Biblical Studies 140: New
Testament World and Culture
REQUIREMENTS:
Readings:
Readings should be completed before
the class for which they are assigned. The New Testament is the primary
text. We will use the New
Revised Standard Version, New Oxford Annotated Bible (NOAB), which is
available in the
bookstore. The other required text is The New
Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 3rd edition, by
Bart D. Ehrman. This text provides historical information and other background
material, guides for reading the text, and a variety of other support
materials.
In addition, there are several helpful websites listed on the
schedule. Visit
those for pictures and more information. Take note of the website (www.oup.com/us/ehrman),
which
is specifically designed for use with the textbook.
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
fourth test
and will be comprehensive in covering major
themes and ideas from the entire semester.
The exam schedule is published in
the Schedule of Courses booklet. Be
sure to check that schedule before making plans to
leave campus at the end of the semester.
Participation:
Participation includes attendance and active involvement in class
activities.
Grades:
Test scores will represent 20% of the grade each. 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 -
86 B
67
- 69 D+
80
- 82
B-
63 - 66
D
OFFICE
HOURS:
Office hours are
2:00 - 3:00 Monday,
Wednesday and Friday
9:30 -10:30 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:
A
basic assumption in this course is that learning can best be fostered by following the
Maryville College Covenant, which encourages all students “To act with integrity in all
interactions ... to encourage and support ... fellow students as they aspire to be honest in
their academic endeavors ....”
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.
| 