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1 SYLLABUS REL100 (2007TRI1-A) REL 100: Christian Vocation and the Search for Meaning Core Course for the General Education Curriculum at Augsburg College For First Year Students Dr. Sally Bruyneel Padgett Dept: Religion Class: Saturday 1:15-4:45 p.m. Contact information: (651) home; Office Hours: By appointment Course Description This course is a required course for all first year students at Augsburg College and provides an introduction to the Christian biblical and theological tradition in its varied historical and cultural contexts. These contexts include significant encounters with other religious traditions as well, including Judaism and Islam. The course presupposes that religious traditions, including Christianity, provide perspectives on larger questions of existence that define what might be called the human search for meaning. Such questions include: Who are we? Why are we here? What gives life meaning? What does it mean to live a good life? What happens when we die? Knowing we will die, how should we live? In this course we will consider in particular the perspectives that Christianity in its biblical, theological, and historical development has offered to these and similar questions and the implications for life communally and individually - in light of those perspectives. Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes By the end of REL 100, students will be able to demonstrate a basic proficiency for: 1 Interpreting the Bible; 2 Evaluating theological claims; 3 Expressing their own theological positions; 4 Articulating and applying the concept of vocation to their particular life situations and goals.

2 Fulfilling these objectives will establish a foundation for further work and exploration throughout the students academic careers at Augsburg College through courses both inside and outside the Religion Department, within the general education curriculum as well as within the students eventual majors. Our discussions on vocation in particular will encourage students to consider their lives and work, at Augsburg and beyond, through the lens of Augsburg s mission statement. Course Work and Evaluation In order to pass this class the student will: 1. Read assigned texts and class handouts. 2. Demonstrate mastery of the assigned texts as measured by quizzes, exams, class participation and course work. 3. Actively participate in group discussion. 4. Create a written research paper based upon site visits. Classroom behavior and Participation: In addition to a general enthusiasm for the subject, each student is expected to come to class ready to participate in class discussion and group work. Please make every effort to be here, in your seat, ready to work when class begins. Punctuality is important, and a pattern of tardiness will detract from your grade. Given the nature of the course, you are encouraged to make every class. However, students who need to do so may miss one class without a negative effect on their grade. More than one absence will result in a 2% reduction in total points for the course, per each class missed. Any student who misses three or more classes in this course will not receive an honor grade (A-B).

3 Inappropriate (i.e. disrespectful) behavior is not acceptable in this class. Ample time will be provided for discussing course material, so please refrain from speaking during lectures. Student questions are best signaled by the raised hand. In this class we will maintain civility and an attitude of respect for ourselves and others. Racial or gender slurs will not be tolerated. Quizzes: There are two quizzes scheduled in the semester which will comprise 20% of your grade. (Unscheduled pop quizzes may occur and the outcome will influence your class participation grade.) Quiz One will be given on October 6 th. On this quiz you will be expected to know the names of all the books of the Bible in order. Additional questions will be drawn for the material discussed in class lectures and readings. This quiz will be a mixture of multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank or short-answer type questions. Quiz Two will be given on November 17 th. On this quiz you will be expected to know the definitions of twenty terms assigned by the instructor on the first day of class. Additional questions will be drawn for the material discussed in class lectures and readings. This quiz will be a mixture of multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank or short-answer type questions. Term Paper: SITE VISITS REQUIRED Before November 15th, visit two places of worship. You may choose one each from a Jewish synagogue for Sabbath service on Friday or Saturday, a Christian church service on Saturday or Sunday, or a Muslim mosque for prayers on Friday. From your experiences there, you will write a 5-8 page paper which is due at the beginning of class on December 1. For your visits to church, synagogue, and mosque, you will be an ethnographer (participant/observer) of the worship practices of each of these religions. Before you attend a place of worship, it is recommended that you contact the congregation in advance to make sure that you may attend, to verify

4 worship times (length of service and expectations about appropriate clothing or other matters), and perhaps to arrange a time afterwards to speak with the rabbi, pastor/priest, or imam. Save, and turn in with your paper, written materials (a bulletin or other information) from the day you visited. At your site, observe (and if it seems right, participate) with all your senses. Questions you should be asking yourself include: 1 What art or symbols do I see? 2 How is the space arranged and used? 3 What is sung or spoken, and who does it? 4 Is there a liturgy (regular words and responses)? 5 What are the smells? 6 What do I touch or not touch? 7 What is the posture do worshipers stand, kneel, or sit? 8 Is there anything to taste? 9 How do people treat me? 10 Do I feel welcome? 11 What role do Scriptures and leaders play in the worship? 12 Is there preaching if so, what s the main emphasis? 13 What can you discern about the priorities of the congregation in terms of caring for its members and engaging concerns of the wider society? Your paper should include 1-2 pages for each religious group addressing these matters. (You may separate or integrate these.) In the final page of your paper, reflect on what you learned through your ethnography that was not apparent in your previous study of the religion. In other words, how and why does experiencing the worship help you to understand the religion and its practitioners?

