Theology 216 Syllabus

[Updated 8/26/06]

Evangel University, Fall 2006, M, W, F
THEO 216-1, 12:00 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. (AB II Room 309)
THEO 216-2, 1:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. (AB II Room 309)
Professor: Dr. Lois E. Olena

Evangel Policy regarding term papers and tests

Special Cases Policy for learning or physical disabilities. Generally my policy is that if you for any reason need some assistance with your work, testing or any other thing, please see me at any time during the semester to let me know how to assist you. I will make every effort to make your time in my classroom as productive as possible.

General Rules for paper writing.

Writing Tips.

General Scheme for essay grading.

Turnitin.com class IDs and passwords.

Course Description:

A survey of Christian theology, including a study of the “Statement of Fundamental Truths” of the Assemblies of God. Prerequisites: BIBL 111, 115, 116.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be:

  1. Conversant with the major doctrines of the Christian faith, and the biblical basis for them.

  2. Aware of the key historical developments in the formation of Christian doctrine, the important thinkers who shaped these developments, and how different expressions of Christian faith have resulted from these developments.

  3. Familiar with the history of the Assemblies of God as part of the modern Pentecostal movement, and with the distinctive doctrine of the Assemblies of God.

  4. Able to recognize and use the specialized language of theological study, both for personal profit and for exchange with others.

  5. Able to take initial steps toward applying knowledge of Christian doctrine to issues facing the church today.                  

Texts:

The Bible, in a modern translation

Badger, Steve and Mike Tenneson, Christian Perspectives on Origins. Springfield, Mo.: Evangel University, 2006.

Hanson, Bradley C. Introduction to Christian Theology. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997.

Palmer, Michael, ed. Elements of a Christian Worldview. Springfield, Mo.: Logion Press, 1998.

Readings for Introduction to Theology, 2006-2007

Course Requirements (PLEASE SEE COURSE CALENDAR):

  1. Class Attendance. You are allowed ten absences this term. You will be dropped from the class on the eleventh absence. Three tardies (coming in within the first ten minutes of class) are the equivalent of one absence.  Note that there are no “excused absences” at Evangel. If you have only one absence (or none at all) at the end of the term you will be given a bonus of 30 points. Otherwise, attendance will be considered when final grading occurs only if you are on the borderline between two grades. YOU are responsible to keep track of your absences.

  2. Readings and assignments are to be completed in accordance with the schedule. This aspect of the course as part of the learning experience cannot be overemphasized. The more students come to class having read the material, the more the class sessions can be devoted to discussion (rather than lecture). All written assignments are due at the beginning of class on the due date. You are responsible to know what has been assigned in class. “I was not here” is not an acceptable excuse for not having an assignment done. Late assignments will be accepted up to one class session late for half credit. After that, don’t ask. It’s about being responsible.

  3. Exams. There will be four exams, including the final. Exams will consist of a variety of types of questions, including short essay questions to help students synthesize materials taught in each unit. With the exception of the final, all exams will be unit exams covering only the material covered since the last exam. The final exam will include some material covered earlier in the term in addition to being a unit exam like the first three. Plan to take the final exam at the time scheduled. Please read carefully the attached contract between instructor and student, and note its stipulations regarding exams taken at other than the scheduled time.

Grading:

15% — Unit Exam
20% — Unit Exam 2 (“Midterm”)
15% — Unit Exam 3
20% — Unit Exam 4 (“Final”)
5% — Bonhoeffer Paper
25% — Major Paper and Components

Grading will be on the Evangel standard:

93-100% = A
90-92.9% = A-
87-89.9% = B+
83-86.9% = B
80-82.9% = B-
77-79.9% = C+
73-76.9% = C
70-72.9% = C-
67-69.9% = D+
63-66.9% = D
60-62.9% = D-
0-59.9% = F

Major paper and components:

There is one major written assignment. This paper must:

  1. Be eight pages long (i.e., approx. 3600 words) plus a title page, outline, and bibliography; double-spaced; and typed in Times 12 font. The paper must conform to Turabian format. (Follow this on-line guide for Turabian: http://www.libs.uga.edu/ref/turabian.html).

  2. Examine a Christian doctrine as it relates to a contemporary issue or to your chosen career path. Professor must approve topic. What I am after is this: how does holding a Christian worldview influence how you think and how you interact with others? How does your belief in the biblical doctrines affect how you motivate subordinates in a business, or how you discipline second graders, or how you market a product?

  3. Reflect thoughtful consideration of pertinent biblical passages.

  4. Have a bibliography of at least 7 sources written since 1980. At least one of these three sources must have as its primary focus how Christian faith addresses your field of study (e.g., biology, computer science). Only one of these sources may be from the Internet.

  5.  Revised by you as a result of a session at the Write Place before the draft is submitted on October 27. Final paper must be submitted both in hard copy and to turnitin.com. (Do not submit your draft to turnitin.com.) Due dates:

Sep 15

Topic (see Downloads page for topic ideas!)

Oct 27

First draft (at least 4 pgs.)

Sep 25

• Annotated Sources (at least 4)

• Thesis

Nov 27

Final paper

Oct 16

Outline

 

 

NOTE: The paper will be judged based on the six C’s of good writing: Clarity, Coherence, Cogency, Conformity, Content, and Creativity.  Further explanations of terms and ideas regarding methodology and procedures will be given during class.

Bonhoeffer Response Paper

A shorter written assignment (2-pg. typed, double spaced) in response to two Bonhoeffer events (see calendar, 9/27 & 9/29) will be due October 2. Submit to Turnitin.com.

Turnitin.com

You will need the following class ID and password to submit items to turnitin.com:

Addendum:

If you have any questions about any of this syllabus or any of the course requirements, please email me. You are responsible for everything in this syllabus and if you fail to hand in an assignment, you are still responsible for it and will be graded without it. I may remind you the assignment is due, but am not obligated to. I will also direct you to this syllabus if the answer you seek is in it.

If you are having trouble in class, please see me, email me or call me. I am more likely to be generous to you if we have a relationship of some kind. If you sneak into class late, leave early, never say anything in class or out of it, show no interest in the material, etc., there are few options to me when it comes to grading your work. I will be as fair as humanly possible, but if I don't know you, all I will have is the work you give (or don't give) me.

I am convinced that the effort required to master the material is a very humanizing process. We depend on each other for this conversation to be productive. Fostering relationships with fellow students and professors will be to our mutual advantage.

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