Syllabus

Freshman Religion
2 semesters (year long course)
2 credits (1 credit per semester)
Open to freshmen
No prerequisites

Freshman Religion Syllabus for 2008-2009

Last update 08/21/08

Please check for updates and revisions of this syllabus.

This is revision a1 (08/21/08) [previous revision (none)]. Any changes/corrections different from the previous version will be noted in red.

Please understand that this class functions based on the material that is presented in this syllabus. Yet, there are always situations that arise and circumstances that develop which are not covered by this syllabus, so we allow our good judgment guided by God’s Word to aid us in those instances.

It is very important that you understand all that is stated in this syllabus. Be sure to read it on your own, outside of what we do in class, so that you will be able to function at your best in this class.

If you have any questions, please speak to your teacher.

The following is the table of contents for the Course Syllabus and contains active links to the various part of the syllabus.

Course Description

Reasons for Studying the Old Testament

Course Outcomes

Simulated Life Role Performances

Materials for Class

Old Testament Second Semester Project

Semester Final Exam

Prayer

Cheating Policy

Class Discipline Policy

Pride of Ownership

Food and Gum

Being on Time to Class

Extra Help for Students

Absence Policy

Cell Phones and other Electronic Devices

Dress Code

Things to Keep in Mind as You Strive for a Good Grade in this Class

Student Responsibilities in this class

School-Wide Expectations

In Case of an Emergency

Fire

Tornado

Medical

If You Need to Speak to Me

______________________________________________________________________

Course Description –

Both semesters of this course are devoted to the study of the Old Testament. The faith and the lives of the people, especially in their Covenant relationship with the LORD, are studied in order to provide you with a fuller and deeper understanding of your own relationship with God. Special emphasis is placed on the Messianic prophecies and their fulfillment in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reasons for Studying the Old Testament -

(4) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (5) May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, (6) so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(14) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, (15) and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (16) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Course Outcomes

1. Growing in the God-pleasing use of spiritual blessings by following the example of the Old Testament people of faith (Heb. 11), the student will express his/her faith and love in the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Growing in the recognition that there is in this world a chosen people of God who have special kingdom responsibilities, the student will share his/her faith in Jesus Christ with others through word and deed.

3. Sharing the firm conviction that the Old Testament Scripture is the inspired Word of God and still has important relevance for modern living, the student will demonstrate an understanding that the Word of God is both necessary and fruitful for our lives today.

4. Relying continually on God and His promises in every activity, trial, and temptation, the student will witness to others of the importance of God and His activity in his/her life and conclude that life is not at its fullest without God.

5. Developing a familiarity with the books of the Bible, the student will demonstrate an understanding as to the organization of the Old Testament.

6. Testifying to the ever present faithfulness of our God to not only keeping His part of the Covenant but going beyond it in order to save and help His people, the student will describe both the faithfulness and the unfaithfulness of the people of Israel in their relationship with the LORD.

7. Developing the necessary skills for the fruitful use of the Bible, the student will demonstrate interpretative skills through presentations and work in class on sections of Scripture.

8. Recognizing God's message of salvation in Christ Jesus as a "golden thread" woven through the entire Old Testament, the student will trace the promise of the Messiah from Genesis through Malachi.

9. Developing a familiarity with the geography of the Old Testament and the customs and cultures of the people of Old Testament times, the student will describe, compare, and contrast the life-styles and religious practices of the Israelites and their neighboring nations.

10. Developing an understanding of the people of the Old Testament, the student will testify to the power of God in the lives of the people that are recorded in Scripture.

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Simulated Life Role Performance

* Each student will employ and develop the necessary skills for a fruitful study of the Word of God through a planned presentation of a section of Scripture.

(Course Outcome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

* Each student will research, interpret, and apply Scripture to faith and life issues presented in class based on the material being studied for class and current events.

(Course Outcome 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10)

Sections of Study

Introduction to the Study of God's Word

The Creation (Genesis 1-2)

The Image Shattered - Disobedience and Salvation (Genesis 3-11)

The Patriarchal Age - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (Genesis 12-50)

The Exodus - God Sets His People Free (most of Exodus)

The Worship of the LORD (selections from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy)

The Journey through the Wilderness and the Conquest of the Promise Land (selections from Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua)

The Dark Ages of Israel (Judges and Ruth)

Samuel, Saul, and David (1&2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles)

The Divided Kingdom (1&2 Kings and 2 Chronicles)

Prophetic Books (Jonah, Joel, Amos, Hosea, Micah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel)

The Restoration (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi)

If there is time:

Wisdom Literature (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon)

Prophetic Books (Lamentations, Obadiah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah)

Religions / Cults (Islam and Judaism / Astrology)

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Materials for Class - These are the items that you will need to bring to class everyday.

