Time: Monday - 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Location: Ray B. White
Instructor: Dr. R. M. Keelan Downton - kdownton[at]somerset.edu - 732-356-1595 x1103
Office Hours: Mon: 10am-11:30am, 2:30-3:30pm - Tues: 10am-11:30am, 2:30-3:30pm
Description: A basic overview of narrative biblical theology focusing on the structure of biblical narratives (beginnings, middles, and ends) as well as their component parts (plot, characters, conflicts, and resolutions). Addresses issues of interpretation, spirituality, and application.
Relation to Mission and Vision: This course helps students develop greater capacities to think deeply about God and God's work in the world (Upward Call) as well as their own place in it (Inward Journey) and implications for how they live (Outward Move).
Write a 500-600 word (approx. 1.5 pages) response to your assigned reading. Each one should include (1) a summary of some important ideas that stood out to you (not necessarily EVERY important idea), (2) whether you experience "resonance" with those ideas (like good music) or "dissonance" (like nails on a chalk-board) or just can't make sense of what the author means (including REASONS why), and (3) ways the reading connects with your life (similarity to experiences you've had, struggles you are dealing with right now, or things you could apply to your life in the future). These responses must be typed and turned in at the end of class every week. [ADDRESSES OUTCOMES: 1, 4]
At the end of class every day, students will be asked to make a self evaluation of their participation that day using five criteria worth up to three points each: (1) I came to class prepared and on time, having read everything I was assigned, (2) I asked a question that was relevant to the lecture or discussion, (3) I listened attentively to what others were saying, (4) I shared an insight or observation of my own, (5) I complimented or noted the importance of another student's contribution to the discussion. Students will record their total out of 15 in the top right-hand corner of their Reading Responses. [ADDRESSES OUTCOMES: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Take an exam that includes definitions of terms associated with theology and biblical study as well as an essay question related to class discussions. [ADDRESSES OUTCOMES: 2, 3, 4]
Write an original, creative, short story that can be read in 10-15 minutes (this should be between 1250-2000 words since a good public-speaking rate is about 130-140 words per minute) and present it to the class. This can be fictional or based on real people or events. [ADDRESSES OUTCOMES: 4, 6]
| Date | Topic | Reading | Assignment Due | I earned | out of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep-8 | Syllabus | ||||
| Overview | Participate in class discussions | 10 | |||
| Sep-15 | Parables | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 1-37 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Sep-22 | Parables | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 41-60 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Sep-29 | Gospels | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 61-85 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Oct-6 | Gospels | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 89-106 | |||
| (guest lecturer) | Reading Response | 15 | |||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Oct-13 | Stories of Origin | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 107-130 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Oct-20 | Stories of Origin | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 131-173 | Mid-term Exam | 300 | |
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Oct-27 | Stories of Destiny | Jesus Brand Spirituality, pp. 177-216 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Nov-3 | Stories of Destiny | Jesus for President, pp. 1-62 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Nov-10 | Identity | Jesus for President, pp. 63-138 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Nov-17 | Identity | Jesus for President, pp. 139-224 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Nov-24 | Culture | Jesus for President, pp. 225-273 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Dec-1 | Culture | Jesus for President, pp. 274-336 | |||
| Reading Response | 15 | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Dec-8 | Sharing Stories | Original Story | 300 | ||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| Dec-15 | Sharing Stories | ||||
| Participate in class discussions | 15 | ||||
| TOTAL | 1000 |
The Instructional Resource Center (http://www.somerset.edu/students/academics/irc2.htm) at Somerset Christian College offers tutorial support services designed to help all students achieve their full academic potential and goals. The IRC, as a venue of both remediation and enhancement to the coursework requirements, offers materials and tutorials in study skills such as time management, organization, and learning or test strategies; in MLA format and style; in writing assistance such as outlining, drafting, researching, and editing; and in computer skills and information access. Conveniently located in the AK White library on campus, the IRC works to provide students with materials and skill sets necessary to carry out information access, evaluation, and application effectively. It also offers assistance in resume building and in reference letter requests. As a supplement to the regular classroom experience, the IRC promotes quality and excellence of all student endeavors to the glory of God. For current hours of operation, you may email the director, Dr. Beverly Busch at (bbusch@somerset.edu) or call 732-356-1595, ext. 1126; you may also call the library direct at 732-356-1595, ext. 1120; or check the SCC web page as these hours are subject to change throughout the academic year.
