Sample Syllabus

REL 2020: Biblical Literature: New Testament Professor: Dr. Rodney K. Duke

Contact Info.: Office 116A I.G. Greer, 262-3091
Office hours:

	Course Rationale and Goal
	Personal Expectations
	Specific Course Objectives
	Methods of Instruction
	General Procedure
	Determination of Grade
	Absences/Make-up Policy
	Additional Policies
	Required Texts
	Philosophy of Education
	Course Outline
	Guidelines for Written Assignments

Specific Course Objectives
You should be able to:

	Explain what makes effective communication effective.
	Recognize the different types of literature in the NT and demonstrate how to read them with a consciously applied reading strategy.
	Place the NT literature in its historical and cultural context.
	Provide an overview of the general divisions and content of the NT.
	Improve written communication skills.

 This course will serve as a means of developing skills in observation, analysis, and synthesis that should be helpful in many of your courses. Also, it is hoped that this course will provide the opportunity for you to reflect on contemporary religious, ethical, and social issues.

Methods of Instruction

	Exploratory (inductive) readings of select NT texts for their literary features and meaning.
	Lectures and readings in assigned texts to gain control over the necessary background data.
	Pairs, small group, and class-wide discussion to contribute, clarify, and evaluate observations and concepts.
	Written assignments, quizzes, and tests to develop and assess comprehension and skill.

General Procedure
 Outside class: You will be asked to prepare daily assignments that focus on controlling the content of textbook material, exploring the biblical texts, and drawing conclusions concerning implications and application.
 Inside class: You will be asked to work in pairs and in groups of 4-5 to share what they have learned, to help one another develop reading methods and skills, and to take quizzes.  (Such group work will be used for cooperative learning purposes, since there are some areas in which students can benefit more from working together rather than alone.)  It will, therefore, be necessary for each student to prepare, attend, and participate daily in order for the course to provide maximum benefit for all.  (You will be graded, however, primarily on the basis of individual work and only minimally on the basis of group work.)  
    I will introduce material not in the textbooks, provide guidance for the assignments and in-class exercises, and seek to model the skills the students are to acquire.

	a) This is a "writing-designated course."  Written assignments, which are to be typed, will be given for each class period and will not be accepted late for unexcused absences.  These will be collected regularly, but unannounced.  They will be graded on the basis of completeness, thoughtfulness, and correct formal style (0 - 20 points).  See, "Guidelines for Written Assignments."
	b) Uncollected assignments will be awarded 10 points for completeness, 0, if incomplete.
	c) Quizzes may also be given (0-20 points.)  These scores will be averaged in with the assignment scores.

Absences/Make-up Policy

	No make-up tests will be given except for significant reasons (e.g., emergency or school-sponsored trip).  Students should contact me before the day of the test and are responsible to reschedule the test as soon as possible.
	No credit will be given for missed assignments or quizzes, if the absence is not excusable.  A maximum of two class days of absences may be fully excused (absence and assignment).  In such cases, it is strongly recommended that students still do the assignments and turn them in late for credit.  There will be no excused absences for days before and after the breaks without supporting documents such as a doctor’s note.
	To obtain an excused* absence: provide a written note on the day you return, citing: name, course and section number, group letter, date of class missed, assignment # or quiz involved, and reason for absence.  Clarify if you were unable to complete the assignment and would like it to be excused or if you will be turning it in late.  (Notes from a physician usually not required, but see #2 above.)

*Note: Excuses are for the days missed and do not cover the assignment for the next class attended.  Students are responsible to obtain the next assignment from a fellow student and to prepare it.

Additional Policies

	Class notes must be kept separate from assignments in order to receive credit for the assignment.
	Assignments and quizzes need to be completely labeled with full name, section #, group letter (when assigned), date, and assignment #, in order to receive credit for the work.
	Assignment work will not be accepted by email.
	Although group study and discussion of assignments is encouraged, an individual's written work must be self composed to receive credit.
	Standards and procedures of the Academic Integrity Policy (http://studentconduct.appstate.edu) will be upheld.
	Assignments will not be accepted late "because the printer ran out of ink" (= "a dog ate my paper").  Have an extra cartridge on hand!  Do not send me assignments via email.
	All students are expected to take the final examination on the date posted in the school calendar and not make arrangements for leaving town earlier.
	Electronic Devices:  During class only PDAs and laptops are permitted.  All cell phones must be out of sight (on vibrate is OK).  During examinations, all electronic devices must be out of sight (phones on vibrate is OK).  Any use of a cell phone, iPod, or similar device during an examination may result in temporary confiscation of the device and a failing grade.

Required Texts

	The New International Version Bible.  For purchase at the Bookstore.
	Bruce M. Metzger, The New Testament: Its Background, Growth, and  Content, third edition (Abingdon, 2003).  For rent at the Bookstore.
	Luke T. Johnson, The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation, (Fortress, 1986.  (Readings will found at ASU Library Reserves.)
	"Course Pack" of handouts.  For purchase at the Bookstore.

Philosophy of Education  

"Now it is not difficult to see that one must not make amusement the object of the education of the young; for amusement does not go with learning--learning is a painful process."  (Aristotle, Politics, VIII.4:4. 1339a 26)