5 Oral Report By the end of the term, each student will complete and present an oral report on a significant figure relevant to our class readings. The dates will be determined in class. The report consists of three parts: a one-page summary of information available on your subject, a handout outlining key points of the story, and a visual component illustrating some aspect of the story. The one-page summary is to be type written in prose form, using good grammar, spelling, etc. I am not looking here for a list or an outline. This summary is to be given to the instructor prior to presenting your report. Be sure to include your name on all your work. The handout is an outline of significant dates, facts or persons related to the story. Feel free to be as creative as you wish, remembering that you will be asked to provide a copy for each student in class. These copies will be distributed prior to your oral report. The visual component of your presentation should illustrate or emphasize some aspect of the story you are telling. In past presentations students have incorporated posters, video clips, puppet shows, power point illustrations, and booklets. The only limits are your creativity and the ten-minute time restriction. At the beginning of your report, you will submit both the one-page summary and a copy of the handout to the instructor. The report will be evaluated by your instructor in the following manner: One-page Summary 5% Handout 10% Visual Component 5%

6 Final Examination: The final exam is scheduled for Saturday, December 8 th. This exam will consist of two essay questions, as well as matching, multiplechoice, and fill-in-the-blank material. It will cover the course material and assigned reading from the entire semester. Test Policy: As a rule there are no make-ups for quizzes and exams. However, some exceptions to this may be made in cases of documented illness or other extenuating circumstances. In the event of such an illness, you must obtain a note from a nurse or physician verifying your absence on grounds of health. Students are required to take the final examination at the time listed. Method of Grading: Numerical and letter grades for assignments will be converted to the following scale: A = 4.0; B+ = 3.5; B = 3.0; C+ = 2.5; C = 2.0; D+ = 1.5; D = 1; D- = 0.5; F = 0. Evaluation Summary: Chosen Questions 5% Final Examination 20% Islam Definitions 5% Oral Report 15% Gospel of Mark Questions 5% Person of Influence 5% Quizzes 20% Term Paper 25% Please keep all class handouts, returned work and a list of all class scores for your ongoing reference. If you have questions or concerns about your class performance, please see me as soon as possible. Academic Integrity: Honesty is fundamental to a healthy academic

7 community, and is an essential component of the Christian life. Cheating, plagiarism, and other instances of academic dishonesty are inconsistent with the goals of Augsburg College and of this class. School policy concerning academic integrity is found in the Augsburg Student Guide. Any student found to have violated the policy in this class will receive zero points for the work in question, and will be reported to college administration. Accessibility: If you have a disability which you believe may preclude you from fully demonstrating your ability in this class, please let me know as soon as possible. A letter from The Center for Learning and Adaptive Services office is needed to obtain course accommodation. If you need disability-related accommodations, please contact the CLASS program at (612) as soon as possible. For additional information, or to obtain a Student Guide, please call the Office of Weekend College at (612) REQUIRED TEXTS Bruyneel, Sally and Alan Padgett. Introducing Christianity. New York: Orbis Books, New Oxford Annotated Study Bible with Apocrypha (3 rd edition), Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001 Chaim Potok. The Chosen, Curtis, Kenneth A., et al. 100 Most Important Events in Christian History New York: Revell Publishers, 2000

8 Course outline September 8 Who are we (and why are we here)? Creation, Vocation, and Work People of the Book: Abraham, Father of Nations Judaism, Christianity, Islam Torah and Covenant BEFORE CLASS READ: (Note: Questions for reflection are intended to help you interact thoughtfully with your readings. They are not due as a written assignment unless otherwise noted.) Reading One: Genesis 1-3 Question for reflection: Look at the differences between the creation story in chapters one and two. How do they differ, and how are they similar? Reading Two: Genesis Question for reflection: Why does Abram send Hagar and Ishmael out into the desert? In your opinion, what should he have done? Reading Three: Exodus 1-20 Question for reflection: What does the celebration of the Passover commemorate? September 22 What Makes Life Worth Living? Why Are We Here? How does our vocational choice or calling answer these concerns?: What do we need? What do we want? What do we fear? What do we value? Class discussion: The Chosen

