At Ohio Valley University, we seek
to transform lives in a Christ-centered academic community
that integrates higher learning, biblical faith, and service to God and
humanity.
| Class days/times/location: .01, H.04—MW 9:00-9:50am; ISOM, Room 62 H/M.01—MW 3:15-4:05pm; ISOM, Room 62 Instructor: Bruce Terry Office: East Bible Annex, Room 201 Phone: (304) 865-6120 (office); (304) 295-6486 (home) E-mail: bruce.terry@ovu.edu; Web site: http://bterry.com |
Office hours: M 2:15-3:15pm; 4:15-5:15pm T 9:30-11:00am; 2:40-4:10pm W 2:15-3:15pm; 4:15-5:15pm Th 9:30-11:00am; 2:40-4:10pm F by appointment |
BIB 106 Life of Christ (2 credits) A survey of the gospel accounts of the life of Christ, designed to introduce students to both historical and thematic content of the Gospels from which practical applications can be drawn.
This course will focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the four gospels. It will begin with an introduction to the four gospels in the New Testament. The majority of the course will be devoted to a study of the historical events and teachings of Jesus as found in the four gospels. The approach will be comparative. Emphasis will be on the different aspects of Jesus and the reliability of historical reconstruction from the gospel accounts.
This course addresses the following objectives of the School of Biblical Studies:
Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (ESV). Consequently, this class will use biblical texts and references to texts to help the student grow in faith. But simply hearing is not enough. Jesus told those who believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32 ESV). So it is necessary to keep doing what we learn. In light of this, this course will also contain references to application of principles learned. One of the objectives is a faith objective. It will not be assessed for a grade, but life is such that it will be assessed, one way or another. My prayer is that you will pass that test of life.
There are no national standards for
undergraduate study of the Bible. At OVU, we emphasize the
biblical text and its application in our lives.
Assessment of whether the objectives have been met will be based on the student's performance on homework and tests assigned by the teacher and on the student's ability to do relevant research on his or her own in papers described below. Primary academic abilities assessed include the students' ability to read and understand the texts assigned as evidenced by homework and pop quiz grades, and the mastery of the material learned as evidenced by the major exams. Class participation will be measured by such activities as active listening, taking notes, asking questions, engaging in class discussion, and participating in group projects in class. Non-participation will be indicated by failure to attend class, significant tardies to class, sleeping in class, doing homework for another class, using electronic devices for non-class purposes, and excessive and extensive trips to the restroom, among other things that take attention away from the class.
Your grade for the class will be based on three major exams (including a comprehensive final exam), class participation, and sixty questions from pop quizzes over the reading, collected in-class work, and collected homework. If more than sixty questions are given (not counting bonus questions), only the highest scores toward the sixty points will be counted. In addition, a map (explained below) and a two-page typed essay can be done for two points extra credit each. The typed essay will be graded as full (50 or more lines = 1 point) or partial (less than 50 lines = .5 points) and mere summary (.5 points) or thoughtful interaction (1 point), although essays that do not address an assigned topic can be turned back as not completed. Write on one of the following six topics: 1) the ethics of Jesus as seen in the Sermon on the Mount; 2) the significance of Peter's confession; 3) the parables of Jesus; 4) the destruction of Jerusalem; 5) the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus; 6) the Great Commission. As an alternative to the essays, a 3-page typed book report on Dr. South's Just Jesus may be done for up to three bonus points. One page is defined as 27 double-spaced typewritten lines (counting the title, but not your name or page numbers; set line spacing to exactly 24 points) with 1" margins. Students may also earn extra credit by attending Tour of Israel powerpoint presentations (one point each). These will be at 7pm on the first Tuesday of Sept., Oct., and Nov. in room 05. Exam questions can come from the lectures or assigned readings from either those assigned in class or the New Testament. The final exam will cover material from the whole course.
