The Old Testament Syllabus for 2019-2020
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Course

RELG-1301-001 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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Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

A Bible (any major translation is acceptable).

Dumbrell, William. The Faith of Israel. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002

 

 

Supplies

 

COURSE MATERIALS: Textbook, dictionary, pens, pencils, notebook paper or notebook for note taking, access to a computer to complete assignments and review class material, access to a computer to view power-point presentations.  

Student Performance

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (Exemplary Educational Objectives): The following are the learning objectives for Relg 1301 classes 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. After studying the material in this course, the student will be able to:

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 written medium your thoughts concerning a major Old 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 Old Testament.
5.             To articulate and explain briefly the major characteristics of Hebrew poetry and prophecy.
6.             To develop an awareness of the expansion of the political and 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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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

 

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.

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.

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

COUSE GRADE BREAKDOWN              COURSE GRADE SCALE

Papers: 40%                                                89.5-100 A

Mid Term 25%                                             79.5-89 B

Final 25%                                                     69.5-79 C

Class Participation 10%                            59.5-69 D

                                                                        59-0 F
 

The makeup policy will be discussed in class.

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to attend class.

Unexcused absences totaling more than one week of class time will result in the loss of one letter grade for the semester. (It is up to the discretion of the instructor to determine whether an absence is excused.) Absences may be made up, but it is your responsibility to find out what is required; furthermore, all make up work must be completed prior to the last week of classes (two weeks before finals).
 

Calendar

Additional Information

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

 

1.              Regular attendance.

2.              The successful completion of two major examinations.

a.     The mid-term will only cover material dealt with up to that point in the semester. 

b.     The final will be comprehensive

3.              A careful reading of the Old Testament.

4.              A careful reading of the assigned sections of your text book.

5.              Research Papers:

a.     Two papers are required.

b.     The first paper is a review and summary of two chapters from the book, Our Reasonable Faith: A survey of Christian Doctrine, by Herman Bavinck (currently published under the title The Wonderful Works of God).  The student will read chapter 11, titled "Creation and Providence" and chapter 14 titled "The Covenant of Grace." This paper will consist of four parts: 1) The first sentence is to be a confessional statement stating the percentage of the chapters that you read, 2) a paragraph or two summarizing the argument of Bavinck, 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 two chapters so that we can discuss these areas in class. 

c.     The second paper is a reaearch paper on the concept and nature of the "Covenant" in Gensis 15.  The student must use and incorprate at least 5 academic sources in this paper (commentaries, articles, books...etc).  The student must demonstrate how the covenant ritual in Genesis 15 is both like and unlike other covenant structures in the ancient Near East.  After explaining in detail the nature of the covenant, the student will then draw conclusions on how this covenant will shape later Biblical covenants as it relates to the history of redemption in the context of special revelation.

d.     Each paper must be typed or computer generated, using 12 point font.

e.     Each paper should be 3-5 double spaced pages in length (please do not exceed this page limit unless you consult the instructor).

f.      Good form must be used (either Chicago Manuel of Style or MLA).

g.     The purpose of the papers are to familiarize the student with:

                                               i.     Research in the field of Old Testament Studies.

                                             ii.     Drawing solid conclusions.