OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION - OTX 1011

Transcription

1 KINGSWOOD EXTENDED FLAME COURSE OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION - OTX 1011 SESSION Zoom Sessions: Thursdays, 6-10pm EST; January 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 21 Instructor: Rev. Dr. Daniel P. Jones Contact Information: pdjones825@gmail.com, Phone: SYLLABUS OVERVIEW What you will find in this syllabus: Course Description Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes Required Textbook(s) Assignments Course Calendar Evaluation/Grade Scale Policies and Expectations Bibliography COURSE DESCRIPTION The Old Testament accounts for approximately two-thirds of the Bible yet it often receives considerably less attention than the NT. This course provides a basic overview of the OT in order to help the student better understand how to approach the text with respect and appreciation. Students will explore the literary styles, history and themes of the OT in order to bring the OT into conversation with the realities of pastoral ministry today. COURSE OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES During this course, the student will Identify major and minor themes that run through the OT connecting them with their NT counterparts. Identify primary forms of literature in the OT and develop an understanding of how these genres should be interpreted today. Develop the ability to create working outlines of OT books in order to teach and preach effectively from the OT. Learn how to link the OT with the NT without abusing the integrity of the OT text. REQUIRED TEXTBOOK(S)

2 1. The Holy Bible (Choose one of the following translations: NIV, NRSV, NASB, ESV) 2. God s Story Revealed: A Guide to Understanding the Old Testament, Stephen Lennox ISBN-13: Encountering the Old Testament, 3 rd Edition: A Christian Survey, Bill T. Arnold, Bryan E. Beyer. ISBN-13: ASSIGNMENTS All assignments are due on the day indicated in this syllabus. In extenuating circumstances, an extension may be granted with the advance permission of the instructor and the director of Kingswood Extended. Written assignments must be typed in 12-point format in a font that is easy to read. Each assignment should include at least the student s full name, course title, and date. Kingswood Extended uses the Pathwright platform for all assignment submissions, grading, and instructor feedback. You will be sent an access link to set up a user profile for Pathwright and an invitation to join this course. If you do not receive the account and course invitation two weeks prior to the start of the first class, please check your spam folder before contacting your instructor. All assignments must be submitted through the Pathwright platform, and it is recommended that you keep a copy of all submissions for your records. Pre-Course Assignments 1. Read Genesis in your Bible 2. Read pgs in Encountering God 3. Read pgs in God s Story Revealed a. Readings due Jan Write: (15 points) a. Paper on your experience with the OT prior to this course. How many times have you read the OT? How often have you heard sermons from the OT? What topics or themes are you familiar with in the OT? What are your thoughts about the OT? What are you excited about learning in this course? Are there any anxieties or hesitations you have in regards to studying the OT? i. This paper should be in length and is reflective of your personal experience with the OT. ii. Submit the paper using Pathwright iii. Due at the start of class Jan Grading Rubric a. Content 10 points b. Grammar/spelling/excellence 5 points

3 In-Course Assignments Week 1 (January 17 th ) Class Lecture and Discussion o Introduction and Genesis Introduction of the course and overview of the book of Genesis. Reading Assignments o Read Exodus, and 1 of your choice (Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) o Read pgs in Encountering God Readings due Jan. 24 th Writing Assignment o Revelations from Genesis (35 points) o Paper that answers the questions: What can I learn about God s plan? and What can I learn about God from a text of your choice in Genesis. The text you select should reflect a single event (ie. Abraham sacrifices Isaac, Joseph sent to Egypt by his brothers, Creation, Fall of Adam and Eve into sin, Tower of Babel.) Your answer to the question should reflect an understanding of the cautions Lennox describes in the reading from God s Story Revealed assigned. What other Bible stories (Old or New Testament) are you aware of where this same concept or theme is reenforced? The paper should be submitted using Pathwright. Paper is due at the start of class Jan. 24 Grading Rubric (35 total points) o God s Plan 10 points o God s Character..10 points o Connection in OT/NT 5 points o Lennox cautions 5 points o Grammar/Excellence 5 points o Week 2 (January 24) Class Lecture and Discussion o Pentateuch Overview of the remaining books of the Pentateuch and exploration of major themes in the Pentateuch. Reading Assignments o Reading: Joshua, Judges, 1,2 Samuel, OR 1,2 Samuel and choice of (1,2 Kings or 1,2 Chronicles) (Choose what you read based on your group assignment) Readings Due January 31 Group Project Assignment for January 31 (20 points) o In class Group Presentation: Students will work together in groups to present one of the following options in class on January 31. Group membership and Assignments will be determined on week 1. Each group

