SYLLABUS. REL 100: Christian Vocation and the Search for Meaning

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1 SYLLABUS 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 1:150-4:45 p.m. Room: Music 22 Contact information: Office Hours: Before or after class, 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 1

2 By the end of REL 100, students will be able to demonstrate a basic proficiency for: Interpreting the Bible; Evaluating theological claims; Expressing their own theological positions; Articulating and applying the concept of vocation to their particular life situations and goals. 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. Present an in-class report on a figure of religious significance 2

3 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. However, the penalty is not as significant as the decrease students tend to see in their test scores as a result of classes missed. Any student who misses two or more classes in this course cannot earn an honor grade (A-B). There are no exceptions for illness or other emergencies 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. In this class we strive to maintain civility and an attitude of respect for the learning environment and for the ideas and views expressed in class. Student questions are best signaled by the raised hand. Cell phones are to be turned off during the course. Those using computers for class work are invited to sit in the first or second row of class, and discouraged from using them as entertainment devices during course sessions. (If you re feeling bored, remember that nothing perks up a lecture like a good question from students ) Students who have extenuating circumstances that may affect their performance in the course are invited to make the instructor aware. Finally, racial or gender slurs will not be tolerated. Written work will be evaluated primarily for content. However, ten percent of your grade will be on the mechanics and presentation of your paper. Papers must have your name and the page numbers included in a header or footer. Additionally, if your work has more than one page, it must be stapled (not paper clipped or folded) or I will not 3

4 accept it. If you are uncertain about your written work, you may always avail yourself of Augsburg College assistance, and I am always happy to review your work in draft form before the due date. Quizzes: There are two quizzes scheduled in the semester which will comprise 20% of your grade. (Unscheduled pop quizzes may occur and the score will be included in the final exam.) Quiz One - 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-inthe-blank or short-answer type questions, but is focused primarily on the books of the Bible. Quiz Two - On this quiz you will be expected to know the definitions of twenty terms assigned by the instructor on the first day of class and included as Appendix Two of this syllabus. 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. Oral Report By the end of the term, each student will complete and present one oral report on a significant figure relevant to our class readings. The possible topics and their presentation dates will be determined in class. The report consists of three parts: a word 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. Any material drawn from an internet or other text source must be footnoted. You may use which ever citation style is common to your scholarly discipline (your major) as long as you are consistent throughout your presentation. Direct quotations must use quotation marks to denote that you are using someone else s words. This applies to all aspects of your course work. 4

5 The written 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. And again, be sure to include your name and page numbers 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 written summary and a copy of the handout to the instructor. The report will be evaluated by your instructor in the following manner: Written Summary 5% Handout 10% Visual Component 5% 5

6 Final Examination: The final exam will consist of two essay questions, as well as matching, multiple-choice, and fill-in-the-blank material. It will cover the course material and assigned reading from the entire semester and take place in the last half of the last class. 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. Augburg College requires that students take the final examination at the time listed. Evaluation Summary: Chosen Questions 10% Final Examination 25% Islam Definitions 5% Oral Report 20% Gospel of Mark Questions 10% Person of Influence 10% Quizzes 20% 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 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. 6

7 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, Potok, Chaim. The Chosen. Any edition Curtis, Kenneth A., et al. 100 Most Important Events in Christian History. Grand Rapids, MI:Baker Publishing, 2003 Bible, with Apocrypha. Any edition Ten Boom, Corie. The Hiding Place. Grand Rapids, MI:Chosen Books, Any edition Chosen Questions 10% Final Examination 25% Islam Definitions 5% Oral Report 20% Gospel of Mark Questions 10% Person of Influence 10% Quizzes 20% 7

8 Appendix One September 6 Appendices Course outline (Note: October 4 and 11 classes are only one week apart.) Who are we (and why are we here)? Creation, Vocation, and Work People of the Book: Abraham, Father of Nations Torah and Covenant BEFORE CLASS READ: (Note: Questions for reflection are intended to help you interactthoughtfully 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: Exodus 1-20 Question for reflection: What does the celebration of the Passover commemorate? Reading Three: Chaim Potok, The Chosen pp

