Biblical Studies 130: Hebrew
Bible World and Culture
REQUIREMENTS:
Readings:
Readings should be completed before
the class for which they are assigned.
The Old Testament is the
primary text. You may purchase the New
Revised Standard Version, New Oxford Annotated Bible (NOAB) in the
bookstore.
Other required
readings are taken from a variety of sources and are designed to introduce you
to various approaches to the Bible, a range of issues in interpretation, and
different genres, and to provide background about the world of ancient
Israel/Judah. Most of them do not provide analysis of specific texts, and none
of them replaces a careful reading of the Old Testament itself. Some of the
readings can be found in the back of NOAB. One is available through the
Library database: ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials. Two are web-based,
interactive assignments that include pictures and maps as well as reading
material. The others can be found on Reserve in the Library and on the
Blackboard site for this course.
Daily
Assignments and Quizzes:
Written
exercises designed to enhance learning through reading will be given for some
reading assignments. These are to be completed before class and will
occasionally be turned
in for a grade. Unannounced quizzes will be taken from the readings. Students will be allowed to drop at
least two quizzes or other daily grades.
However, no quizzes will be made up, and daily assignments will not be accepted
after the class period when they are due.
Methods
of Instruction:
Class periods will be used to
introduce readings, answer any questions related to the readings, to
discuss issues raised by the readings, to explore major ideas, and to provide supplementary material.
Class sessions will include a combination of lectures, discussion, slide
presentations, and active learning exercises. Outside work will
include readings, short writing assignments, and preparation for tests,
including both objective content and issues involving critical
thinking.
Attendance:
In
addition to addressing questions and discussing major issues, class sessions
will involve presentation of new material. Tests will be based on both readings and class discussions.
Attendance is,
therefore, very important.
Tests:
Three
tests and an exam are scheduled. The
tests will be based on readings and class discussions from the
classes following the previous test. In
case of illness or other emergency the instructor
must be notified as soon as possible. Any
unexcused absence from a test, or failure
to notify the instructor within 3 days after the test date in the case of an emergency, will
result in an F on the test. All
tests are given on the honor system.
Should a student be determined by the instructor to be cheating, he or
she will receive an F on the test and
the Academic Integrity Board will be notified.
Exam:
The exam will cover readings and class discussions after the
third test
and will be comprehensive in covering major
themes and ideas from the entire semester.
Participation:
Participation includes attendance and active involvement in class
activities.
Grades:
Test scores will represent 60% of the grade. The exam will represent 25%. Quizzes,
daily assignments, and participation 15%.
Grading
Scale:
93 -100 A
77
- 79 C+
60 - 62
D-
90
- 92 A-
73
- 76
C
59
or below F
87 - 89
B+
70 - 72 C-
83
- 87 B
67
- 69 D+
80
- 82
B-
63 - 66
D
OFFICE
HOURS:
Office hours are
10:00 - 11:00 Monday and Wednesday
9:30 - 11:00 Tuesday and Thursday
`
other times by appointment
My
office is Anderson 307.
Telephone: office - ext. 8237
Email: peggy.cowan@maryvillecollege.edu
If you have questions or concerns
about the course, or other matters, please call or
come by the office or email me.
HONESTY
POLICY:
According
to the
Maryville College Covenant, “As Scholars, we strive to maintain a high level of
academic integrity . . . . We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and
learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity. . .. We
commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our
actions and relationships.” The commitments expressed in the Covenant and the calling to search for truth in a spirit of
intellectual honesty defined in the MC Statement of Purpose set the standards of academic integrity upheld on this
campus and in this course.
Please review the statement on Academic
Integrity in the Student Handbook so that you understand the range of
behaviors that involve academic dishonesty.
Cheating on tests, inappropriate use of
the work of other students or sources of information, and any other form of
dishonesty will not be tolerated. If
you are unsure what is acceptable, ask for guidance.
The primary goal of this course, and all
courses at Maryville College, is student learning.
Only by taking the reading seriously, studying on a regular basis (not
just for tests), and doing your own
work can you achieve that goal. The
instructor is here to facilitate that process, so
complete your assignments on time and ask for help as needed.
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