Hebrew and Christian Scriptures
SYLLABUS PAGE
Hebrew and Christian Scriptures
Course Syllabus
2006-2007
Instructor: Mr. Rob Chesire, B.A., M.Ed.
Office: Campus Ministry Office
Office Hours: 1st, 3rd, 5th (lunch), 7th and by appt.
E-mail: rches@prep.creighton.edu
Website: http://creightonprep.creighton.edu/depts/theology/rches/index.html
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces you to the study of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. The stories in these scriptures are an integral part of the Christian faith tradition. They shed light on who we are, who we hope to be as individuals, and what it means to be part of a community. You will develop skills that will help you understand these stories of faith, and you will apply them to your own life.
Additionally, you will be required to think about how your faith and your everyday experiences are connected to each other. As we journey through the year we will ask ourselves the following question: "How am I living my faith?"
By the end of this course, you will have developed a solid basis of scripture knowledge. You will be familiar with the historical critical method of scripture interpretation, and you will have a deeper appreciation of scripture. Your eyes will be opened, and your hearts will be inspired!
REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS:
You must have the following materials:
| Journey Through the Old Testament and New Testament (2 Volumes) |
| New American Bible, Fireside Edition (w/ footnotes) |
| Notebook paper |
| A binder to organize work and handouts (ESSENTIAL!!) |
| An assignment notebook |
| Pen or pencil |
| Various other handouts, which you will receive throughout the course |
EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING POLICIES:
Your grade will be determined based on the following:
| Class Prayer |
| Daily Homework |
| Quizzes |
| Unit Tests |
| Quarter and Semester Exams |
| Essays |
| Group Projects |
| Presentations |
| Class Activities |
Your academic grade will be determined as a percentage of points earned from the total available. Letter grades will follow what is in the student handbook. Your effort grade will also be determined according to the criteria in the student handbook.
School policy applies to cheating incidents. Your work should be your own; you will not learn if you copy another person’s work. This includes, but is not limited to: copying homework, stealing answers on a test, pirating Internet papers, and failing to cite references in research.
POLICY ABOUT HOMEWORK, EXAMS AND WRITTEN WORK:
All daily homework should be completed neatly and legibly on the stated due date. If work is not completed on time, you will attend Ninth Hour in order to complete the assignment and you will receive HALF credit for that assignment. It is important for you to be prepared for class. Not being prepared hinders the learning of not only you but also others in your class.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get notes and assignments. All work assigned during your absence is due one day after you return unless other arrangements are made. If you are absent on the day of an exam or a quiz, plan to take the exam or quiz on the day that you return (unless arrangements have been made with me).
Unless otherwise stated, all assignments must be stapled, typed, and double-spaced with one-inch margins. Late papers or projects will not receive full credit.
Exceptions to any of these policies are rare and must be addressed before the date that the assignment is due. The bottom line is that communication with me is the key. I cannot read your mind so it is up to you to approach me with any issues or conflicts.
CLASS BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:
A reason for rules…from the NFHS Basketball Rulebook…
"The restrictions which the rules place upon the players are intended to create a balance of play…to provide equal opportunity between the small player and the tall player; to create an atmosphere of sporting behavior and fair play; and to emphasize cleverness and skill without unduly limiting the freedom or action of individual or team play…"
I challenge you to act responsibly at all times. Therefore, I expect that you will:
| be prepared for class. |
| listen carefully when your classmates or I am speaking. |
| stay focused on the task at hand. |
| respect the dignity of all individuals in the classroom. |
| place your demerit card on your desk quietly and immediately when asked. |
COURSE OUTLINE: (Subject to Change)
Hebrew Scriptures
| Faith Journey—Who are you? Why are you here? What will you do with your life? |
| St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits and Creighton Prep |
| Introduction to the Bible (Social Systems) |
| The Torah |
| David and the United Kingdom |
| Elijah and the Divided Kingdom |
| Isaiah, Jeremiah and the Destruction of Israel and Judah |
| Exile: An Ending and a Beginning |
| Going Home: Return from Exile |
| Wisdom Writings |
Christian Scriptures
| Introduction to the Christian Scriptures |
| Gospel of Mark |
| Gospel of Matthew |
| Gospel of Luke |
| Discipleship in Action: Acts of the Apostles |
| Gospel of John |
| The Teaching of Paul |
| The Book of Revelation: Stars, Symbols and Christian Persecution |
| Conclusion: Your Faith Journey Continues |
Finally, this class is only a small PART of your scripture study. I encourage you - I challenge you to continue exploring the depths of scriptural wisdom throughout your entire life.