9 September 20 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 BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: Chaim Potok, The Chosen pp. 50-end 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? DUE BEFORE CLASS Answer the following questions, which are to be posted on Moodle by September 19 at 11:55 p.m. 1. How do the vocational choices of Reb Saunders and David Malter 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. Why do you think the book is called The Chosen? IN-CLASS REPORT PRESENTATIONS 9

10 October 4 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: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp Reading Two: Gospel of Mark (All) Reading Three: Introduction to Christianity Chapter One Question for reflection What is the difference between a religion and a denomination? DUE IN CLASS: Answer the following questions, which are to be posted on Moodle by October 3 at 11:55 p.m. 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? 10

11 IN-CLASS REPORT PRESENTATIONS October 11 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 IN-CLASS REPORT PRESENTATIONS 11

12 October 25 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: Corrie Ten Boom, The Hiding Place (1-75) IN-CLASS REPORT PRESENTATIONS November 8 Can We Change the World? Is it possible to affect our own destiny? Should we try to change anything in life? 12

13 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 Reading Three: Corrie Ten Boom, The Hiding Place (75-end) DUE BEFORE CLASS: This is an essay question which is to be posted on Moodle by November 7 at 11:55 p.m. We have just read the book The Hiding Place. Her life was affected by the actions of others, both positive and negative. For this essay, 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? IN-CLASS REPORT PRESENTATIONS November 22 How Do I Pass on Values to Others? 13

14 BEFORE CLASS READ: Reading One: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp Reading Two: 100 Most Important Events in Christian History, pp Reading Three: December 6 Is it possible to create a moral legacy? BEFORE CLASS READ: Introduction to Christianity Chapter Eight Reading One: Genesis Reading Two: Quran, Chapter 12 Reading Three: Online at Read these articles: 14 Basic articles of faith Sharia Jihad Jesus through Muslim eyes

15 Hijab Niqab DUE BEFORE CLASS: Answers are to be posted on Moodle by December 5 by 11:55 p.m.: Select ten of the Islam terms provided in Appendix Four and provide their definitions. IN-CLASS REPORT PRESENTATIONS Final exam: Religion 100 terms, historical figures and other materials included in readings and lectures. 15

16 Appendix Two Religion 100 Terms These are the definitions to be included on the quiz: Apocalypse is a term that refers to the end of time when God s ultimate plan for history is realized. Atonement centers on the work of Christ in his life, death and resurrection, which restores the relationship between God and human beings. Canon literally means rule or standard and refers to the collection of books that the Church has recognized as the written Word of God. Covenant (testament) refers to the act of God in freely establishing a mutually binding relationship with humankind. Through the covenant God bestows blessings on humans in conditional and unconditional terms. Exegesis is the process of seeking to understand what a text means and what it seeks to communicates on its own. Faith is intellectual belief that is acted upon in trust. Gospel refers to the good news that Jesus Christ has come to save the world from sin. Grace is unmerited favor; something freely given which could not be earned. Hermeneutics is the study of the interpretation of text, especially biblical texts. Immanence refers to the idea that God is present in, close to, and involved in creation. Justification is to be made right or just before God Messiah is a Hebrew term meaning anointed one. The title Messiah, and its Greek counterpart Christ (Christos), are used in the New Testament to refer to Jesus as God s anointed one. 16