1) - Bible

You will need to bring the New International Version (NIV) with you every time that this class meets.

Since we do considerable readings in class, using this translation of the Bible will help you in reading and understanding while not sacrificing the truth of God's Word. With all of the students having the same translation, there is less confusion among the students and a willingness to follow along with the readings. Using this translation will also aid you in doing your studies for class and in the memorization of specific Bible passages. It is your responsibility to obtain this particular translation.

2) - Religion Folder

You may choose any type of folder or portfolio that has three rings or clips in which to secure your papers.

Be sure to place your name (first and last names) on the front of your folder. This helps in identifying folders that have been misplaced.

Your folder should contain your handouts, quizzes, and class notes arranged in the proper sequence as described in class by your teacher (typically follow the page numbers for the handouts).

The teacher may check your folder at anytime throughout the year as an aid to you in the study of God's Word. Your folder may also be used as a part of your grade.

Having a folder that is in excellent condition will be of value to you in your daily studies, in preparation for quizzes and tests, and especially in preparation for the semester final exam. Students who do poorly in class most often have a folder in poor condition.

3) - Pens and/or Pencils

You will need to bring pens and/or pencils to class. Tests, quizzes, and semester final exams must be completed in pen (blue or black ink) or pencil.

4) - Student Planner

You will need to bring your Student Planner to class every day. In this planner, you will record information concerning assigned tasks, quizzes, tests, and projects. The planner is provided by the school to assist you in making preparations for your success. Your teacher will be checking the planner on a regular basis as part of your grade.

It is your responsibility to furnish the Bible, folder, and pens and/or pencils. The school provides the Student Planner. If you do not bring your materials, you are not prepared for the class and this shows a lack of effort, cooperation, and preparedness.

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Grading

It is not the purpose of this course to grade your faith, for this grading belongs in God's realm. Grading in this class is based on your productivity and performance as demonstrated through the following areas - tests, quizzes, PECP (participation, effort, cooperation, and preparedness), project (second semester), and semester final exam.

Each of the Progress Reports (4 in number - 2 per semester given at the conclusion of the first and second grading periods in the first semester and the fourth and fifth grading periods of the second semester) will provide the projected course grade based upon the current pace of productivity and quality of performance. This grade is based upon the averages of the tests, quizzes, and PECP of the units covered.

The Progress Report Grade is based on the following *

Progress Report - Tests - 67%, Quizzes - 11% , and PECP - 22%

The Semester Grade becomes the grade of record and is based on the following *

Tests - 60%, Quizzes - 10%, PECP - 20%, and Final Exam - 10%

* (These items are subject to change)

After a test, quiz, or final exam is graded, the percentage of correct responses is converted to a letter grade and then changed to a value (number) located on the right in both tables.

Tests and Final Exams

       100%
=
    A +
=
     0.1

92 - 99%
=
    A
=
       1

90 - 91%
=
    A -
=
       2

88 - 89%
=
    B +
=
       3

82 - 87%
=
    B
=
       4

80 - 81%
=
    B -
=
       5

77 - 79%
=
    C +
=
       6

68 - 76%
=
    C
=
       7

65 - 67%
=
    C -
=
       8

62 - 64%
=
    D +
=
       9

53 - 61%
=
    D
=
      10

50 - 52%
=
    D -
=
      11

     0 - 49%
=
    F
=
      13

Quizzes

100%
=
A +
=
0.1

90 - 99%
=
A
=
     1

80 - 89%
=
B
=
     4

65 - 79%
=
C
=
     7

50 - 64%
=
D
=
   10

    0 - 49%
=
F
=
   13

To compute your overall grade in a particular area:

1) Convert letter grades to values (numbers)

2) Add the values (numbers) of all of your items of the same kind

3) Divide this sum by the number of the items of that same kind

4) Follow this format for rounding: .51 and above, round up and .50 and below, round down

5) Convert from this number to the correct letter grade

Example:

Tests
1

2

3
4

Grades
A

C

B -
A - Total Divide Value Grade

Values
1

7
5 2 = 15 15 / 4 = 3.75 B

Using this information will allow you to keep track of your own grade throughout the school year. A grade sheet will be given to you at the beginning of each semester, so that you will be able to keep track of your grades. Formulas are provided on the sheet, so that you may also calculate your grade for the Progress Reports and Semester Grade.

