• Assignments
• Study Sheet #1 for Kreeft text for exam # 1  
  Study Sheet #2 for exam # 2  
• Study Sheet #3 for exam # 3: Final Exam *** NEW !!! ***

• Essay writing Pet Peeves 

• Aids to reading the Bible assignments  

COURSE SYLLABUS:

COURSE PREFIX AND NUMBER: REL 100-91 (Spring, 2004) 

COURSE TITLE: The Christian Perspective (3 credit hours)

INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Philip Blosser
        Contact info: Russell House, No. 7; P.O. Box 7211; Tel. ext. 7186.
          Search L-R webpage for “Blosser” to find “Blosser’s homepage” (http://www.lrc.edu/rel/blosser/Homepage.htm)

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION: 

The purpose of this core curriculum introductory course is not to convert students against their will to the Christian faith, nor to indoctrinate anyone in a particular understanding of the Christian faith; nor is it to exchange testimonies concerning the Christian faith, or collectively to engage in Christian worship experience.  The primary purpose of the course is rather, in an academic framework, to introduce students to the meaning of Christian faith, its Biblical ground (including consideration of issues in Biblical interpretation) and its basic theological dimensions.

   The primary objectives are that the student be introduced to, and become conversant with, issues of:

• the dynamics of what is faith (as to phenomenon, commitment, and content);

• the several dimensions of what informs Christian faith (canon, interpretation, Old Testament overview, New Testament overview, Christian tradition); and

• theological content of the Christian faith (including doctrines of creation, the Trinity, the human condition, Christology, soteriology, the Holy Spirit and the Church, and eschatology).

TEXTS:

 1.    Peter Kreeft, Fundamentals of the Faith (Ignatius Press, 1988)

 2.    Walter A. Elwell, Robert W. Yarbrough, Robert M. Yarbrough, Encountering the New Testament: A Historical and Theological Survey (Baker Book House, 1998) ISBN: 0801021561

 3.    The Bible.  It is important that you have or buy a really good Bible with hard or leather-bound cover, large print in easy to read columns, and cross-references.  Don’t by a cheap version.  You want a Bible that will encourage you to read and make your reading easier and more enjoyable.  I recommend any of the following translations: RSV (Revised Standard Version), NASB (New American Standard Bible), NAB (New American Bible), or NIV (New International Version). You may also use the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), KJV (King James Version), or NKJV (New King James Version).  For purposes of this course, it is not permissible to use loose paraphrases such as the Living Bible, the Good News Bible, or Today’s English Version.  If you have any questions about your version, ask me. 

                    The College bookstore should have in stock copies of Bibles that I have ordered for any students who may need to purchase copies.

       The Bible will be the primary text for this course.  You will have assigned readings from the Bible for every class, and we will refer constantly to passages in class during lectures and discussion, and questions on Biblical passages will be an important part of every exam.  Bring a Bible to each class.

METHODOLOGY:

The primary method of instruction will be lecture by the instructor, with time allotted each session for questions and discussion.  Assignments will be posted on the instructor’s website (SEE ABOVE).

EVALUATION: – Grades will be assigned on the basis of three tests, including a final examination.

There will be two tests and a final exam.  The first two tests will correspond to Parts I through II of the course, the first test representing 20% of the final grade; the second, 30%; and the final examination will represent 40% of the final grade and will cover the material of the entire course.  Class participation will represent 10% of the final grade (“participation” includes being awake and attentive). 

Exams: excepting extenuating cases, exams may be taken only on days scheduled.  If a test is missed, there is no penalty.  However, the material covered by the missed test will be included as part of a cumulative final examination (i.e., for the person who has missed a test, the final will be cumulative with respect to the material on the missed test).

GRADING SCALE:

ATTENDANCE:

For students taking the course for academic credit, regular attendance is expected of all members of the class.  Students with a legitimate excuse for absence should present it immediately on return to class (not at the end of the semester).   Attention is called to the General Catalog p. 69 (2001-02):  "Students are expected to attend classes and laboratories as specified by the instructor, who will state his or her attendance policy in writing at the beginning of the semester.  No allowed number of absences is automatically granted to a student.  Ordinarily, a student will not receive credit if 25% of the scheduled class meetings are missed."  For this course, which meets only 8 weeks (16 times), that is no more than 4 absences. 

Students who miss class almost never do well.  Thus, rewards are offered for regular attendance, as well as disincentives for poor attendance.  Accordingly, those with perfect attendance (no unexcused absences) will have 3 percentage points added to their final grade; conversely, those with an unreasonable number of unexcused absences (two or more) will lose 2 percentage points for each absence beginning with the second. 

“Excused absences” are those for which the student obtains an excuse in writing from the Dean of Students for emergencies, illness, or participation is an official college event.  Students are expected to be in class on time.  Tardiness (arrival in class after roll is taken) counts as one-half absence, and consistent tardiness may influence the final grade, especially in borderline cases.   The meaning of “attendence” includes being awake, and paying attention (see “participation” under “Evaluation” above).

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

The student is referred to the General Catalog, pp. 63-66 (2001-02) for the items that define academic integrity for faculty and students.  The instructor will abide by the Catalog rubrics in all instances.  In all of their work in this course, students are expected to adhere strictly to the Academic Honor Code of Lenoir-Rhyne College.  Anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing will automatically receive a grade of “F” for the course.  Students who do honest work earn the right to take pride in their achievements and are entitled to the respect of others for the integrity of their work.

PERSONAL PROBLEMS:

 If any emergencies arise that affect your work in this course, please notify me immediately.  I will try my best to be accommodating in any way I can, especially if I know you are putting forth your best effort. 

 

                                  Course Schedule: see "assignments" at the top of the page.

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