9 BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: Chaim Potok, The Chosen (All) Reading Two: Deuteronomy 5-10 Question for reflection: Why do you think the text requires the Israelites to conscientiously pass the teachings of Moses on to future generations? Reading Three: 1 Samuel 1-3, 8-12 Questions for reflection: In this section the People of Israel ask God for a king. What attributes led them to choose Saul? What would you look for in a leader? DUE IN CLASS Answer the following questions, which are due (typed and printed) at the beginning of class on September 22nd: 1. How do the vocational choices of Reb Saunders and David Malter (Reuven s father) give meaning to their lives? How do these choices affect their response to Zionism? 2. What would each of the main characters say are the essential features of Judaism? 3. Who is God, who are humans, and what is the Bible in The Chosen? 4. Why do you think the book is called The Chosen? REPORT PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS: 1 David 2 Deborah 3 Esther 4 Jonah 5 Ruth 6 Solomon October 6

10 What Gives Life Meaning? What Makes Life Worth Living? Religion gives us a kind of window into human existence. Are there things all religions appear to have in common? BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: 2 Chronicles 1, 5-7 Questions for reflection: Solomon remains one of the most famous kings ever to have lived. What do Solomon s prayers in chapter one tell us about the King s attitude toward leadership? Reading Two: Psalm 15 Question for reflection: According to this reading, what are the attributes or character traits of a person welcomed into God s presence (abide in His tent)? Reading Three: Ecclesiastes 3 Question for reflection: What is this chapter about, and what is it trying to teach us? Reading Four: 1 Kings 17-19, 2 Kings 2 Reading Five: Introduction to Christianity Chapter One Question for reflection What is the difference between a religion and a denomination? Reading Six: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp REPORT PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS: 1 Peter 2 Paul 3 Ignatius of Antioch 4 Irenaeus of Lyon 5 Polycarp

11 DUE IN CLASS: Answer these questions, which are due (typed and printed) at the beginning of class on October 6th: 1. How does the Gospel of Mark begin? 2. What was Jesus first public act in the Gospel of Mark? 3. Using the Gospel of Mark create a timeline of the events leading to Jesus death. 4. What is a parable, and which parables occur in Mark? 5. What titles are used for Jesus in the Gospel of Mark? October 20 What Brings Meaning to My Life? What role does community play in the formation of personal meaning? BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Two Question for reflection Which symbol do you most associate with the Christian faith, and why? Reading Two: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Three Question for reflection The Church is described in Scripture as a body or a family. What do these analogies tell you about what it means to be a Christian? Reading Three: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Four Question for reflection What was Jesus relationship to the Jewish religion and Scriptures of his day? Reading Four: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp

12 REPORT PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS: 1 Ambrose of Milan 2 Augustine of Hippo 3 Basil the Great 4 Gregory Naziansus 5 Gregory of Nyssa 6 John Chrysostom 7 Makrina the Younger November 3 What brings meaning to my life? Is it possible to know anything about God? BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Five Question for reflection What stories in the Bible do you find most meaningful? Why? Reading Two: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Six Question for reflection Why are there so many differences in Christian practice? Reading Three: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp REPORT PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS: 1 Benedict of Nursia 2 Catherine of Seina 3 First Crusade 4 Pope Gregory the Great 5 Teresa of Avila 6 Thomas Aquinas Reminder: If you have not completed your site visits by this date, you must inform your instructor by the end of this class.

13 November 17 Can We Change the World? Is it possible to affect our own destiny? Should we try to change anything in life? BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Seven Question for reflection What is the difference between a denomination and a religion? Reading Two: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp DUE IN CLASS: This two three page, typed assignment is due at the beginning of class on November 17th. Think about someone who has been a positive influence in your own life. What is it about that person that you remember most? Did that person demonstrate qualities you find personally valuable? If so what are they? Come to class ready to discuss this. REPORT PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS: 1 Gutenberg Bible 2 John Calvin 3 John Knox 4 John Wesley 5 Martin Luther 6 Philip Melanchthon 7 Ulrich Zwingli December 1 How Do I Pass on Values to Others? Is it possible to create a moral legacy? BEFORE CLASS READ:

14 Reading One: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp Reading Two: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp Reading Three: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Eight DUE IN CLASS: Definitions from Islam are due at the beginning of class on December 1. REPORT PRESENTATIONS IN CLASS: 1 Jonathan Edward 2 Friedrich Schleiermacher 3 Phoebe Palmer 4 Charles Finney 5 Vatican I December 8 What Do I Want to Say to the World? BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: Handout on Islam Final exam: Books of the Bible, terms, historical figures and other materials as assigned.