The New Testament Syllabus for 2013-2014
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Course

RELG-1302-001 The New Testament

Prerequisites

Course Description

A survey of the New Testament with emphasis on the teaching and the life of Christ and the beginning of the Christian church.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXT BOOKS:

                                    A Bible (any major translation is acceptable).

Pick one of the following books below:

D.A. Carson, The Cross and Christian Ministry. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1993.

Graeme Goldsworthy, According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible. Downers Grove: IVP, 2002.

Supplies

\ Textbook, pens, pencils, access to a computer in order to complete written assignments, to view websites, etc.  Access to library materials is necessary for successful completion of this course.

Student Performance

\ The following are the learning objectives for RELG 1302 courses taught at Amarillo College. After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department/program.

\ 1. To demonstrate a knowledge of the books of the New Testament sequentially and/or chronologically and note key geographical sites as they pertain to this course.

\ 2.  To understand and summarize the contents of each book of the New Testament (that we cover in class).
\ 3.  To respond critically through the written medium your thoughts concerning a New Testament concept that we discuss in class.
\ 4.  To engage in the learning process by noting the various literary genres and styles found in the New Testament.
\ 5.  To articulate and explain briefly the life and teachings of Jesus, and the life and teachings of the New Testament writers.
\ 6.  To develop an awareness of the expansion of Christianity in the first century and the key problems that the movement faced, while at the same time discussing how it attempted to handle each problem.
\ 7.  To demonstrate the ability to use research tools in the field of religion, and draw reasonable conclusions on the basis of careful study.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

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\ ACADEMIC HONESTY:

\ All matter of academic dishonesty including plagiarism, collusion, fabrication, cheating etc. will result in a failing grade for the assignment in question.  All violations will be forwarded to the proper college authorities for review.  Any form of disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

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\ Cell Phone / Personal Computer Policy:  In order to not interrupt the class session, students are asked to turn off cell phones and pagers prior to the beginning of class.  Personal computers are to be used strictly for notes and accessing course material.  Improper use of cell phones and personal computers during class time includes checking personal e-mail, personal web pages, and other class information will not be tolerated.

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\ Classroom Rules and Expectations: Be courteous to your fellow student and to your instructor. Please do not interrupt a fellow student or your instructor by doing any of the following, eating in class, drinking in class, misbehaving in class, etc.  Behavior that is deemed inappropriate by the instructor will not be tolerated. 

Grading Criteria

COURSE GRADE DETERMINATION:                                            GRADING SCALE:

Papers:                                                            40%                       90-100                     A

Mid Term                                                        30%                        80-89                        B

Final                                                                30%                        70-79                        C

                                                                                                       60-69                        D           

                                                                                                         59-0                           F

Attendance

\ Regular attendance is required.  It is the responsibility of the student to attend class. Absences totaling more than two weeks of class time (4 class meetings) will result in the loss of grade points.  Absences may not be made up.  Also, it is imperative that students come to class on time and remain for the entire class session.

Calendar

Additional Information

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Regular attendance.
2. The successful completion of two major examinations.
   1. The mid-term will only cover material dealt with up to that point in the semester.
   2. The final will be comprehensive
3. A careful reading of the New Testament.
4. A careful reading of the assigned sections of your text book.
5. Research Papers:
6. The First paper is a book review of either the book “The Cross and Christian Ministry”, or “According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible.” The paper will consist of four parts: 1) The first sentence is to be a confessional statement stating the percentage of the book that you read, 2) a paragraph or two summarizing the argument of the author, 3) a paragraph or two of interaction with the author, (Do you agree or disagree with his conclusions?  Give reasons to support your critique.  You will want to cite the specific page and reference that you agree or disagree with.), and 4) Write out at least 3 things (major or minor) that you did not understand about the book so that we can discuss these as a class.
7. The second paper explores a theological topic that we have discussed in class. This paper is topical in nature rather than exegetical (this is not a word study per say). You might choose to look at something controversial such as Open Theism or Free-will and Predestination. You could also look at a non-controversial topic such as atonement.  After writing the paper, each student will present and defend their thesis in class.
8. Each paper must be typed or computer generated, using 12 point font.
9. The first and third paper must be 3-5 (do not write less than 3 pages) double spaced pages in length, and the second paper should not exceed 3 pages (please do not exceed this page limit unless you consult the instructor).
10. Good form must be used (either Chicago Manuel of Style or MLA).
11. A minimum of five sources must be used for the first and third research paper.  Biblical references are expected, but will not be considered as meeting your source requirement. (Limit one Internet source) 
12. The purpose of the papers are to familiarize the student with:
    1. Research in the field of New Testament Studies.
    2. Drawing solid conclusions.
13. The papers will be due on the following dates (No exceptions).
    1. 1^st Paper: Mar ^7th 
    2. 2^nd Paper: May 2nd