4 should read the corelating chapters in Encountering God and God s Story Revealed for their presentation. Outline of the conquest of Canaan and leadership of Israelites up to King Saul Highlight the process and location of the division of the land according to tribes. Identify potential threats to future stability Identify critical figures in the time of the Judges Identify nations in opposition to Israel and their impact on the Israelites Identify and analyze significant miracle stories and their future impact in the life of Israel as a nation. Outline of the history of Israel from the reign of King David to the Assyrian conquest Identify key figures, their role, and impact on the nation of Israel. Identify and analyze the impact of the civil war that divided the nation. Identify the line of kings that lead Israel after the division noting their alignment with the worship of YHWH or other gods. Identify key prophetic individuals, miracles and impact they had on the nation. Identify strategic events in the downfall of the nation Outline of the history of Judah from the reign of King David to the Babylonian conquest Identify key figures, their role, and impact on the nation of Israel. Identify and analyze the impact of the civil war that divided the nation. Identify the line of kings that lead Israel after the division noting their alignment with the worship of YHWH or other gods. Identify key prophetic individuals, miracles and impact they had on the nation. Identify strategic events in the downfall of the nation Grading Rubric (20 points) Clear historical timeline 5 points Major personalities identified..5 points Impact and Analysis 5 points Grammar/Excellence..5 points Writing Assignment for January 31 o Pentateuch Theme (30 points)

5 Paper describing the theme and present day application of the book you chose to read in the Bible reading assignment. (If you opted to read Leviticus write about Leviticus. If you chose Numbers write about Numbers, if Deuteronomy then write about Deuteronomy.) What is the main theme of the book? How does this connect to the larger themes found in the Pentateuch, rest of the OT, NT? What purpose does this book serve the church today? The paper should be and submitted using Pathwright. Due at the start of class Jan. 31 o Grading Rubric (30 total points) Theme identified...3 Theme traced in book..10 Theme connected to rest of Pentateuch 7 Purpose of book/theme today.5 Excellence/Grammar 5 Week 3 (January 31) Class Lecture and Discussion o Historical books Overview of the history of the Hebrew people from the settlement in the Land of Canaan to the Babylonian captivity. In class presentations by groups overviewing history of Israel. Reading Assignments for Feb. 7 o Read: Choose one of the following to read. (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel) o Read: Encountering God Readings Due Feb. 7 No writing assignment this week Week 4 (February 7) Class Lecture and Discussion o Major Prophets Overview of the Major Prophets their ministry and writings. Reading Assignments o Read: Hosea, Micah, Zechariah, Jonah o Read Encountering God o Read God s Story Revealed Readings Due Feb. 14 Writing Assignment for February 14 o Major Prophet Theme (40 points) o Write: Choose one of the following themes and explore how it is presented in the book you selected to read (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel). Be sure to note how the theme is developed, the response of the people to the theme, and the prophet s role in proclaiming/advancing the theme. Show how the theme in your book connects to the rest of the OT and any NT connections that are present as well.

6 Themes to choose from: Covenant, Land, Temple, Deliverance//Salvation, Creation, worship/sacrifice, Messiah, Day of the Lord/Apocalypse Papers should be and submitted using Pathwright. Paper is due at the start of class Feb. 14. Grading Rubric (40 points) o Theme in the Prophetic book..12 o Theme in the rest of the OT 12 o Theme connected to NT and present 12 o Grammar/excellence 4 Week 5 (February 14) Class Lecture and Discussion: o Minor Prophets and Post Exile Overview of the Minor prophets, Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah Reading Assignment for Feb. 21 o Read 10 Psalms (sequential, in a row) beginning where you choose. o Read one of the following: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Lamentations o Read Encountering God Readings due Feb. 21 Writing Assignment for Feb. 21 o Hosea and Jonah (20 points) o Write: Paper responding to the story of Hosea and Jonah. The story of Hosea and Jonah both contain elements that seem surreal. Hosea is asked to marry a prostitute and keep taking her back after her affairs. Jonah is swallowed by a big fish for three days and then spit back up on dry land. Are these events historical fact, hyperbole, fictional illustrations? Take a position and back it up based on the type of literature, other examples from Scripture that support your position and research into the topic. The paper should be and submitted using Pathwright. The paper is due at the start of class February 21. Grading Rubric (20 points) o Clear position taken.6 o Biblical support.5 o Outside support 5 o Grammar/Excellence 4 Week 6 (February 21) Class Lecture and Discussion o Poetry and Apocalyptic Overview of the Poetic books and Daniel. Writing Assignment o Psalm Exposition (40 points) o Write: Paper expositing a Psalm. The paper should explore the type of literature and poetry in the Psalm, the theme of the Psalm, the author,

7 historical background and audience of the Psalm. Explore what the Psalm teaches about God and His story. What connections are there between this Psalm and the rest of the OT? The NT? The paper should be long and submitted using Pathwright. The paper is due Feb. 28 Grading Rubric (40 points) o Literature/Audience/Author/Context.15 o Theme/teaching..15 o Connections to OT and NT..5 o Grammar/Excellence.5 Post-Course Assignments Final Paper Choose one of the key themes in the OT and explore its development and inclusion in the various books/sections of the OT. Describe how the theme connects to the NT, Jesus, and the church today creating a narrative that helps unite the OT, NT and present church as parts of God s unfolding story. Describe what the theme reveals about God and His character and actions towards His people. Illustrate the impact of this theme on the history of Israel using texts from the OT to support the claim that this is a major theme. How has this theme impacted the church throughout history? How does the theme relate to the church today? How would you apply this theme in teaching/preaching or leading in your current ministry setting? The paper should demonstrate clear research beyond personal knowledge and class discussion. The paper should be in length and submitted using Pathwright. The Paper is due by March 7 o Grading Rubric 100 points Theme identified and traced in OT..25 Connection to NT and Jesus.20 Connection to church history..20 Application to today s ministry.20 Grammar/Excellence 15 COURSE CALENDAR Reading Assignments: Assigned Book pages Must be completed by Pre-course Bible Book of Genesis Jan. 17 Pre-course Encountering God pp Jan. 17