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1) Tests

A test will be given as the conclusion of a unit. Since the test is the culminating activity of the unit and since you have properly prepared by studying, there is no retaking of the unit test.

There are approximately 12 tests over the entire school year. Review sheets are given at the beginning of each of the units and these serve as a guide in preparation for the tests. Tests must be completed in pen (blue or black ink) or pencil.

When the test is returned, there are two grades recorded on the test: the grade in red is the test grade and the grade in black that is circled is the PECP grade. Your test does not remain with you. Your teacher will collect the test and keep it on file.

2) Quizzes

After a section of the unit has been completed, you along with the class may take a quiz based on that material. The quiz will show if you have properly studied the material and understand it.

Quizzes are given in each of the first ten units. There are no quizzes in the last two units of the school year for the following reasons: 1) we are focusing on the Old Testament Project and 2) there are many conflicts with spring sports, vacations, and other school activities.

There are approximately 21 quizzes throughout the school year (two in each of the first ten units and the books of the Old Testament). Review sheets are given at the beginning of each of the units and these serve as a guide in preparation for the quizzes.

In class on the day of the quiz, the class will be given the opportunity to ask a few questions for clarification and then the quiz will be given. After the quiz is over, with pens and pencils removed, there is an oral grading of the quiz, so that you will be given immediate feedback as to the correct answers and grade of the quiz. Your teacher will then collect the quizzes and grade them. The quizzes are usually returned to the class by the next school day with the official grade and important markings.

Key for the markings on the quiz

Imp

=
Improve on this answer - make it the best

Inc

=
Incomplete answer - be sure to write a complete answer

Unc

=
Unclear as to what you are saying

X

=
Don't do that the next time

O

=
Something is wrong - take a closer look and correct

ID

=
Identify (usually a problem with a pronoun or no subject is present

If you are not satisfied with your quiz grade, you may take a retake quiz on that material. This retake quiz will be similar to the first, but not exactly the same and typically will be more demanding. This will enable you to fulfill your requirements for that section of the unit. The grade of the retake quiz, not the first quiz, will be entered into the grade book.

The retaking of a quiz does not occur during the class periods. Therefore, the only opportunities for the retaking of these quizzes will be before and after school. If you wish to retake a quiz, I am available in Room 406 before and after school except Monday mornings and most Thursday afternoons because of faculty responsibilities - any changes will be posted. You are allowed to retake only one quiz per retake opportunity. If you need to retake both quizzes in a unit, you will have to come in two different times. The retaking of the quizzes must take place before the test for that unit.

CORRECTIVES FOR D OR F QUIZZES:

If you have scored a grade of D or F on a quiz and wish to retake that quiz, you must do the following:

1. You have to fill out the review sheet for that quiz (the answers must be written on the review sheet).

2. Your first and last names must appear in the name blank in ink at the top of each page of the review sheet.

3. You must show the review sheet to your teacher for approval.

Only after you have done these three things will you be able to retake that quiz.

REQUIRED - If you have scored a grade of D or F on a quiz:

1. You must fill out the review sheet for the next quiz (the answers must be written on the review sheet).

2. Your first and last names must appear in the name blank in ink at the top of each page of the review sheet.

3. You must show the review sheet to your teacher for approval.

If you do not complete these steps before the next quiz, you may receive an academic referral.

These are the rules for retaking a quiz:

1. You came to retake a quiz; therefore, no studying. Do your preparation before you come to retake the quiz.

2. Do not bring your bags, books, coats, jackets, or other items to the room.

3. Do not bring food or drink into this room.

4. No talking or visiting

5. No noise

6. Sit where your teacher tells you to sit

7. When you have turned in your quiz, leave immediately

If you consistently do not pass the quizzes, your parents will be contacted to inform them of the situation and to make arrangements for some form of help, so that you will be able to have success in this course. The Office will also be informed of the situation. Additional work may be required on your part.

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3) PECP (Participation, Effort, Cooperation, Preparedness)

Your teacher has a unit-seating chart with him where he records your PECP. You are able to look at this chart before and after class. The following is the key to the marking on the unit-seating chart: