Sophomore Religion
Course Syllabus
Mr. Fischer MLHS 2008-2009
“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you” Matthew 7:7
Course Description
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the time from Nehemiah to the Christ are the focus, with the emphasis on the life of Jesus found in the Gospels. Also to be included will be a study of the early church as found in the book of Acts.
Reasons for Studying the Gospels:
Romans 15:4-6 "For everything that was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives you endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ."
John 20:31 "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name."
Course Objectives
Through your study this year, you will:
· See that God's Word is strengthened in your life.
· See the power of the Gospel from the early church to the Church of today.
· Learn about the life of Jesus Christ, his mission and ministry, as written by the Gospel writers.
· Identify and develop areas of your own Christian life, including Bible Study, prayer and worship life.
· Renew your commitment to your Savior and to each other as members in the body of Christ.
· Develop necessary skills for a fruitful study of the Word or God.
· Apply a scriptural perspective on contemporary issues and problems.
Materials Needed
· Text – You will need a NIV (New International Version) with you each time the class meets. It is your responsibility to obtain this particular translation and keep it in good condition. Concordia Study Bible or equivalent.
· Blue or Black ink pens/or pencils
· Paper – loose leaf is preferred
· Notebook – will be used for notes and assignments
· Three-ring binder: this binder is an important study tool that MUST be brought to all classes. All materials should be clearly dated and kept in chronological order. Materials to be included: Lecture and class notes, worksheets, handouts, and all homework assignments.
Grades
It is not the purpose of this course to grade your faith. It is possible; however, to evaluate your understanding of material covered and the effort given.
· Participation=10%
· Homework=25%
· Quizzes=10%
· Projects=10%
· Tests=30%
· Final Exam=15%
*There will be NO extra credit in this class.
Grading Scale:
95-100% A
93-94% A-
91-92% B
87-90% B
85-86% B-
83-84% C
79-82% C
77-78% C-
75-76% D
72-74% D
70-71% D-
Below 70% F
Tests
1. Tests will be objective with some essay questions.
2. If you miss a test during the semester, an alternative test must be taken within one
week of returning to school.
3. If you missed a test or quiz because you were absent, you will be given one day for
each day absent. If not a “0” will be given for the missed test/quiz.
4. Field trip absences do NOT excuse a student from taking the test/quiz on the day the
student comes back.
5. Retakes may be taken on quizzes only. They are to be taken at a time agreed upon by
the teacher and student. You need to complete any “corrective work” before you are
able to take a different quiz. The quizzes need to be retaken before the Chapter
Test date. The quiz grades will be averaged together.
Projects
1. Each student will complete two projects during the first semester.
2. The first project will entail researching an ancient city or structure discussed in
the Gospels (a separate handout will give more information on both projects) and
either writing a report or creating it. Due October 28th
3. The second project will involve doing an exegetical study of a Bible verse(s) and
writing a report on it. Due December 15th
4. Each project will account for 5% of your semester grade.
Homework
1. Homework is due at the beginning of class to receive full credit.
2. Late assignments may be turned in before a chapter is completed for half
credit.
3. If getting work done becomes a problem the teacher can use the school Academic
Action Plan to help the student improve.
4. If you are absent for any reason you must still turn in your work or make up the
assignment. You will be given one day for each day absent. If it is still late it will be ½
off.
5. All assignments will be posted on Mr. Fischer's Sophomore Religion web page under
"assignments".
Participation
1. You are expected to be prompt to class and in your seat before the bell rings.
2. Bring all appropriate materials to class (book, 3 ring binder, paper, pen, homework).
3. Show evidence that you have read the assignments.
4. Participate in class discussions to help clarify the materials.
5. Work with classmates to help generate new ideas and stimulate learning.
Final Exam
At the end of the semester there will be a cumulative final exam worth 15% of your final grade.
Absence Policy
1. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and make it
up. You will have one week.
2. If you know that you will be absent, get assignments before the anticipated absence.
3. Work will not be made up if a student deliberately cuts class.
Attendance Policy
1. If you are not in your seat when the bell rings you are considered tardy.
2. THREE TARDIES per unit will lower your grade by 5%.
3. THREE UNEXCUSED ABSENCES per unit will lower your grade 10%.
Cheating
If a student is found cheating on any test, quiz, project or assignment the result will be a “0” given for the work. The student will then go to the Dean of Students where the Academic Integrity Policy will be enacted.