In an effort to ensure that students experience the greatest return from their studies at SCC and to maintain a sense of community between and among students and faculty, the following policy about student attendance has been established: SCC recognizes that extenuating circumstances will necessitate students missing class on occasion. Therefore, students are allowed to miss one block session (unexcused) per three credit-hour course without question and without academic penalty. A block session constitutes one class meeting (2 ½ or 3 ½ hour session) per week. Students missing 2-4 classes will have their letter grade lowered one full letter for every block class missed (e.g. students missing 2 block classes would have his/her grade lowered from A to B; 3 absences would reduce the letter grade from A to C, etc.). Students who accrue more than 4 absences will be assigned a grade of F for that course. In all cases, students have the right to appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to the instructor and the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. In all cases, including unexcused absences, students must make up all assignments and tests missed during any absence through arrangement with their instructor(s) in order to receive academic credit.
Plagiarism is the dishonest attribution of research and thought to oneself that really belongs to someone else. It strikes at the heart of the network of trust and truthfulness that constitutes the basic morality of the academic enterprise. Committing plagiarism is a breach of academic contract with the instructor and the college, and makes the student liable to failure of a given project, failure of the course, and possible expulsion. Faculty will record instances of sanctions related to plagiarism, and these reports will be included in students’ academic file. Students can appeal through the student grievance policy found in the Academic Catalog. The following principles can help ensure that students avoid committing plagiarism: (1) Plagiarism takes place when one reproduces any five sequential words from a text, or takes ideas from a source without proper citation. (2) Exact quotations should either be put in quotation marks or indented and an in-text citation should be used to indicate the source. (3) Put an in-text citation at the end of any idea or fact which you found in a book or article, whether or not you change the words. (4) When in doubt, document the source. Documenting sources helps your reader find more information as well as helping you avoid plagiarism. (5) Your instructor is your best resource if you have any questions regarding whether or not your information is documented accurately.
Cell phones, pagers, and other electronic devices are to be turned off while class is in session, unless their use is specifically needed for academic purposes and approved by the instructor. Leaving the classroom to take phone calls may be regarded as an unexcused absence.
All courses offered at SCC are supplemented with an online educational element at the Somerset Christian College Online Learning Site. This is accessible at www.sccstudent.com. Your professor will use this to make articles and media files available to you.
E-mail is an official means for communication within SCC. Therefore, SCC has the right to send communications to students via e-mail and the right to expect that those communications will be received and read in a timely fashion. Students are expected to check their official e-mail address on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay current with SCC communications, in recognition that certain communications may be time-critical. The full SCC email policy can be found in the SCC Academic Catalog.
In case of inclement weather or other emergency conditions, students, staff and faculty should consult the Somerset Christian College website, voice mail, and/or STAR 99.1 for up to date information. Faculty may also organize a phone chain to communicate with students. Call 732-356-1595 or 1-800-234-9305 and press 9, the college information line, for up to date information on class cancellation.
All written assignments should conform to the guidelines in the Chicago Manual of Style or the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers and be printed on clean white paper held together by a staple with a header or cover page that includes your name, the course number, the name of the assignment, and the date that the assignment is due.
The grading scale is listed below with the respective grade point values. The unit of credit is defined as one 50 minute session per week for one semester of 15 weeks or the equivalent. Academic standing is defined as the ratio of total grade point values to the total semester hour credits. The 4.0 point system is used to compute the grade point standing. The grading system is as follows: A (95-100), A- (90-94), B+ (87-89), B (83-86), B- (80-82), C+ (77-79), C (73-76), C- (70-72), D+ (67-69), D (63-66), D- (60-62), F (0-59). These are calculated into your GPA using the following values: A (4.0) A- (3.7) B+ (3.3) B (3.0) B- (2.7) C+ (2.3) C (2.0) C- (1.7) D+ (1.3) D (1.0) D- (0.7) F (0.0). The following grades are not counted in the calculation of the GPA (grade point average): W Withdrawn WP Withdrawn Passing WF Withdrawn Failing NC No Credit To remain in good academic standing, a student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. Transfer credit hours are not counted in calculating academic standing. To graduate a student must complete at least 60 hours of academic credit for the two-year Associates degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on all credits attempted at Somerset Christian College.
This course syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. If you are not present in class when changes are discussed, it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary information.