Wayland Baptist University – San AntonioReligion 1301 – Old Testament HistorySummer 2008 Class SyllabusDr. Steven Spivey, [email protected] Description: A survey of the First Testament/Hebrew Bible, with specialattention to the institutions, religion, and national life of the Hebrew people.Outcomes: By the end of the course, the attentive student should be able to:1. Understand the basic organization of the Hebrew scriptures2. Trace the primary outline of Israel’s history3. Identify and describe the major covenants established between Godand Israel4. Identify the key religious and political developments presented in thetexts5. Recognize and begin to comprehend the major ideas of the Hebrewprophets and sages as expressed in the prophetic writings and wisdomliterature of the Hebrew scripturesTextbook: The Learning Bible (NIV) – American Bible Society (2003)Course Requirements:1. Attendance: Wayland’s attendance policy will be followed. Students whomiss more than 25% of scheduled class sessions automatically fail thecourse. At Wayland San Antonio, this means that three absences result ina failing grade. The policy does not distinguish between causes for astudent’s absence. Experience shows that students cannot miss thisclass often and expect to comprehend the material or perform well onexams. Attendance and participation are a part of the educationalcommitment made when a student enrolls.2. This syllabus contains a course schedule with required readingassignments. These readings are to be completed prior to class sessions,so that a student may have a better comprehension of the materialspresented by the instructor.3. Four examinations will be given during the course, with each examcomprising 25% of the student’s grade. Questions will be objective innature, and based upon readings, handouts, and class presentations. Thefirst three exams will be non-comprehensive, with the fourth examcontaining both material covered after the third exam and material fromthe first three exams. The university grade scale will be used. Reviewmaterials will be available by e-mail request approximately five daysbefore the exam date. Make-up exams are given at the discretion of theinstructor, and are affected by the reason for the student’s absence. Apost-test requested by the University will be given following the fourthexam. Instructions will be provided by the instructor.4. Extra Credit Option: A student may prepare an essay of 5-7 pages inresponse to one of the questions/topics listed below. The grade will bebased on these elements: organization, logical argumentation, clarity,supporting evidence, and originality of thought. Any supporting evidencecited must be documented, with proper credit given. The grade receivedfor this essay will replace the student’s lowest exam grade. The due datefor this exam is noted in the course schedule, and late papers will not beaccepted for any reason, no matter how regrettable the excuse. A studentis limited to one extra credit essay per course. Essays may be written onone of the following:A. Why did Israel wage a “holy war” when entering Canaan?B. Why is David the “Model King” for Israel?C. Evaluate Solomon – was he faithful or unfaithful?D. Does Job deserve his reputation for patience?E. Were Ezra and Nehemiah’s reform priorities straight?F. Were Jeremiah’s complaints to God justified?With all these essays I will expect the student to explain why their answeror position is correct.5. The student’s grade for the course will be the average of the four examscores, or the average derived from the three highest test scores and theextra credit essay. The WBU grade scale will be used, which is: 100 – 90 = A 89 – 80 = B 79 – 70 = C 69 – 60 = D Below 60 = F6. Miscellaneous: Students in survey courses always demonstrate a widerange of knowledge and experiences. Accordingly, the student isencouraged to ask questions or for clarification whenever necessary. Ifneeded, the student is permitted to tape lectures for private use only.Students should consider establishing relationships with each other sothat review groups may be formed or so that coverage may be providedfor material missed due to absences. Do not hesitate to e-mail theinstructor as needed.7. It is university policy that no otherwise qualified disabled person beexcluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject todiscrimination under any educational program or activity in the University.Students should inform the instructor of existing disabilities the first classmeeting.Major Units of StudyI. Old Testament Backgrounds and the “Primeval History”II. The Stories of Israel’s AncestorsIII. The Exodus and the Covenant at SinaiIV. The Conquest of Palestine and the Tribal LeagueV. The United MonarchyVI. The Divided MonarchyVII. Exile and RestorationVIII. The WritingsCourse Schedule and Reading AssignmentsMay 27/29 Old Testament Background and the Primeval HistoryFor next class, read Genesis 1-18, 21-33, 37-50 and Exodus 1-17Introductory Materials (pp. 9-36), The Ancient World: Peoples, Powers and Politics (pp. 919-923), Abraham (p. 2254), AncientFlood Story (p. 49), Birthright (p. 80), Jacob’s Children (p. 99),Covenant (p. 386), LORD (p. 140), Pharaoh (pp. 110-111), Disasters (p. 151)June 3/5 Class will not meet. Instructor out of town.June 10/12 From Abraham to Mt. SinaiFor next week, read Exodus 19-20, 32-34 and Leviticus 1-7, 16, 23Ark of the Covenant (p. 513), Tabernacle (p. 2346), Sacrifices andOfferings (p. 219), People of the Law: The Religion of Israel(pp. 939-947)June 17/19 EXAMINATION #1 (first hour)The Sinai CovenantFor next week, read Numbers 9-14, 20-21, 32-33, Joshua 1-8, 22-24, and Judges 1-4, Israel on the March (p. 288), Holy War(p. 306), Canaanite Gods and Goddesses (p. 469), From Joshuato the Exile (pp. 924-930)June 24/26 From Sinai to SaulFor the next class, read 1st Samuel 1-8, 13-18, 24-28, 31 and 2nd Samuel 2-7, 9-19, Kingship in Israel (p. 650)July 1/3 From David to RehoboamFor next week, read 1st Kings 1-22 and 2nd Kings 9-10, 15-17,Assyria (p. 711)July 8/10