17 Prophet refers to one who speaks God s judgment to humankind and calls for their repentance and righteousness. Sanctification is the process of being made holy. Sin is fundamental unbelief and rejection of God, replacing humans for God at the center of creation. Theology is the study of a religious system of belief about God or ultimate reality. Torah refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Transcendence refers to the idea that God is wholly other and distinctly separate from creation. Trinity refers to the Christian concept of the one true God as three persons in one essence: The triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Appendix Three GLOSSARY OF TERMS FOR THE CHOSEN Here are my brief explanations (with approximate page numbers) for some terms in The Chosen. For more info, see Abba Hebrew word for father (49) Apikoros: a Jew, educated in Judaism who denied basic tenets of his apikorsim faith, like the existence of God, the revelation, the resurrection of the dead also any educated Jew who might be reading, say, Darwin, and who was not wearing side curls and fringes outside his trousers. (28) Ba al Shem Tov: eighteenth-century founder of Hasidism (9); the Kind or Good Master of the Name (103); abbreviated Besht Besht, see Ba al Shem Tov (103) Chalah: braided bread, usually for the Sabbath (117) Earlocks: curl of hair hanging in front of the ear 17

18 Gematriya: making connections among words through their numerical values (each letter of the Hebrew alphabet has a number); type of numerology (127-28) Gentiles: non-jews Goyim: Hebrew word for gentiles (188) Hasidic Jews: the pious ones (104); eighteenth century religious Hasidim: movement of orthodox eastern European Jews, some of whom immigrated to the U.S. (see history ) Havdalah: brief service that marks the end of the Shabbat (135) Kabbalah: books of Jewish mysticism (101) Kaddish: Jewish prayer for the dead, recited in Aramaic (122) Kashruth: keeping kosher food laws (Jewish rules about prohibited foods and required means for preparing allowed foods) Messiah: anticipated savior whose coming Jews await (99); Hebrew word for anointed one (Greek term Christ) for Jews, the Messiah is not Jesus Mishnah: written text of rabbinic oral law (232) Mitnaged: members of traditional religious establishment in Poland opposed to Hasidim (139, 145, 160) Orthodox Jews: one branch of Judaism; more strict or literal in observing the commandments; preserve traditional ways; opposed changes of 19th century reformers of Judaism (10) Passover: annual Jewish holiday retelling God s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and looking for continued liberation (258) Phylacteries: English for teffilin (57); small square leather boxes containing slips inscribed with scriptural passages and traditionally worn by Jewish men during morning weekday prayers (Webster); see Deuteronomy 6:4-8 Pilpul: empty, nonsensical arguments over minute points of the Talmus that have no relation at all to the world (100); twisting the texts out of shape (132) Pirkei Avot: a collection of Rabbinic maxims studied between Passover & New Year (130) 18

19 Rabbi: teacher and worship/community leader for Jews Shabbat: Hebrew word for the Jewish Sabbath, day (from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday) for weekly worship and study, celebrated in family homes and at synagogue Shofar: ram s horn blown on Yom Kippur Skullcaps: small cap for the back of the head, worn by men; also called yarmulke** or kippah Smicha: Hebrew term for rabbinic ordination (246) Synagogue: gathering place for Jewish worship Talmud: Mishnah plus rabbinic discussions [Gemara]; commentaries on the Torah; object of intense study by rabbis and serious scholars of Judaism Tallit: a prayer shawl worn only by adults who were or had once been married (109) Tefillin: Hebrew word for phylacteries (57) Torah: the first five books of the Bible: Genesis Deuteronomy; the word means instruction or law. Tzaddik(im): Hebrew for righteous one; leader of Hasidic Jews (104); a kind of messenger of God, a bridge between his followers and God (114) Tzitzit: long fringes on the four corners of the traditional orthodox Jewish undergarment (14) Yeshiva: Jewish parochial school (10) Yiddish: High German language written in Hebrew characters, spoken by Jews and descendants of Jews of central and eastern European origin Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement, the highest holy day in Judaism; most Jews fast as part of observing this day. Zohar: virtual handbook of mystical lore for Kabbalists; produced by Spanish Jew Moses de Leon in the thirteenth century 19

