REL 315 BASIC COURSE OUTLINE Unit 1: RELIGION AS STORY

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1 **Disclaimer** This syllabus is to be used as a guideline only. The information provided is a summary of topics to be covered in the class. Information contained in this document such as assignments, grading scales, due dates, office hours, required books and materials may be from a previous semester and are subject to change. Please refer to your instructor for the most recent version of the syllabus. REL 315 BASIC COURSE OUTLINE Unit 1: RELIGION AS STORY VIEW: Video Lecture, "Religion as Story" WRITE: A 3 page paper of your religious autobiography. Where does your religious story begin? Parents? Grandparents? Ancestors? If you don't have a religious story, why? What takes the place of religion? What provides meaning for your life? POINTS: 10 1 of 8

2 Unit 2: READING THE HEBREW BIBLE VIEW: "The Importance of the Hebrew Bible/OT" and "Harvey Cox & Chas. Barfoot on Scripture" READ: Harvey Cox, How to Read the Bible, Introduction, Chapters 1--5,10 and Conclusion, ONLY. WRITE: A 3 page paper on Cox's three ways of reading the Bible (found in the Introduction) and your biggest surprise about the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament) (found in Chapters 1--5) Also, include at least one paragraph that deals with the Video Lecture. POINTS: 10 2 of 8

3 Unit 3: THE TORAH/ PENTATEUCH VIEW: Video Lecture, "Moses and the Exodus from Egypt" READ: John J. Collins, The Hebrew Bible, Part 1: The Torah/Pentateuch WRITE: A 3 page summary reflection paper on 'Current Methods in Biblical Study' (Intro), 'Aspects of Near Eastern Religion' (Chp. 1), and 'The Revelation at Sinai' (Chp. 6) Also, include at least one paragraph that deals with the Video Lecture. (NOTE: A summary reflection paper is a summary of the readings and your perspective of the subject) POINTS: 20 3 of 8

4 Unit 4: THE DEUTERONOMISTIC HISTORY VIEW: Video Lecture "The Importance & Significance of King David" READ: John J. Collins, The Hebrew Bible, Part 2: The Deuteronomistic History WRITE: A 3 page summary reflection paper on 'Samson,' (Chp. 10) 'Samuel,' (Chp. 11) and 'Saul,' (Chp.11) and 'Solomon.' (Chp. 13) Also, include at least one paragraph that deals with the Video Lecture. (NOTE: A summary reflection paper is a summary of the readings and your perspective of the subject) POINTS: 20 4 of 8

5 Unit 5: PROPHECY. VIEW: Video Lecture, "The Importance & Significance of Isaiah" READ: Collins, The Hebrew Bible, Part 3: Prophecy WRITE: A 3 page summary reflection paper on 'Amos,' (Chp. 15) 'Hosea,' (Chp. 15) and 'Jonah.' (Chp.20) Also, include at least one paragraph that deals with the Video Lecture. (NOTE: A summary reflection paper is a summary of the readings and your perspective of the subject) POINTS: 20 5 of 8

6 Unit 6: THE WRITINGS VIEW: Video Lecture, "The Psalms and Song of Songs" READ: Collins, The Hebrew Bible, Part 4: The Writings WRITE: A 3 page summary reflection paper on 'Proverbs,' (Chp. 24) 'Ruth' (Chp. 26) and 'Esther.' (Chp. 26) Also, include at least one paragraph that deals with the Video Lecture. (NOTE: A summary reflection paper is a summary of the readings and your perspective of the subject) POINTS: 20 Textbook Information The following two texts are required for this course: Harvey Cox, How to Read the Bible, HarperOne, ISBN: John J. Collins, A Short Introduction to the Hebrew Bible, 2nd edition, ISBN: of 8

7 Catalog Description In this course, we will focus on the origins and literature of the Hebrew Bible and prominent leaders in Israel's history. In addition you will also read a wonderful little book called, How to Read the Bible. Course Overview 1. You will become familiar with the major divisions of the Hebrew Bible. 2. You will become familiar with the key figures and issues of ancient Israel's history. 3. You will become familiar with the occasion and purpose of the various writings. Learning Outcomes At the completion of this course, students will be able to: Comprehend how the Hebrew Bible (OT) was written. Understand the major issues confronting a new religion. Grading Be able to discern the various differences and types of literature found in the Hebrew Bible. I use the plus, minus grading system. 101 = A = A = A = B = B = B = C = C = D = E 7 of 8

8 Grading Procedure Grades reflect your performance on assignments and adherence to deadlines. Graded assignments will be available within 48 hours of the due date via the Gradebook. Papers For all papers the guidelines are few and simple: 1. Double-space with 11 or 12 size type font. 2. Use in-text parenthetical citations for quotes. Example: "According to Cox or Collins..." (p.2) There is no need to use other sources for your papers other than the texts. In other words, do not use other online source material. 3. your papers as a Word document attachment to Charles.Barfoot@asu.edu 4. ALWAYS put your name, course title, assignment number on the paper you are sending. 5. Use your creativity! Feel free to title them, illustrate them, etc. Creativity will not be punished. And longer is always better than shorter. 6. Any act of academic dishonesty such as copying another paper or plagiarism results in instant failure of the class. (Unfortunately, this has happened too many times!) 7. There is no reason for late work since the assignments are spaced out generously. Two exceptions are made: You join the class late and medical reasons; a death in the family, etc. 8 of 8