Interpreting New Testament I: Gospels BLS 502YM : 2 credit hours

the basic argument of each book and its relevance for contemporary ministry (BLS 501-3) Be able to think biblically and critically so that various truth claims can be effectively evaluated " has embraced a biblical world view (THS 501-3 overarching) " able to apply the basic elements of critical analysis and sound reasoning (MFM 500; overarching) " sensitive to cultural variations in styles of thinking (overarching) " reflects an appropriately humble and charitable spirit in applying biblical criteria for truth (overarching) Be able to communicate God 9s truth clearly, accurately, and convincingly " able to communicate one 9s thoughts effectively in writing (MFM 500; overarching) Be a true life-long learner, building upon his/her seminary training " committed to pursuing growth and learning in key areas of need (MFM 500; overarching) " able to access and manage information (including that available via computer/on-line resources) so that it is readily available when needed (overarching) COURSE GOALS/OBJECTIVES Interpretation of the Scriptures must first be appropriate to the character, composition, and context of the particular book. This foundational effort to "rightly handle the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15) calls for the application of solid interpretation skills to identify what is central and particular to the Gospels, and for an appreciation of "the major themes and developments within biblical history to understand the 'big picture' of God's redemptive program." Toward that end this course is part of a multi-course sequence that surveys the content of the entire canon, intends to lead students to a basic cognitive grasp of the literature, to a more positive emotional response to the text and its Author, and to an ever more faithful application of its teachings. TEXTBOOKS All course textbooks are available on Amazon.com .<br><br> You might also want to check out addall.com to compare prices on new and used books from major online bookstores. Required " Carson, D. A., Douglas Moo, and Leon Morris.<br><br> (1991). An Introduction to the New Testament . Zondervan Publishing House.<br><br> ISBN: 0310519403 " Wilkinson, Bruce, Boa Kenneth. (1983 ). Talk Thru The Bible .<br><br> Nelson Publishing Co. ISBN: 0840752865 " Green, Joel B., McKnight, Scot, Marshall, Howard I. (Eds.).<br><br> (1992). Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels . InterVarsity Press.<br><br> ISBN: 0-8308-1777-8 COURSE REQUIREMENTS Reading/Tests The texts will be read as assigned in the course schedule. In order to participate intelligently in class and gain maximum benefit from class interaction you should complete the reading according to the schedule of assignments. These textbooks should be read at a mastery level, which means that you understand what the text is saying in sufficient detail so as to be able to explain it.<br><br> It does not mean you remember all the details. There will be quizzes over the material presented in the class lecture but not on the readings from the assigned texts. The only questions on the readings that may appear on the quizzes will be the ones establishing the percentage of the readings done up to date and they will be on an honor based system.<br><br> The quizzes will consist of 10 multiple choice or True/ False questions on the key elements of the books discussed in class. Time required: 30 hours. Assignments Reflections The student will be writing their reflections on the materials presented and discussed in readings and in the class.<br><br> These papers should be between 1-3 pages long not including the bibliography. Paper The student will be writing a 5-7 page biblical theology paper comparing two of the canonical Gospels. The professor will give introductory guidance in class on the paper.<br><br> Papers will be graded upon the following criteria: a) Content b) Organization c) Evidence of academic library research (see final sentence of next paragraph) d) Form. Original interaction with the Bible text is expected and arguments should be supported by the text. It is important to keep in mind that the instructor not only values interaction with secondary sources, but what the student says based upon and supported by the text.<br><br> The student's task is to investigate, describe, and evaluate what the Scripture teaches about the chosen subject. Time required: 18 hours, approximately 2 hours for each chart and 10 hours for the paper. Group Project After being formed into groups, students will as a group produce a significant NT research project in the form of survey which maps the chronology of the Gospels, as well as the author, intended readers, addressed need of the readers, summary of the book 9s message and the offered solution within each book.