Ten points will be given for class participation. Beginning with week three, one-third point will be deducted for each non-test class period in which the student fails to bring his or her synopsis to class. Failure to actively work with one's group will result in the same lost. Beginning with week one, one point will be deducted for each class hour missed (counting each class as 1 hour), including those missed for illness. The only exception to this will be those who miss on official school business and have an official notice to this effect; up to five such absences will not count against the student's grade if the student has no unexcused absences. Two grace hours will be given to all students to allow for absences due to illness and excused absences for official school business. Note well: Grace hours will be applied first to excused absences.
Class handouts and homework are found on the Internet at: "http://bterry.com/gospels/". Homework may be printed out, done early, and turned in up to a week before the due date if the student knows of an absence that is coming up. Late homework is not accepted.
Additional readings/quizzes/essays/maps may be assigned.
All work is expected to be turned in on time. If for some reason you cannot make the due date, please ask my permission to turn the work in late. Late homework is not accepted, since the answers will often be given in class. If you will miss due to a school excused absence, please pick up and turn in the homework early. Realizing that other teachers may assign work due at the same time, I will not dock your grade on papers and maps if they are no more than one (1) week late; however, if it is later than one week, expect to have your grade on that assignment lowered by half. No assignment will be accepted that is more than two weeks late.
Students who are absent on exam days with good reason may schedule a make-up exam within the next week. You must ask to take a make-up exam. If a student misses an exam without good reason and is allowed to take the make-up exam, the grade on that exam will be docked by one letter grade (10 points). There is no guarantee that such a student will be allowed to make up any exam.
Students who score less than a 70 on a major exam may petition to retake the exam within a week after grades are returned on it. The highest grade on any retake exam will be 70. Once again, you must ask to retake an exam. There will be no retakes on the final exam. Study hard for it.
The US Department of Education and OVU's accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, have established requirements regarding how much time is required to be spent on a course for each credit hour earned. As a result, all colleges and universities have been required to establish policies that adhere to this definition. In keeping with this requirement, OVU expects you to spend a minimum of two hours outside of class doing course work (reading, doing homework, writing papers, reviewing for tests, etc.) for each hour you spend in the classroom. Because this is a 2-credit hour course, you should expect to spend a minimum of 4 hours each week outside the classroom doing work for it.
Draw or trace a map of Palestine in the first century A.D. showing at least the following:
Bodies of Water: Mediterranean Sea, Dead Sea, Jordan River, Sea of Galilee
Regions: Judea, Samaria, Perea, Galilee, Decapolis
Cities: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Bethany, Jericho, Samaria (also known as Sebaste), Nazareth, Cana, Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi (not to be confused with either Caesarea or Philippi), at least one other city of your choice.
Extra credit may be given for neatness, detail, and good use of color.
N.B. In lieu of drawing or tracing, it is acceptable to photocopy an outline map of the region and fill it in with the above; however, it is not acceptable to photocopy a map which has any of the above marked on it. You must fill it in. An outline map of Palestine is found on the Internet at: <http://bterry.com/gospels/palolmap.htm>.
The final grade will be based on your work in the following way:
Class Participation 10%
Pop Quizzes/Homework 15%
Major Tests 50%
Final Exam 25%
Only in the areas of Essays, Israel Powerpoints, and Maps will any extra credit be allowed to exceed these percentages. Also, extra credit in the course will be given for a one-page introduction of yourself. Extra credit points may not exceed five (5). Your final grade will be A, B, C, D, or F. An A will be given for an average of 100-90, a B for 89-80, a C for 79-70, a D for 69-60, and an F for any average below 60.
Because Ohio Valley University expects students to follow the highest standards of honorable conduct in all areas of life, it is essential that students maintain high standards of academic integrity. Cheating, plagiarizing (whether intentionally misrepresenting another's work as one's own or failing to follow appropriate requirements of documentation), and helping others cheat or plagiarize are all violations of these standards, as is falsifying records such as those kept for field experiences, practica, internships, etc. Students who engage in these behaviors in a course in which they are enrolled will face appropriate consequences, which could include failing the assignment in question, failing the course, being placed on restricted status (i.e., the student will not be allowed to participate in on-campus activities, including intramurals, and may not represent Ohio Valley University in public events, including athletic competitions, performances, and presentations), or being suspended or dismissed from Ohio Valley University.
