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Fort Scott Community CollegeCOURSE SYLLABUSFall Semester 2010COURSE TITLE:Old Testament Life HeritageCOURSE NUMBER: REL 1073CREDIT HOURS: 3INSTRUCTOR: Joseph E. Gillespie, Rel. D.OFFICE LOCATION: Miami County Campus, Paola, KansasOFFICE HOURS: None – Make appointmentOFFICE PHONE: 913-294-4178 (School Office: Leave a message)E-MAIL ADDRESS: joe.gillespie.fscc@gmail.com (Best way to communicate)DISCUSSION BOARD:NABLACKBOARD ADDRESS:NACLASS HOURS: Thursday 6PM to 9PM Starting August 26, 2010Ending December 16, 2010PREREQUISITES: None.A. TEXTBOOKOK(S) AND REQUIRED TOOLS OR SUPPLIES1) A modern language Bible – not a paraphrase2) Arnold, Bill T. & Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament (w/CD), 2 ndEdition. Grand Rapids, Michigan. Baker, 2008 ISBN: 978-0-8010-3170-0B. . COURSE DESCRIPTIONA survey of historical and literary aspects of the Hebrew Scriptures as found in the OldTestament, with emphasis on the development of religious ideas and monotheisticpractice, outstanding personalities and Judaic influences on modern-day Christianity.C. . METHOD OF INSTRUCTIONThe subject matter will be presented through audio/video recordings, movies, classdiscussion, class lecture and writing assignments. There will be no pop quizzes, testsnor exams. Always bring your textbook, your Bible and note paper to class.REL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 1

D. COURSE OBJECTIVES1. To lead the student to grasp the content of the Old Testament by focusing on thecontent of selected texts of the Old Testament.2. To encourage the student to gain a deeper appreciation of the historical,Messianic, monotheistic and literary natures of the Old Testament.3. To introduce the student to several Old Testament books.4. To familiarize the student with the historical chronology of Old Testament events.5. To create within the student the desire to do further study in the Old Testament.E. . COURSE TOPICS/UNITSIntroduction to the Old Testament1. What is the Old Testament and why study it?2. What, where and when did the events of the Old Testament take place?PART ONE – Encountering the Pentateuch1. Introduction to the Pentateuch – The Birth of God’s People2. Genesis 1-11 – The Prelude to Israel3. Genesis 12-50 – The Patriarchs: Ancestors of Israel’s Faith4. Exodus – A Miraculous Escape5. Leviticus – Instructions for Holy Living6. Numbers – Failure in the Desert7. Deuteronomy – Restoring the CovenantPART TWO – Encountering the Historical Books1. Introduction to the Historical Books – The History of Israel’s Nationhood2. Joshua – Conquest and Division3. Judges and Ruth – Israel’s Moral Crisis4. First and Second Samuel – God Grants a King / David’s Reign5. First and Second Kings – The Glory of Israel and the end of National Israel6. First and Second Chronicles – A Look Back7. Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther – A Time to RebuildPART THREE – Encountering the Poetical Books1. Introduction to the Poetical Books – The Literature of God’s People – Books ofPoetry and Wisdom2. Job – One Man’s Search For Justice3. Psalms – The Songbook of Ancient Israel4. Proverbs – Advice on Living in God’s World5. Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon – Israelite Faith in Everyday LifeREL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 2

PART FOUR – Encountering the Prophets1. Introduction to the Prophets – Voices of God’s Servants2. Isaiah 1-39 – Prophet of Judah’s Royal Court3. Isaiah 40-66 – Great Days Are Coming!4. Jeremiah 1-26 – Struggling With God’s Call5. Jeremiah 27-52 – Dealing With Disaster – Lamentations6. Ezekiel 1-24 – Rough Days Are Coming!7. Ezekiel 25-48 – God is Planning an Exciting Future!8. Daniel – The Kingdom of God – Now and ForeverF. . COURSE COMPETENCIESAt the end of this course the student should be able to:G. GRADING PLAN1. write the broad historical story line of the Old Testament2. state the general theme or purpose for each of the Old Testament books studied3. describe several outstanding personalities in Jewish history and theircontribution to Judaism4. understand the Messianic influences that contributed to the development ofChristianityKnowledge of all areas of the course material will be assessed by way of classparticipation, weekly written assignments and a term paper. A course letter grade willbe assigned on the following basis: A = 100 to 90; B = 89 to 80; C = 79 to 70; D = 69 to60; F = below 60.Participation 10%Weekly written assignments 50%Term Paper 40%Participation will be graded on the basis of the student’s involvement in the classdiscussions.In order for the student to receive full credit for weekly written assignments, thesemust be completed and turned in by the following class session.H. ATTENDANCE POLICYBecause the format of this class requires continual responses to assignments and topeers, attendance is absolutely necessary. If a student does miss a class, for whateverreason, the student is responsible for missed work. Personal responsibility shouldwarrant that assignments are handed in on time. In case of an extreme emergency (adeath in the immediate family, for example), talk to the instructor BEFORE THEABSENCE OCCURS. Depending on the assignment, an extension will be considered,but is not guaranteed.REL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 3