<br><br> Groups will have the freedom to divide the project among the individuals in any number of ways, as long as the divided portions are approximately equal. An assigned group leader will keep the professor apprised of progress and possible problems along the way (via e-mail or other means of communication). As with the written assignments described in the prior section, it is expected that this project will be a valuable resource for the student in future years of ministry.<br><br> Projects must cite a minimum of five secondary sources in an attached bibliography, two of which must be from a physical library. You are free to add visual aides to the paper: charts, graphs, pictures, and maps, art made by students to emphasize the message of one book or the other. Time required: 12 hours of class time for study group meetings, 30 hours of personal time for individual work.<br><br> Class Participation Beyond the discussions which arise from questions in class related to the readings and the written assignments, the professor will devote his lecture/discussion time to insights into the Epistles that he/she has found to be most relevant and impacting to actual Christian ministry. Therefore student participation in class during lecture discussions will be encouraged and measured for purposes of the final class grade. Time required: 30 class time hours.<br><br> STANDARDS FOR WRITTEN WORK (MLA) Papers must be written to a near-thesis standard. That is, minimum format standards must be met, as defined below. English grammar, idiom, and spelling must be up to graduate level.<br><br> Always include a strong introduction paragraph (declare what you intend to show the reader) and conclusion paragraph. Qualities valued include clarity, succinctness, and precision. This course employs the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide.<br><br> The basic elements are: " Double-spacing, except for block quotes " Single space block quotes " Page numbers appear at the upper right on every text page " Use footnotes rather than paragraph citations " Footnotes follow a standard format. Helpful web sites on MLA style include: " http://wwwold.ccc.commnet.edu/mla " http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/index.html " http://www.english.uiuc.edu/cws/wworkshop/writer_resources/citation_styles/mla/mla.htm [These websites are expanded and pasted into Western Seminary 9s cHow to Write a Research Paper d] A good website with footnote/bibliography entries is http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/ All work must reflect master's level use of the English language. Plagiarism will result in failure of assignment.<br><br> Western Seminary's How to write a research paper can be found at: http://www.westernseminary.edu/papers/Faculty/WGuideNu.doc GRADING A+ A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- 99- 100% 95- 98% 93- 94% 91- 92% 88- 90% 86- 87% 84- 85% 81- 83% 79- 80% 77- 78% 74- 76% 70- 73% Activity Percent of Final Grade Estimated Time to Complete Reading / Quizzes 20% 30 hrs Paper 35% 18 hrs Reflection papers 20% 30 hrs Class Participation 5% 30 hrs Group Project 20% 30 hrs Total 100% 108 hrs. CLASS POLICIES Cover Page: To safeguard confidentiality, provide a title page as a cover for all assignments. Include your student mailbox number in the upper right corner of the cover page.<br><br> Attendance and Late Assignments: Students are expected to attend all class meetings. Students who miss class are responsible for missed work. Unexcused absences and tardiness will impact a student 9s grade.<br><br> Students who anticipate an absence should discuss it in advance with the instructor. Students who miss two or more classes will not pass the course without arranging for additional work with the professor . Assignments submitted after the due date and time constitutes a drop in the student 9s letter grade for that assignment.<br><br> Incompletes: Faculty members determine their own procedures and due dates for the completion of course assignments. The final deadline for submitting all course work is the last day of the semester as noted in the Academic Calendar (p.16). In the case of serious illness, family emergency, or other extenuating circumstances, the instructor may, if it is initiated by the student , grant an extension.<br><br> A temporary notation of cI d (incomplete) is assigned until a final grade can be determined. The maximum extension permissible is six weeks, with assignments due to the professor for grading on Sat., 4/26/08 . All course assignments not completed by the extended deadline will be given a failing grade.