Biblical Greek I

Biblical Greek I introduces students to the basics of Koine Greek, the type of Greek used in the New Testament. It utilizes the latest advancements in the teaching and study of Biblical Greek to help students internalize the language at a deeper level. Rather than just focusing on grammar and translation, students will practice hearing and actually speaking Koine Greek. The primary text will be the Greek New Testament. From the very beginning, students will be immersed in the text of the Greek New Testament, and will practice reading simplified versions of the Gospel of John.

Mr. Soderberg has taught Biblical Greek to high school students for many years. This class draws on his extensive experience of what actually works in a language classroom, and what students enjoy. Biblical and classical languages should not be dry or intimidating. Rather, this class will combine the “living language” approach with elements of the grammatical/translation approach, to provide robust--yet enjoyable--instruction and practice in reading, writing, and speaking Biblical Greek.

Course Objectives:

1. To be able to pronounce (aloud) texts in Koine Greek.
2. To memorize the basic paradigms of Koine Greek.
3. To practice speaking Koine Greek aloud.
4. Use as many of the five senses as possible in learning Koine Greek.
5. Read simplified versions of the Gospel of John.
6. By the end of the course, be able to translate portions of the Gospel of John.

Course Format:

• This 32-week course consists of four eight-week quarters. Each quarter students will work through online interactive lessons, complete readings appropriate for the week, relevant worksheets, vocabulary drills, and other audio or video resources, as well as 3, 45 min. live recitations with the instructor and other students. Assignments include: quizzes and comprehension checks, tests, and exams. In the course of the year, the students will complete all assigned work, complete a wide variety of projects, and attend a minimum of 30 (ideally 32) live recitations to practice speaking and translation.

Texts & Tools:

• BLC Online - Living Koine Greek: Foundations
• Mastering New Testament Greek - Dr. Ted Hillerbrand
• Cerego - online learning software