reading and translation exercises, and questions and answers in both directions. Occasional short tests will ensure that students commit to memory a small core of common vocabulary and some basic endings of nouns and verbs.

Students who complete this module satisfactorily should have the basis to progress to L32002 Intermediate Greek.

The unit will consist of 40 contact hours, equating to 2 contact hours per week for 20 weeks.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be participation in, and preparation for, classes.

Summative assessment will be through two one-hour tests (50% each), involving translation, grammar questions and questions of exegesis.

Reading and References

Duff, J., The Elements of New Testament Greek. 3rd ed., (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005).