Wayland Baptist University – San Antonio Religion 1301 – Old Testament History Summer 2008 Class Syllabus Dr. Steven Spivey, Instructor [email protected] Course Description: A survey of the First Testament/Hebrew Bible, with special attention 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 scriptures 2. Trace the primary outline of Israel’s history 3. Identify and describe the major covenants established between God and Israel 4. Identify the key religious and political developments presented in the texts 5. Recognize and begin to comprehend the major ideas of the Hebrew prophets and sages as expressed in the prophetic writings and wisdom literature of the Hebrew scriptures Textbook: The Learning Bible (NIV) – American Bible Society (2003) Course Requirements: 1. Attendance: Wayland’s attendance policy will be followed. Students who miss more than 25% of scheduled class sessions automatically fail the course. At Wayland San Antonio, this means that three absences result in a failing grade. The policy does not distinguish between causes for a student’s absence. Experience shows that students cannot miss this class often and expect to comprehend the material or perform well on exams. Attendance and participation are a part of the educational commitment made when a student enrolls. 2. This syllabus contains a course schedule with required reading assignments. These readings are to be completed prior to class sessions, so that a student may have a better comprehension of the materials presented by the instructor. 3. Four examinations will be given during the course, with each exam comprising 25% of the student’s grade. Questions will be objective in nature, and based upon readings, handouts, and class presentations. The first three exams will be non-comprehensive, with the fourth exam containing both material covered after the third exam and material from the first three exams. The university grade scale will be used. Review materials will be available by e-mail request approximately five days before the exam date. Make-up exams are given at the discretion of the instructor, and are affected by the reason for the student’s absence. Apost-test requested by the University will be given following the fourth exam. Instructions will be provided by the instructor. 4. Extra Credit Option: A student may prepare an essay of 5-7 pages in response to one of the questions/topics listed below. The grade will be based on these elements: organization, logical argumentation, clarity, supporting evidence, and originality of thought. Any supporting evidence cited must be documented, with proper credit given. The grade received for this essay will replace the student’s lowest exam grade. The due date for this exam is noted in the course schedule, and late papers will not be accepted for any reason, no matter how regrettable the excuse. A student is limited to one extra credit essay per course. Essays may be written on one 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 answer or position is correct. 5. The student’s grade for the course will be the average of the four exam scores, or the average derived from the three highest test scores and the extra 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 = F 6. Miscellaneous: Students in survey courses always demonstrate a wide range of knowledge and experiences. Accordingly, the student is encouraged to ask questions or for clarification whenever necessary. If needed, the student is permitted to tape lectures for private use only. Students should consider establishing relationships with each other so that review groups may be formed or so that coverage may be provided for material missed due to absences. Do not hesitate to e-mail the instructor as needed. 7. It is university policy that no otherwise qualified disabled person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the University. Students should inform the instructor of existing disabilities the first class meeting.Major Units of Study I. Old Testament Backgrounds and the “Primeval History” II. The Stories of Israel’s Ancestors III. The Exodus and the Covenant at Sinai IV. The Conquest of Palestine and the Tribal League V. The United Monarchy VI. The Divided Monarchy VII. Exile and Restoration VIII. The Writings Course Schedule and Reading Assignments May 27/29 Old Testament Background and the Primeval History For next class, read Genesis 1-18, 21-33, 37-50 and Exodus 1-17 Introductory Materials (pp. 9-36), The Ancient World: Peoples, Powers and Politics (pp. 919-923), Abraham (p. 2254), Ancient Flood 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. Sinai For next week, read Exodus 19-20, 32-34 and Leviticus 1-7, 16, 23 Ark of the Covenant (p. 513), Tabernacle (p. 2346), Sacrifices and Offerings (p. 219), People of the Law: The Religion of Israel (pp. 939-947) June 17/19 EXAMINATION #1 (first hour) The Sinai Covenant For 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 Joshua to the Exile (pp. 924-930) June 24/26 From Sinai to Saul For 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 Rehoboam For next week, read 1st Kings 1-22 and 2nd Kings 9-10, 15-17, Assyria (p. 711)July 8/10 EXAMINATION #2 (first hour) History of the Northern