Extra Help
1. I will be available before school at 7:30 (Tues-Fri) and after school on most days until 4:00 unless coaching.
2. IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES, PLEASE SEE ME.
Contact Info:
Off periods – 1st Semester – 2 & 4
2nd Semester – 2 & 7
Email-
School Phone – 414-461-6000 ext 265
Room Number- 204
Class Expectations:
1. Treat people with dignity and respect
2. Care about others
3. Follow policies and procedures
4. Be on time and ready for class
5. Perform to the best of your ability
6. Save eating & drinking for the cafeteria (except for water)
Emergency Rules:
Fire – Use Southwest Doors
Tornado – Walk quietly to freshmen hallway
Medical – inform teacher first, go to office
Course Topics:
1st Semester
1. Why focus on the life of Christ?
2. Synoptic Gospels
3. History of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
4. O.T. Prophetic verses
5. Birth and early years of Christ
6. John the Baptist
7. Jesus’ baptism and temptation
8. Jesus early ministries in Galilee
9. The Sermon on the Mount
10. The miracles of Christ
The Instructor reserves the right to alter topics at any time.
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
August 25th-29th
Monday: Orientation
Tuesday: Class Introduction
Wednesday: Finish Syllabus, Discussion on the importance of studying the life of Christ, work on essay-75 words (due tomorrow), sign up for devotions
Thursday: read essays in class, discuss Synoptic Gospels
Friday: Finish discussion on Synoptic Gospels, begin notes on Matthew
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
September 1st-5th
Monday: No School- Labor Day
Tuesday: Devotion (Chris), continue discussing O.T. Messianic verses
Wednesday: Devotion (Rebecca), finish discuss O.T. Messianic verses, begin discussing Synoptic Gospels
Thursday: Devotion (Liz), discussion of Synoptic Gospels, essay on the Authenticity of Scripture (75 words) due on Friday
Friday: Devotion (Alexis), collect essays, finish discussion of Synoptic Gospels, begin notes on Matthew
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
September 8th-12th
Monday: Devotion (Arvante), notes on Luke, essay on the Importance of the Authenticity of Scripture (75 words-due tomorrow)
Tuesday: Devotion (Garrett), collect essays, partner quiz on Matthew, Mark and Luke, read Matthew 1:1-17
Wednesday: Devotion (John), read Luke 1:1-4 and 3:23-38, begin taking notes on reading
Thursday: Devotion (Drida), finish notes from yesterday’s reading, go over syllabus for first project
Friday: Devotion (Dominique), read Luke 1:39-80, notes on reading, quiz on reading for Monday
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
September 15th-19th
Monday: Devotion (Alex), read Luke 1:39-80, notes on reading
Tuesday: I’ll be gone at Cross Country Meet- Devotion (Andrew), essay on homosexuality (100 words)-include two Bible verses in your opinionà due on Wednesday
Wednesday: Devotion (Kristina), collect and discuss essays, finish notes from Monday(?)
Thursday: Devotion (Venea), read Matthew 1:18-2:23, notes on reading
Friday: Devotion (Alex), read Luke 2:1-20, notes on reading
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
September 22nd-26th
Monday: Devotion (Reggie), group work on tomorrow’s skit
Tuesday: Devotion (Zach), group skits on Jesus’ baptism and temptation
Wednesday: Devotion (Tyler), finish skits, read Luke 4:13-40 in class, worksheet on reading (due tomorrow)
Thursday: Devotion (Chris), collect and go over worksheet in class, read Luke 2:21-52
Friday: Devotion (Melissa), quiz on the books of the New Testament, begin reading “the calling of the 1st disciples”
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
September 29th-October 3rd
Monday: Devotion (Ramona), finish reading 2:21-52, begin reading “The Calling of the First Disciples”
Tuesday: Devotion (Brittany), finish reading and discussing “the Calling of the First Disciples” essay on “their ability to be called like the disciples were (75 words)-due tomorrow
Wednesday: Devotion (Myles), collect essays, begin reading The Beatitudes/Sermon on the Mount
Thursday: Devotion (Sam), read and discuss Mt. 5:21-37
Friday: Devotion (Marissa), read and discuss Mt. 5:38-6:1-4
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
October 6th-10th
Monday: Student Devotions (Taj), read and discuss Mt. 5:43-48, Mt. 6:1-4, Mt. 6:5-15, essay (75 words) on “do you give to the needy or church? Why or why not?” (due tomorrow)
Tuesday: Student Devotions (Alex), collect essays, read and discuss Lk. 11:1-13, Mt. 6:16-18, Mt. 6:19-24, Lk. 11:33-36
Wednesday: Student Devotions (Marissa), complete worksheet on the following readings: Mt. 6:25-34, Lk. 12:22-34, Mt. 7:1-6, Lk. 6: 37-42, Mt. 7:7-11 and Lk. 11: 9-13
Thursday: Student Devotions (Dominique), collect worksheets, read and discuss Mt. 7:13-14, Mt. 7:15-23, Lk. 6: 43-45, Mt. 7:24-29, Lk 6: 46-49
Friday: No school: Student Help Day
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
October 13th-17th
Monday: Student Devotions (Mellissa), sign up for devotions, partner quiz on reading from the other day
