The Old Testament Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Course

RELG-1301-002 The Old Testament

Prerequisites

Course Description

A survey of the Old Testament. An outline of Hebrew history including the books of poetry and prophecy in their proper historical settings.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Dual Credit Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

A printed Bible. Preferred translations are either New International Version or English Standard Version.

 

Supplies

Pens, pencils, paper, dividers (5 or more), one 3 ring notebook for handouts and class notes.  Other supplies will be discussed in class.

Student Performance

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. After studying the material in this course, the student will be able:

1.  To demonstrate a knowledge of the books of the Old Testament.

2.  To understand and summarize the contents of each book of the Old Testament.

3.  To respond critically, through the medium of writing or art, your thoughts concerning a major Old Testament concept that we discuss in class.

4.  To note the various literary genres and styles found in the Old Testament.

5.  To articulate and explain briefly the major characteristics of Hebrew poetry and prophecy.

6.  To identify the geographical movements, political shifts, and major religious leaders in ancient Israel.

7.  To summarize the history of Israel from Genesis 1 to the close of the Old Testament.

8.  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

Student Rights and Responsibilities

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Expected Student Behavior

\ This is a college-credit course.  Academic and behavioral expectations will assume student maturity.

Grading Criteria

During a six week period, grades will be determined by:

30%  Tests (i.e. weekly, bi-weekly, and/or unit)

40%  Daily assignments (i.e. projects, study guides, projects)

30%  Six weeks test

During the third six weeks, the tests and daily assignments will comprise 100% of your grade (since the final is cumulative).

For the final semester average, the three six weeks grades will be averaged to account for 75% of your final average, with the final exam making up the remaining 25%.

If a student misses a test or daily assignment, make-up work is required and will be due within the week following the absence. 

Attendance

Punctual and regular attendance is required to successfully complete this course.

Calendar

Additional Information

Semester Expectations:

All students will be expected to learn the books of the Old Testament in order, spelled correctly.

Daily reading assignments and weekly quizzes can be expected. All lectures will anticipate student participation.

Our course strategy is to read the Bible text itself instead of spending a lot of time reading other writings about the Bible. 

Note taking is an integral part of this course, so be prepared each day with appropriate materials.

If a student misses a test or daily assignment, make-up work is required and will be due within the week following the absence.

First Six Weeks:

Since some members of our class will be studying the Bible seriously for the first time, we must begin with the basics of Bible study.  In the early days of the class we will deal with questions such as:

            Where did the Bible text come from originally, and how did it get to us in English?

            How is the Bible divided, and what can we expect in its various sections?

            What notation do Bible students usually use to identify specific texts and versions?

We will also familiarize ourselves with Bible geography so that we can follow the later narratives without getting lost on an unfamiliar landscape. We will note some of the great pieces of literature and art that find their roots in the Bible. We will also learn to use Bible study helps such as concordances, Bible dictionaries, and online resources.

Our schedule calls for us to cover the first five books of the Bible during this six week period.

The six weeks test will be cumulative.

Second and Third Six Weeks

We will trace the historical narratives of the Bible, following the history in the chronological order in which it happened and not in the order of the books of the Bible. Whenever a prophet emerges, we will pause to look at vignettes of his ministry and his writing.  We will study the "Wisdom Literature" last.

The second six weeks test will cover all of the material studied in the second six weeks. The final will be cumulative for the semester.