Students who engage in these behaviors when they are unrelated to a course in which they are enrolled will also face appropriate consequences, which could include being placed on restricted status or being suspended or dismissed from Ohio Valley University. If a student believes he or she has been falsely accused of academic dishonesty, or if the student believes the consequences of an incident of academic dishonesty are unjust, the student may ask that the situation be reviewed. To ask for a review, the student should give to the provost written notice of the appeal and the reasons for it within three business days of being informed of the consequences of the alleged incident; detailed instructions about the appeal procedure are available in the catalog or from the Provost.
Plagiarism is the presentation of another person's work as your own, whether you mean to or not. Copying or paraphrasing passages from another writer's work without acknowledging that you've done so is plagiarism. Translating passages from another writer's work in another language without acknowledging that you've done so is plagiarism. Copying another writer's work without putting the material in quotation marks is plagiarism, even if credit is given. Allowing another writer to write any part of your essay is plagiarism.
Plagiarism is a serious crime. The maximum penalty at OVU is expulsion from the University.
Plagiarism is easy to avoid. Simply acknowledge the source of any words, phrases, or ideas that you use. If you're not sure how to quote or paraphrase a source or if you need help with the format of endnotes or bibliographies, check with me. While you can (and in fact should) seek the help and advice of friends, classmates, and tutors, be sure that your written work is completely your own.
Students should dress modestly regardless of the type of clothes that they choose, and be aware that first impressions count and are often dictated by clothing choices. Specifically, members of the University community should avoid clothing that is revealing and/or features offensive slogans, language, or advertisements. Examples of revealing clothing include but are not limited to: midriffs or halters, mesh or netted shirts, tube tops, low cut blouses, and short skirts and shorts exposing the upper thigh. Very tight clothing should be avoided. Examples of offensive slogans, language or advertisements include but are not limited to: curse words, sexually suggestive language or gestures, and references to alcohol or drugs.
Please turn cell phones OFF or ON SILENT or ON AIRPLANE MODE before entering class. You may place your cell phone on your desk as a clock; otherwise, keep it put away. The use of cell phones, smartwatches, computers, and tablets for texting, calling, emailing, googling, checking the internet, tweeting, using facebook and snapchat, and/or playing games is not permitted; such is distracting both to the students doing such and the students around them. Please put these electronic devices away. Do not use your device out of sight under the desk. If you should use your device in class without the teacher's permission, you will be asked to put it in the teacher's basket for the duration of the class period. I reserve the right to count you absent should you disregard this. Cell phone, smartwatch, or tablet use for voice, text, or data during a test will result in failure of that test!
Regular class attendance is most important. There is the potential for learning during each class session, and these opportunities are irreplaceable. By attending class, students have a deeper and richer learning experience, and they are often exposed to others' viewpoints. Instructors are responsible for recording attendance in each of their classes.
Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policy for each course and clearing excused absences with the instructor. Although students involved in Ohio Valley University activities may need to be excused from a class session, it is the student's responsibility to request the absence from the instructor and to discuss with the instructor how the absence may affect the student's ability to meet course requirements. While instructors should make reasonable accommodations for students who miss class because of Ohio Valley University-sponsored activities (e.g., academic competitions, performances, and athletic competitions) or other sound reasons (e.g., illness or family emergencies), students should recognize that not every course can accommodate absences and that neither the absence nor the notification of the absence will relieve the student from meeting course requirements.
A student who stops attending class sessions (or participating in an online course) for three consecutive weeks without a justifiable reason will be dropped from the course and given a grade of W (Withdrawal) if dropped before the 12th week of the semester; if the student is dropped after the 12th week of the semester, the grade will be F-IW (Failure-Improper Withdrawal). If the course in question is a course from which a student may not withdraw, the grade will be F-IW regardless of when in the semester the student is dropped.