20 Appendix Four Islam Definitions Using resources such as the dictionary, encyclopedia and the internet, provide definitions for ten of the terms listed below: Adhan [ad-haan] Al-Azhar University Allah [al-lah] Angels; mala ikah [ma-laa-ik-ah] Fatwa [FET-wa] Five Pillars Hijab [hee-jaab] Ibrahim [ib-raa-heem] Ijtihad [ij-ti-haad] Imam [ee-maam] Islam [iss-laam] Jihad [ji-haad] Khutbah [KHUT-bah] Madhab [MADH-hub] Masjid [MASS-jid] Muhammad [moo-hum-med] Muslim [MUSS-lim] 20

21 Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Qur an [kur-aan] Salah [sa-laah] Shari ah [sha-ree-ah] Shaykh [shay-kh] Shi ah [SHEE-ah] Sufi [SOOF-ee] Sunnah [SOON-nah] Sunni [SOON-nee] Ottoman Empire Ummah [OOM-mah] Wudu [woo-doo] Appendix Five Writing Pointers Include your name, assignment title, and page number on every page of your work. I recommend you use the header or footer function on your word processing program. Craft a careful opening paragraph that introduces your essay around a thesis sentence. Work for a strong closing to your paper and briefly summarize the material you have presented. Be sure to state your conclusion. 21

22 Aim for a paragraph length of seven to nine sentences in length. Spell out numbers one to ten. Numbers 11 and over are given as numerals. Yes, this will mean that you may write something like From the time I was nine until the year I turned 19, we owned between six to 20 head of cattle. Craft complete paragraphs, using transition sentences. Write whole sentences and avoid sentence fragments. Descriptive adjectives need a hyphen if they are before the thing they describe. For example: a) She was the greatest dancer of the twentieth century. B) She was the greatest twentieth-century dancer. Always capitalize the word Bible. Proper nouns are always capitalized. The tense of your verbs should be consistent throughout the essay. Use your spell-check program. Punctuation goes inside the quotation marks of a quote, so She was the greatest dancer of the twentieth century. Or Believing She was the greatest dancer of the twentieth century, he bought her a new tutu. Always introduce the full name or title before using it in abbreviated form. I support United States policy on farm subsidies. The U.S. has plotted a good course. Keep a professional tone in your word choice. Limit your use of slang. Be careful with subject verb agreement, especially with the verb to be. Keep your use of a lot to a minimum, and avoid the non-word alot altogether. An apostrophe is used to show ownership. It is not used for plurals. Thus one might write: The boys were rowdy or The boy s friends were rowdy. The most important exception to the apostrophe rule is the use of it. Never use an apostrophe when the word it is pluralized. It s is a contraction and always means it is, while its refers to something belonging to it. Special note: if you send me an assignment via , please send it either as an MS Word document or in rich-text or plain-text format. 22

23 If you have not done much writing at the college level, then use the Writing Lab to improve your work. Appendix Six A Timbered Choir By Wendell Barry Whatever is foreseen in joy Must be lived out from day to day. Vision held open in the dark By our ten thousand days of work. Harvest will fill the barn; for that The hand must ache, the face Must sweat. And yet no leaf or grain is filled By work of ours; the field is tilled And left to grace. That we may reap, Great work is done while we re asleep. When we work well, a Sabbath mood Rests on our day, and finds it good. 23

24 Appendix Six Appendix Seven Common Errors in Essay Construction Awkward mechanics (poor use of punctuation) Awkward or poor transitions between paragraphs Failure to use gender-inclusive language Incorrect spelling (non-standard American spelling, overuse of contractions) Incorrect use of references and citations (missing citations, an unapproved format, or mixing of formats) Incorrect use of there/their/they re, two/too/to, hear/here, etc. Lack of a clearly-stated thesis Missing bibliography No clear and logical progression between ideas Page numbers not included in a header or footer on each page Poor paragraph structure (contains long, wandering paragraphs and/or short, choppy paragraphs) Poor sentence structure (use of awkward or run-on sentences, sentence fragments) Some material is off topic or does not support the thesis Student name is not included in a header or footer on each page 24

25 Subject and verb tenses are inconsistent Weak closing or summary paragraph Weak or inadequate opening or introductory paragraph 25