Romans Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Course Information

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Course

RELG-2303-001 Romans

Prerequisites

Course Description

An intensive study of Paul’s letter to the Romans with emphasis upon the historical setting, its place in the canon and the major doctrinal teachings.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Your Personal Bible (any major translation will be acceptable); C. E. B. Cranfield, Romans: A Shorter Commentary, ISBN: 978-0-8028-0012-1; AND this syllabus.

Supplies

Your textbook, syllabus, a dictionary, pens or pencils, notebook paper or a notebook, and access to a computer to complete assignments and review class materials. Access to library materials is necessary for the successful completion of this course. 

Student Performance

1. To understand the appropriate methods, technologies, and data that Biblical scholars use to critically investigate and understand individual documents in the New Testament.
2. To effectively summarize the contents of the New Testament letter to the Romans.
3. To identify and effectively analyze the historical origins, social background, and cultural emphasis of Romans.
4. To identify and effectively analyze the literary genre and style of Paul’s writings.
5. To recognize and apply reasonable criteria for the understanding and explanation of Romans.
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 distinguishing how Paul attempted to handle each of those problems.
7. To identify and understand differences and commonalities within the diverse cultures of the first century C.E. and today, and how the Christian scriptures may be valuable in both.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to follow all Amarillo College policies and procedures.

 

CELL PHONES/PERSONAL COMPUTERS:

In order to not interrupt the class, students are asked to turn off or all cell phones prior to the beginning of each class session unless they are using their phone App to read the Bible.  Personal computers are allowed for taking notes and/or looking up materials that will contribute to our class discussion.  However, the improper use of cell phones and/or computers will not be tolerated.  Answering a call or text on your cell phone is not allowed unless you have previously told your instructor that you possibly expect and emergency call.

Grading Criteria

 

COURSE GRADE BREAKDOWN:                                             COURSE GRADING SCALE:                

            First Examination                                25%                           90-100                 A

            Second Examination                           25%                             80-89                 B

            Final Examination                               25%                             70-79                 C       

            Research Project                                25%                             60-69                 D

                                                            100%                              0-59                  F

 

GRADING CRITERIA:

1. Regular attendance. Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless it is made up.  Four unexcused absences will result in the loss of two letter grades unless at least one of those absences are made up.  You cannot pass this class with more than four unexcused absences without doing significant make-up work.  All absences may be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   As an adult, it is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.
2. A careful reading of the textbooks, other reading assignments and all class handouts. 
3. Active participation in our classroom discussions.  This class is academic—not doctrinal.  However, any doctrinal point-of-view may be expressed if relevant or questioned, but you must speak respectfully to and of your fellow students and the instructor during all class discussions.  Your instructor will grant you the same respect.  See the article that I have posted online in your “Content” folder regarding “Academic Freedom and Critical Thinking.” 
4. The successful completion of three major examinations.  The final examination will be comprehensive—but there will be no questions asked on the final that cover material the student has been previously tested over unless those questions are worded in the same way that they were worded on the previous examination.  Consult the course outline beginning on the next page to see when these examinations will be administered.
5. The submission and oral sharing of an acceptable research paper.

• For this paper, you will read the introduction to, or the article on, the historical and literary introduction to Romans in any two multivolume Bible dictionaries and/or commentaries on Romans that are up-to-date.
• You will learn to use respected, academic level sources.
• In selecting and using the various resources and writers available to you, you will always remember that “before one can say ‘I disagree,’ one must be able to say ‘I understand’” (William James).
• This paper must be 4-5 double spaced typed pages in length, excluding the bibliography, using size 12 point font (the size font you are reading in this syllabus).  I also expect you to use one inch margins on all four sides of each page.
• This paper must use good form; include either footnotes or parenthetical documentation inside the text, and include an attached bibliography (See the MLA Handbook available in the college bookstore regarding both form and documentation.  You are urged to visit the "Writer's Corner" in room 102 of Ordway Hall, for free and personal help).  
• Your attached bibliography or "works cited" page must include at least two sources other than your textbook which are documented inside the text of your paper.  
• Do not use internet resources for this paper.  Internet sources can be very good—but you will not use them when producing this paper.  I want you to know how to use a library.
• This paper must be shared with the class, and submitted for grading during the week of February 20-23, 2017.  NO EXCEPTIONS.
• See the Research Paper Weighing Scale on this syllabus to understand how your paper will be graded.                                                                    

Attendance

Regular attendance. Two unexcused absences will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester unless it is made up.  Four unexcused absences will result in the loss of two letter grades unless at least one of those absences are made up.  You cannot pass this class with more than four unexcused absences without doing significant make-up work.  All absences may be excused if they are the result of illness, official Amarillo College business, or personal emergencies.   As an adult, it is your responsibility to talk with the instructor about this.  He will never bring it up to you. Unexcused absences may be made up by doing extra work as approved by your instructor.

Calendar

Additional Information

INSTRUCTOR:  Jerry L. Klein

OFFICE HOURS:          

• 8:00-8:45 AM, Monday through Thursday in Byrd Hall, room 316, and 2:00-3:00 PM, on Monday through Thursday in the religion office at the Amarillo Bible Chair (ABC)                                      

PHONE:                      

• 806-372-5747, Religion Office (Amarillo Bible Chair {ABC}
• 806-371-5397, Philosophy office (Byrd 316)
• 806-683-7465, Cell (available anytime other than when I am in class)

EMAIL:   jlklein@actx.edu; and/or AC Online.