8 Pre-course God s Story Revealed pp Jan. 17 Week 1 Bible Exodus and choice of Jan. 24 (Leviticus, Numbers or Deuteronomy) Week 1 Encountering God pp Jan. 24 Week 2 Bible Joshua, Judges, 1,2 January 31 Samuel Or 1,2 Samuel, and choice of (1,2 Kings or 1,2 Chronicles) Week 3 Bible Choice of (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Feb. 7 Ezekiel) Week 3 Encountering God pp Feb. 7 Week 4 Bible Hosea, Micah, Zechariah, Feb. 14 Jonah Week 4 Encountering God pp Feb. 14 Week 4 God s Story Revealed pp Feb. 14 Week 5 Bible 10 Psalms Feb. 21 Week 5 Bible Choice of (Job, Proverbs, Feb. 21 Ecclesiastes/Lamentations) Week 5 Encountering God pp Feb. 21 Writing Assignments Assigned Description Length Date Due Points Pre-Course Personal experience with January the OT Week 1 Revelations from Genesis January Week 2 Pentateuch Theme January Week 2 Class Presentation 20 minutes January Week 4 Major Prophet Theme Feb Week 5 Hosea and Jonah Feb Week 6 Psalm Exposition Feb Week 6 Final Paper March 7 100

9 EVALUATION/GRADE SCALE Reading Assignments: 100 points (20%) Students will be required to report each week on whether they have read, skimmed or not read the materials. Reading is worth 100 points, skimming is worth 50 points and not reading is worth 0 points. Each reading will be graded individually with a collective average for all readings. Class Participation: 100 points (20%) Students will be given a class participation score after each week of class. Participation is measured on the student s attendance, participation in discussions, group assignment participation and attitude towards peers and the instructor. Students who participate in a disruptive way will be penalized. Written Assignments: 300 points (60%) Written assignments must follow the expectations and descriptions in the syllabus and in-class instructions of the professor for full credit. Assignments are individually scored based on the provided grading rubrics. The use of proper grammar and sentence structure is a factor in grading papers. Be sure to use proper punctation and phrasing so your work is easy and clear to read. Be succinct and strive for depth within the confines of the word limits. Late assignments will be penalized 10% per day. Assignments will not be received past 10 days unless specific exceptions have been arranged with the professor. Proper documentation is required. Students must use AP formatting when referencing the work of others either directly in a quote, or general acknowledgement of another s ideas. Information regarding this style of citation is available at: or in reference books like A Manual for Writers, Kate L. Turabian. At the completion of the course, numerical grades are submitted to the Division of Education and Clergy Development and converted to letter grades using the following grade scale (Note: A grade of C or higher is required to pass the course): 100 to 97 A 87 to 85 B- 70 to 68 D 96 to 94 A- 84 to 81 C+ 67 & below F 93 to 91 B+ 80 to 76 C 90 to 88 B 75 to 71 C-

10 POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS Attendance o Students are expected to attend all six Zoom sessions of a course. o In extenuating circumstances, a student may be permitted to miss one session, with the advance permission of the instructor. o Missing more than one Zoom session of a course will result in failure of the course. Grades o Grades are reported as percentages. o Students who wish to apply this course towards credentialing requirements in The Wesleyan Church must earn a grade of at least 76%. Plagiarism o Students of Kingswood University are expected to exhibit honesty and integrity in their personal, professional and academic life, and work. As Christians, we are called to a high standard of honesty. o The Senior Dictionary of Canadian English defines plagiarism as an idea, expression, plot, etc. taken from another and used as one s own. Plagiarism is a serious offence in the academic community, and is especially offensive in the Christian academic community since it is an act of dishonesty, evidencing a lack of integrity. Cheating on tests, exams, and other assignments is equally offensive (Kingswood University Academic Policy). o Examples of plagiarism include (but are not limited to) the following: Copying all or part of a theme, exam, paper, reading report, or other written work from another person; Submitting as one s own work that which was wholly or partially done by another; Quoting material from any source without clearly indicating it is someone else s work; Summarizing or paraphrasing from any source clearly indicating it is someone else s work; Misrepresentation of documentation or resources Submitting workbook answers copied from another person or working in a group and submitting an identical set of answers for each member of the group without explicit permission from the professor; Cheating on a test by getting answers in an unauthorized manner; Submitting the same work for more than one course without the prior approval of the instructor. o An instance of plagiarism will result in an automatic F for the specific assignment and may also result in an automatic failing of the course. o A repeat offense will result in an automatic failing of the course.