A student who is dropped from a required Bible course for violating the university's Class Attendance Policy will receive a grade of F-IW. If this is the first time a student has received a final grade of F-IW in a required Bible course, the student will be placed on Bible Course Probation for the next full semester. While on Bible Course Probation, a student will not be allowed to participate in university-sponsored activities, including student organizations and intramurals, and may not hold an elective campus office. In addition, a student on Bible Course Probation will not be allowed to represent Ohio Valley University at various events, including performances (except those required as part of a course), intercollegiate athletics, and other competitions. If this is the second time a student has received a grade of F-IW in a required Bible course, the student will be suspended from the university for one semester. See the catalog section "Bible Class Attendance Policy" for additional details.
Attendance in class is mandatory; since class participation is part of the basis for the grade given, failure to attend means that you cannot participate in class and earn these points. If you cannot attend for good reason, either notify me beforehand or as soon as possible afterward. This applies even if you have an excused absence. You will be expected to do all work of any classes missed, except for pop quizzes. If you do not intend to attend regularly, kindly withdraw from the class now.
Do NOT miss class simply because you do not have an assignment finished. Do NOT miss class if you can possibly come; save any absences for sickness or death in the family. If you have an extended illness, please contact me to let me know.
Kindly try to be a class on time. If you are consistently tardy for no good reason, I reserve the right to count three tardies as an absence. I do count half and other fractional absences.
If you have to leave early, please inform me before class. Do not schedule extra work, doctor's appointments, etc. during class time if at all possible. If you are too frequent in leaving early, I reserve the right to count early departures as a partial absence, adversely affecting your grade.
Absences may be excused if you bring me documentation that you were hospitalized, ill with a contagious disease, involved in an accident, on school business (up to five hours), or there was a death in the immediate family. More than five hours of absences which include three hours of unexcused absence will result in your being dropped from the course with either a W or an F at my discretion. You may pay a fine and petition to be reinstated. Additional unexcused absences will result in your being dropped without future reinstatement. No credit will be given for a course in which absences, both excused and unexcused, total more than 30% of the hours of the course (i.e., as many as 10 class hours, counting each class as 1 hour). Should you approach this limit, you will be asked to withdraw from the course (if possible). I reserve the right to drop you from the course as a warning at any time once you have at least 5 total absences or 3 unexcused absences. If you are dropped for any reason, reinstatement is not guaranteed and will be granted only if a plan for success is presented. Note well: Absences may adversely affect your grade, as outlined above under the topic Course Requirements. A drop from your only Bible course may affect your ability to enroll in the next semester.
This semester I am teaching two sections of this class. If you are absent at the early section, you may make up the absence by attending the later section covering the same material. Similarly, if you are enrolled in the later section and know you will have to be absent, you may attend the earlier section covering the same material and not be counted absent. If you do either of these, please bring it to my attention at the class you attend. Except in these rare cases, students should attend the section in which they are enrolled.
If (and only if) you are unable to complete assigned work for the class because of an extraordinary life-event, you may request a grade of Incomplete. The request must be made through the registrar's office seven calendar days prior to the last day of class, and the provost reviews these requests. The procedure is defined in the OVU catalog.
If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify the office of the provost as soon as possible. After your disability has been verified, I will work with you and the provost to insure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in the course.
MAJOR EXAM DATES: Exam 1 -- Monday, September 24, 2018
Exam 2 -- Monday, October 29, 2018
Final Exam -- Section H/M.01: Monday, December 10, 2018
3:00 - 4:50 p.m.
Section .01,H.04: Wednesday, December 12, 2018
8:00 - 9:50 a.m.
Final exams may not be taken early. However, you may take the final with an earlier or later section.
WEEK ONE:
8/22/18 -- Introduction to the Course
homework: read the introduction to Matthew in your
study Bible
write a one-page introduction of yourself and your knowledge of Jesus
(extra credit)
8/24/18 -- Introduction to Matthew (Friday class)
WEEK TWO:
homework: read the introductions to Mark and Luke in
your study Bible
8/27/18 -- Introduction to Mark and Luke
homework: read the introduction to John in your study
Bible
8/29/18 -- Introduction to John
WEEK THREE:
homework: read Matt. 1:18-2:23; Luke 1-2; Lev. 12:1-8
9/ 3/18 -- The Birth of Jesus
9/ 4/18 -- Extra Credit Powerpoint 7pm
9/ 5/18 -- The Birth of Jesus (cont.)