Tuesday: Student Devotions (Anatoly), read and discuss Mt.7:13-29 and Luke 6:43-49
Wednesday: All School Testing Day
Thursday: Student Devotions (Brittany), Review for tomorrow’s test on Sermon on the Mount
Friday: Student Devotions (Venea), Test on the Sermon on the Mount Remember project is due Tuesday October 28th
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
October 20th-24th
Monday: Student Devotions (Garrett), hand back and discuss tests, read and discuss the problems between Jesus and the Pharisees and Saducees
Tuesday: Student Devotions (Lexie), change desk arrangements, read and discuss ”Jesus sending out the 12 Disciples”
Wednesday: Student Devotions (Liz), continue discussing of “Jesus sending out the 12”
Thursday: Student Devotions (Chris), begin discussing “the miracles of Christ”, essay on “would your faith change if you saw a miracle take place?” (100 words-due tomorrow)
Friday: Student Devotions (Dominique), collect and discuss essays, continue reading and discussion of “the miracles of Christ” *Remember project is due Tuesday October 28th
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
October 27th-31st
Monday: Student Devotions (Myles), continue reading and discussing the miracles of Jesus
Tuesday: Student Devotions (John), continue reading and discussing the miracles of Jesus
Wednesday: Student Devotions (Megan), continue reading and discussing the miracles of Jesus
Thursday: Student Devotions (Andrew), continue reading and discussing the miracles of Jesus
Friday: Student Devotions (Reggie), continue reading and discussing the miracles of Jesus, begin reviewing for Tuesday’s test on the miracles of Jesus *Review on Monday, Test on Tuesday
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
November 3rd-7th
Monday: Student Devotions (Arvontae), finish watching movie on demon possession and class discussion
Tuesday: Student Devotions (Rebecca), Test on the miracles of Jesus
Wednesday: No School-Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday: No School-Teacher Conferences
Friday: No School-Teacher Conferences
Sophomore Religion (8th hour)
November 10th-14th
Monday: Student Devotions (Ramona), continue discussing the miracles of Christ
Tuesday: Student Devotions (Nick), Jesus’ miracles
Wednesday: Student Devotions (Alexis), Jesus’ miracles
Thursday: Student Devotions (Alex R.), Jesus’ miracles, essay on Christianity and politics (100 words-due tomorrow)
Friday: Student Devotions (Marissa), Jesus’ miracles, collect essays, handout and discuss the syllabus for the next project
Sophomore Religion
1st Semester Project
Mr. Fischer 2008-09
Introduction
The life and journey of Jesus in the New Testament helps us to understand and remember all of His actions, teachings and miracles. It tells us of His death and resurrection so we know that we have eternal life through Him. God’s grace is universal for all, and the New Testament shows us our Savior and need for Jesus Christ in our lives. We all are sinners and fall short- our belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection and knowing He is our Savior helps us to know that we have eternal life through Him in Heaven.
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to help the students realize the importance of the many cities and landmarks that Jesus and the 12 disciples traveled through, taught in and performed miracles. The students will be shown the difficulties and dangers faced by Jesus and the disciples in the numerous cities they went through. The students will become familiar with the important actions and teachings that took place in their particular city/geographical location. The students will have a better understanding of what occurred during the time of the New Testament and the results actions in the city- both immediate and long-term. Lastly, the students will have a better appreciation for what Jesus did for them and recognize the great sacrifice He made for all of us on the cross.
The Paper: 100 points
2-4 pages with at least 4 content resources used – 70 points
-discuss the importance and history of the city/location
-explain what New Testament events took place there
-describe what new things you learned from this project
-share how this project has helped your understanding of Scripture and geography of ancient Israel and surrounding areas
-Done in 12-point font
-Times New Roman or Arial
Double Spaced MLA Style of Referencing, Spelling/Punctuation – 20 points
In-text Citations are required
-5 references – 10 points
Only 2 online sources (need to be .gov, .org, .edu).
DO NOT USE Wikipedia.org. This is a source that should not be in a research paper.
TOTAL POINTS = 100- 10% of Semester Grade
DUE DATE – All Papers will be due October 28th, 2008
OR BUILD IT
Cities/Locations to choose
· Jerusalem
· Gaza
· Joppa
· Tarsus
· Antioch
· Damascus
· Tyre
· Sidon
· Capernum
· Bethlehem
· Lydda
· Caesarea
· Emmaus
· Sychar
· Jordan River
· Caesarea-Philippi
· Bethany
· Jericho
· Nain
· Mt. of Olives
· Sea of Galilee
· Nazareth
· Tiberias
· Bethsaida
· Cana