In REL 150, we’ll explore the literature of the New Testament. In particular, we’ll try to get a handle on the history, literature, and faith associated with the beginnings of the Christian era and see how those things are relevant today.

COURSE AIMS

Here are some things the REL department hopes you gain from this class:

1. An understanding of the various writings of the New Testament in terms of their respective literary genres, historical contexts, and theological themes.
2. Familiarity with biblical scholarship dealing with the literary and historical study of the New Testament.
3. An understanding of the development of the text and canon of the New Testament.
4. An understanding of the origins and development of Christianity within the context of the first-century world as reflected in the New Testament.
5. An understanding of the major events in the life of Jesus and their significance as reflected in the New Testament.
6. An understanding of the teachings of and about Jesus found in the New Testament.
7. An appreciation for the role of the New Testament in the development of Christian faith and its impact on western civilization.

REQUIRED TEXTS

New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, 4th ed. (NRSV), college ed. (Oxford University Press, 2001).

Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, ed. Watson E. Mills, et al. (Mercer University Press, 1990).

GRADING CRITERIA

Course grades will be assessed based on the following assignments:

Quizzes (100 points). There will be at least thirteen daily quizzes, which won’t be announced in advance. All the questions will come from the day’s assigned readings and the previous day’s discussion.

The good news is that only your top ten scores will count. The bad news is that there will be no make-up quizzes. At all. Period.

Fishbowl (200 points). You’ll need to pick one of the following group activities. A sign-up sheet will go around the first couple weeks of class.

(1) Fishbowl 1. A Fishbowl is an unscripted conversation with some of your classmates, with a little bit of guidance from the professor as needed. The point is for the class to “overhear” your discussion and learn from it. The first Fishbowl will be on the topic of the Sermon on the Mount. Be sure to read the assigned readings very carefully and come prepared to share your questions and observations.

(2) Fishbowl 2. Same as above, but the topic will be the Parables.

(3) Fishbowl 3. Same as above, but the topic will be Spiritual Gifts.

Optional Paper (200 points). Terrified of speaking in front of the class? No problem! You can choose to write a paper instead. Most students should plan to write a character study of some New Testament character such as Mary Magdalene or Peter. If you’d like to do something more creative, just let me know.

Papers should be 5–7 pages long, double spaced, and cite at least three additional sources besides MDOB. Papers are due on the date of the third Fishbowl (see schedule). See <https://pursiful.com/2008/12/better-writing-requires-focus/> for help with writing better papers for this and every other class at Mercer University!

Exams (2 x 200 points). There will be two exams. The dates are on the syllabus. If you miss an exam, you’re probably in deep trouble, but I might be persuaded to give you a make-up in cases of dire family emergency or other catastrophic events.

Final Exam (300 points). There will be a comprehensive final exam at the end of the course. If you’re a graduating senior and you’re satisfied with your class average to that point, I’ll let you waive the final. Just please let me know that this is what you’re planning to do at least a week in advance!

There will be no provision for a make-up final exam.

Using higher math (which we always do at Mercer University), that gives you a possible 1000 points for the course. Your grade will be determined accordingly:

If you’re concerned about your grade and would like some guidance on how best to proceed, please come see me.

CONDUCT

The College’s academic misconduct policy (Honor Code) will be followed.

ATTENDANCE

You’re an adult. You can decide for yourself whether come to class or kiss it off. Be advised, however, that quizzes and exams are largely based on class discussions. Poor attendance is usually its own reward. In any event, if you miss eight or more class sessions (>25%), you’ll be awarded a grade of F for the course.

CLASS POLICY ON CELL PHONES AND PAGERS

Please turn off your phone or at least set it to vibrate. This is just common courtesy for your classmates and your teacher. If you must take a call during class, quietly collect your things and exit the classroom. We’ll see you next time.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STATEMENT

If you have any sort of disability that may hinder your success in this course, please visit Ms. Johnson at Disability Services and come talk with me privately about what sort of accommodation you’ll need.

And now, behold! The Mercer University ADA Statement!

Students requiring accommodations for a disability should inform the instructor at the close of the first class meeting or as soon as possible. The instructor will refer you to the ACCESS and Accommodation Office to document your disability, determine eligibility for accommodations under the ADAAA/Section 504 and to request a Faculty Accommodation Form. Disability accommodations or status will not be indicated on academic transcripts. In order to receive accommodations in a class, students with sensory, learning, psychological, physical or medical disabilities must provide their instructor with a Faculty Accommodation Form to sign. Students must return the signed form to the ACCESS Coordinator. A new form must be requested each semester. Students with a history of a disability, perceived as having a disability or with a current disability who do not wish to use academic accommodations are also strongly encouraged to register with the ACCESS and Accommodation Office and request a Faculty Accommodation Form each semester. For further information, please contact Katie Johnson, Director and ADA/504 Coordinator, at 301-2778 or visit the ACCESS and Accommodation Office website at <http://www.mercer.edu/disabilityservices>.

SCHEDULE OF READINGS, ASSIGNMENTS, AND EXAMS

Read the assigned passages before you come to class that day.