WEEK FOUR:
homework: read Matt. 3:1-4:11; Mark 1:1-13; Luke 3:1-22;
4:1-13; John 1:19-2:12
9/10/18 -- The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
homework: read John 2:14-4:46
draw a map of first century Palestine
identify at least 5 regions & 10 cities
9/12/18 -- Early Encounters in John
WEEK FIVE:
homework: read Matt. 5; Luke 6:17-49; Deut. 5:1-22;
19:21
9/17/18 -- The Sermon on the Mount
homework: read Matt. 6-7
9/19/18 -- The Sermon on the Mount
WEEK SIX:
homework: study for test
9/24/18 -- Major Exam
homework: read Matt. 8-12; Mark 4:35-5:43; Luke 7
9/26/18 -- Various Miracles and the Sending Out of the Twelve
WEEK SEVEN:
homework: read Matt. 13:53-15:39; Mark 6:1-8:10;
Lev. 11:1-30
10/ 1/18 -- Various Miracles
10/ 2/18 -- Extra Credit Powerpoint 7pm
homework: read Matt. 13:1-52; Mark 4:1-34; Luke 8:1-21
10/ 3/18 -- Parables of Jesus
WEEK EIGHT:
homework: read Matt. 16:13-17:23; Mark 8:27-9:32;
Luke 9:18-10:20
10/ 8/18 -- Peter's Confession and the Transfiguration
homework: read Luke 10:25-37; 12:13-21; 15:1-16:31; 18:1-14
10/10/18 -- Special Parables Recorded Only by Luke
WEEK NINE:
homework: read John 7:53-8:11; 9:1-41
10/15/18 -- More Encounters of Jesus
homework: read Matt. 19:1-20:16; Mark 10:1-31;
Luke 18:15-30; 19:1-10; Deut. 24:1-4
10/17/18 -- More Encounters of Jesus
WEEK TEN:
homework: read John 11
10/22/18 -- The Raising of Lazarus
homework: read Matt. 21:1-32; Mark 11; Luke 19:28-20:8;
John 12:1-19; Lev. 23:4-8
10/24/18 -- Events of the Final Week
WEEK ELEVEN:
homework: study for test
10/29/18 -- Major Exam
homework: read Matt. 21:33-23:39; Mark 12; Luke 20:9-21:4;
Lev. 19:18; Deut. 6:4-9; 25:5-10
10/31/18 -- Events of the Final Week
WEEK TWELVE:
homework: read Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 17:20-37; 21:5-36
11/ 5/18 -- The Synoptic Apocalypse
11/ 6/18 -- Extra Credit Powerpoint 7pm
homework: read Matt. 25
11/ 7/18 -- The Synoptic Apocalypse
WEEK THIRTEEN:
homework: read Matt. 26:1-56; Mark 14:1-52;
Luke 22:1-53; John 13:1-38; 18:1-12
11/12/18 -- The Arrest of Jesus
homework: read Matt. 26:57-27:26; Mark 14:53-15:15;
Luke 22:54-23:25; John 18:13-19:16
extra-credit typed essay due
11/14/18 -- The Trial of Jesus
THANKSGIVING BREAK
WEEK FOURTEEN:
homework: read Matt. 27:27-66; Mark 15:16-47;
Luke 23:26-56; John 19:17-42
11/26/18 -- The Crucifixion
homework: read Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24:1-12;
John 20:1-18
11/28/18 -- The Resurrection
WEEK FIFTEEN:
homework: read Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19-21:25;
Acts 1:1-11
12/ 3/18 -- The Appearances
12/ 5/18 -- The Appearances and Ascension (cont.)
WEEK SIXTEEN: Final Exam Week
homework: study for final exam
12/10/18 -- Final Exam (Section H/M.01 -- 3:00 - 4:50 p.m.)
12/12/18 -- (Section 01, H.04 -- 8:00 - 9:50 a.m.)
N. B.: Homework is listed before the class for which it is due!
THIS SYLLABUS MAY BE MODIFIED AS THE TEACHER FEELS NECESSARY!
