Course Syllabus Essay

COURSE DESCRIPTION An introduction to the authorship and contents of the New Testament books. Special attention will be given to important persons, places, events, as well as to key chapters in the New Testament revelation. RATIONALE The aim of this course is structured to help the student interpret New Testament biblical passages in their proper context. Within the New Testament, there are insights to mankind, teachings for virtuous living, truths about the Savior, and principles for living an abundant life for Christ. The student will also be challenged to evaluate traditional and critical options of interpretation. I.PREREQUISITES None II.REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES Duvall, J. S., and J. D. Hays. Journey into God’s Word: Your Guide to Understanding and Applying the Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008. ISBN: 9780310275138. Towns, Elmer L., and Ben Gutierrez. The Essence of the New Testament: A Survey. Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2012. ISBN: 9781433677052. Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources. III.ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING A.Computer with basic audio/video output equipment B.Internet access (broadband recommended) C.Microsoft Word (Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University students.) D.The Holy Bible IV.MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: A.Explain the role and significance of the New Testament and how it pertains to the Christian today. B.Describe the content of the New Testament including authorship, literary style, theological development, and the major themes and key verse of each book. C.Correctly list the books of the New Testament in the order found in the English Bible. D.Organize the content of the New Testament chronologically, book by book, into the framework of the Gospels and Acts. E.Explain the historical, political, cultural, and religious background of the New Testament. V.COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS A.Required readings from the New Testament and course textbook B.Course Requirements Checklist After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1. C.Discussion Board Forums (2) The student will complete 2 graded Discussion Board Forums. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 75–100 words. D.Interpretation Projects (2) The student will complete 2 Interpretation Projects. The projects are based on specified portions of the Duvall-Hays textbook. The student will study the specified New Testament text, and apply the various steps of interpretation in order to gain a better understanding of the biblical texts. E.Biblical Worldview Essay The student will describe what Romans 1–8 teaches regarding the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and culture. The student will  also be required to explain how this teaching affects his/her worldview. The paper must be 1,000–1,200 words and formatted in a single Word document using APA, MLA, or Turabian style (whichever corresponds to your degree program). F.Reading Reports (8) The student will read through the entire New Testament over the course of the term. A New Testament Reading Guide and Checklist is provided. Each module/week, the student must complete the assigned Bible readings and submit a Reading Report stating which of the Bible readings they completed. For each specified Bible reading, the student will check either yes or no. G.Tests (4) The student is required to take 4 tests. Each test contains 50 multiple-choice and true/false questions. Each test is open-book/open-notes and must be completed in 1 hour. In each corresponding Reading & Study folder, the student will find a document of study questions which will prepare him/her for the tests. VI.COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES A.Points Course Requirements Checklist10 Discussion Board Forums (2 at 37.5 pts ea)75 Interpretation Projects (2 at 75 pts ea)150 Biblical Worldview Essay75 Reading Reports (8 at 25 pts ea)200 Tests (4 at 125 pts ea)500 Total1010 B.Scale A = 900–1010 B = 800–899 C = 700–799 D = 600–699 F = 0–599 C.Late Assignment Policy If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions: 1.Late assignments submitted within one  week of the due date will receive a 10% deduction. 2.Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20% deduction. 3.Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the class will not be accepted. 4.Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted. Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis. D.Disability Assistance Students with a documented disability may contact LU Online’s Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport.