Our emphasis in Greek 205 will be on interpretation.  You've learned that simplistic word‑for‑word translation is impossible; we must seek the meaning of each Greek concept or grammatical form, and find out how to express it best in English.  This kind of interpretation is called exegesis (ex + agw, leading the meaning out of a sentence).  We'll study selected passages from the gospels. 

            Please plan to spend two hours in preparation for each class, making notes about grammar and translation on sheets of lined paper to preserve for future use.  Don't write between the lines of your Greek New Testament.  Notes in the margins may be of marginal help, but you won't be able to fit in all you need to work with the text.  When you someday buy a new edition, your notes will be useless if they're in the margin! 

            You may use your notes in class, and you may work with another person, if you wish, in preparing for the sessions.  But there is no substitute for your own individual patience in carefully, Methodistically looking up things that you don't understand. 

            Vocabulary quizzes are of course essential in any language, to build up a good working vocabulary.  On Mondays, starting September 6, we'll begin class with a short quiz on the words that we've translated since the last quiz.

            At times we'll study exegetical methods, using John Hayes and Carl Holladay, Biblical Exegesis:  A Beginner's Handbook, rev. ed. (Louisville:  Westminster/John Knox, 1983).  An exegesis paper, on a passage from one of the four gospels, will give you an opportunity to sharpen your skills in analysis and synthesis.  You will choose a passage; I will give you guidelines and work with you.  The first draft is due on or before Friday, November 19; the final draft is due on or before the date scheduled for the final exam.  The exegesis paper will serve as your final exam.

            The course grade will consist of three parts:

1/3       Participation:  translation and interpretation showing that you've prepared the passages thoroughly in advance.  A limited number of absences may be excused if within a week you make an appoint­ment to go over the lesson and make up a quiz or other work missed. The grade will be reduced for each unexcused absence.

1/3       Weekly vocabulary quizzes, dropping the lowest grade.

1/3       Exegesis paper.

            Together we'll discover new meanings in an ageless text!

                                                                                                                        Fred Kellogg

If you wish, you can send me e-mail: fkellogg@ehc.edu

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