<br><br> Under no circumstances may this six-week period be extended except by petition and approval of the Administrative Committee. Enrichment Students: Enrichment students are encouraged, but not obligated, to participate in assignments and class discussions. Professors are not obligated to grade participation for these students, but may opt to do so depending on class size.<br><br> LIBRARY AND INTERNET RESEARCH All class assignments with a research element require library research annotated as such in the bibliography. A minimum of two resources must be from a physical library. Note the physical location of each resource as an addendum to each bibliographical entry.<br><br> For complete library information including: hours of operation, interlibrary loan, local library resources, etc., please: " Visit www.westernseminary.edu . " Click the link cSacramento Campus d in the left navigation pane. " Click the link cLibrary Resources d in the left navigation pane.<br><br> Reserve Collection The library carries all required readings for this course. Print Resources Use the Western-Arcade Library catalog to find books and other materials. To search the library collection: " Visit http://www.westernseminary.edu/Library/SAC .<br><br> " Click the link cSearch the Library Collection Online d. Periodical & Research Databases As you complete your assignments for this course, don 9t forget about the resources in the Western research databases. Remember to evaluate and cite your information too.<br><br> To access the Western research databases: " Visit http://www.westernseminary.edu/Library/SAC . " Click the link cResearch Databases d from the bottom menu. " Click the link cEbsco Host Research Databases d.<br><br> " Log in. [ User ID: wseminary / Password: password] " Click the link cEBSCOhost Web d. " Click the database(s) you wish to use.<br><br> Start with ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials . To cite your information, consider the following MLA composers: http://www.noodletools.com and http://www.citationmachine.net Western-Arcade Library offers a variety of ministry related software for student use including BibleWorks, Logos Bible Software, and SeminaryLibrary. Course Packs (if applicable) To access the course pack(s) for this course: 1.<br><br> Go to the library homepage: http://www.westernseminary.edu/Library/SAC 2. Click the link 8Course Packs 9. Reference and Research Contact Information David Holifield, M.A., M.L.S.<br><br> / (916) 488-3720, ext. 7 / dholifield@westernseminary.edu COURSE OUTLINE AND SCHEDULE Date Readings Due (Always bring the books read and your English Bible to class.) Assignments (Deemed late from 10 minutes after the beginning of class.) 1/2/08 Background to the NT " Bible: Mathew & Mark " Intro.NT: The Synoptic Gospels " Dict.Jesus: Archeology and Geography, p. 33-46; Authority and Power 50-54; Matthew, Gospel of 526- 541 " Walk Thru: Intro to NT; Intro to Historical Books Readings should be completed prior to first class.<br><br> 1/16/08 The Four Gospels " Bible: Luke & John " Intro.NT: Matthew " Dict.Jesus:; Sermon on the Mount 735 3 744; Kingdom of God/ Heaven 417-430; Eschatology 206-209; Salvation in Matthew 721; Law 450-461. " Walk Thru: Matthew Reflection 1 Quiz 1 1/30/08 Birth, temptations, baptism " Bible: Mark " Intro.NT: Mark " Dict.Jesus: Mark, Gospel of 512-525; Miracles 549- 560; Salvation in Mark 722; Son of Man 775-781. " Walk Thru: Mark Reflection 2 Quiz 2 2/13/08 The method and message of Jesus " Bible: Luke " Intro.NT: Luke " Dict.Jesus: Luke, Gospel of; 495-510; Birth of Jesus 60-74; Christ 106-117; Death of Jesus 146-163; Demon, Devil, Satan 163-172; Disciples 176-189; Divorce 192-199; Ethics of Jesus 210 3 222.<br><br> " Walk Thru: Luke Reflection 3 Quiz 3 2/27/08 Miracles " Bible: John " Intro.NT: John " Dict.Jesus: John, Gospel of 368-383; Holy Spirit 341- 351; Israel 356-363; Judas Iscariot 406-408; Languages of Palestine 434-444; Last Supper 444-450; Logos 481-484; Parable 591-600 " Walk Thru: John Reflection 4 Quiz 4 3/12/08 Trial to Resurrection Biblical Theology 3/12/08 (cont.) " Bible: John " Dict.Jesus: Preaching from the Gospels 625-630; Priest, Priesthood 633-636; Rabbinic Traditions and Writings 651-660; Repentance 669-673; Resurrection 673-688; Rich and Poor 701-710; Son of God 769-775; World 887-890; Worship 891-894. Paper due NT Gospels Group project due No Quiz (Class Evaluations) (Class Closing Party Potluck) Introduction Resolution Application From problems to permanent resolution Appendix #2: Template for Group Project Gospel (chronological order) Author Date Writing Location Audience (+ defense for all) Location in NT by chapter by surrounding events The Readers 9 Problem / Need (carefully crafted statement) Thematic Title (carefully crafted statement) The Author 9s Solution (carefully crafted statement) Mark Matthew Luke John

less