A student should withdraw from the course upon the third missedassignment.Note: December 10, 2010, is the last day to withdraw from this course.I. . COURSE CCOMPONENT SPECIFICSParticipation: A student’s participation in class discussions and small groupactivities will be evaluated on the basis of meaningful contributions to thediscussion or activity.Weekly Written Assignments: Written assignments will be required at thebeginning of each class period and will contribute, cumulatively, toward thefinal course grade.Term Paper: A term paper will be required on December 16 which will consist of fivesections. Instructions for its development will be presented and discussed inthe first class (August 26).Late policy: All written work is due by 6:00PM on the designated date. Personalresponsibility should warrant that assignments are handed in on time. Latepapers will not be accepted unless the student negotiates with the instructorBEFORE the due date—NEVER on the same day an assignment is due. Incase of an extreme emergency, talk to the instructor BEFORE THEABSENCE OCCURS. Depending on the assignment, an extension will beconsidered, but is not guaranteed.J. SERVICE LEARNING: NAI. . CLASSROOM RULES OF CONDUCTBeing a college student brings an expectation of sharing the classroom with adults whounderstand “reasonable behavior.” A student may be dropped from the course forbehavior that is considered “inappropriate” by the instructor. Behaviors that could beconsidered are such things as tardiness, excessive talking, sleeping, disrespect by astudent to the school, disrespect by a student to the teacher, and disrespect by astudent to other students. Cell phone usage (incoming or outgoing calls or textmessaging) during class is strictly forbidden.The student is expected to arrive on time for class. The classroom door willnot be locked for the late student but the instructor is not obligated to reiterate lecturematerial presented to accommodate tardiness.The instructor believes in promoting a student-centered classroom, and in creating anon-threatening space where students can learn and exchange ideas freely. In orderfor the discussions to work, the student must be ready to share ideas with classmatesand must be willing to consider other points of view. The student is permitted todisagree with any issue raised in this course. The only requirement is the showing ofrespect towards other people and their views, especially when the student disagreeswith them. The academic study of religion is a field that encourages open discourse,therefore the student may ask difficult questions.REL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 4

J. . ACADEMIC INTEGRITYAcademic dishonesty will result in no credit given for the particular assignment. It willalso subject the violator to additional obligations as a condition of remaining in theclass. Examples of academic dishonesty are the following: having someone else doyour work, copying someone else’s work and plagiarism in any form.K. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES1. Evacuation procedures (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)2. Location of First Aid Kit (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)3. Campus security: location, phone, hours (TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)4. Universal Precaution Kit (LOCATION – TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLASS)L. . MISCELLANEOUS• Attend class• Have the courage to try your best• Ask questions• Remember that your conviction and beliefs are important but no more importantthan others’• Use all of your resources to maximize your academic potentialSpecial Note: The Instructor reserves the right to change the course content/structure,policies, etc., at any time with appropriate prior notification to the students. This syllabus isnot intended to be a legal contract. Students are encouraged to clarify their understanding ofthis syllabus’ content by asking questions.REL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 5

Fall Semester 2010 - Dates To NoteAugust 23August 30September 3September 20September 21November 24-26December 6December 10Day and Night Classes BeginInstructor’s signature required for being added to classLast day to add a class with the Instructor’s signature20 th Day – last day to drop a class and receive a refundWithdrawals begin; no refund; “W” on transcriptThanksgiving Break – No ClassesWithdrawal requires Instructor’s signatureLast day for withdrawalsDecember 13-17 Final ExamsREL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 6

SIGNING THIS PAGE MEANS THAT YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR INSTRUCTOR’S POLICIES.SIGN THIS PAGE AND KEEP FOR YOUR RECORDS.COURSE TITLE:Old Testament Life HeritageCOURSE NUMBER: REL 1073CREDIT HOURS: 3INSTRUCTOR: Joseph E. GillespieOFFICE LOCATION:ON: Fort Scott Community College – Paola (Miami County) CampusOFFICE HOURS: None – Make appointmentOFFICE PHONE: 913-294-4178 (Leave a message)E-MAIL ADDRESS: joe.gillespie.fscc@gmail.comAFFIDAVITMy signature below indicates that I have read and understand this syllabus and havebeen given a copy of my own to keep.__________________________________________________________Student Signature____________________DateREL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 7

SIGNING THIS PAGE MEANS THAT YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR INSTRUCTOR’S POLICIES.SIGN THIS PAGE, DETACH FROM SYLLABUS, AND RETURN TO INSTRUCTOR.COURSE TITLE:Old Testament Life HeritageCOURSE NUMBER: REL 1073CREDIT HOURS: 3INSTRUCTOR: Joseph E. GillespieOFFICE LOCATION: Fort Scott Community College – Paola (Miami County) CampusOFFICE HOURS: None – Make appointmentOFFICE PHONE: 913-294-4178 (Leave a message)E-MAIL ADDRESS: joe.gillespie.fscc@gmail.comAFFIDAVITMy signature below indicates that I have read and understand this syllabus and havebeen given a copy of my own to keep.__________________________________________________________Student Signature____________________DateStudent E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________Student Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________Student ID Number: ___________________________________________________________________REL 1073 - SYLLABUS Page 8