Instructor: Daniel W. Skubik, PhD JD
Voice: 909.343.4288 / Fax: 909.343.4437
E-Mail: skubik@ibm.net
This course provides a general survey of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures and writings, with special emphasis on the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. Overview is required for degree completion in all Evening College programs.
Required Texts
Any modern, critical translation of the Scriptures is acceptable (e.g. NASB, NIV, RSV, NRSV). A study bible (e.g. the New Oxford or New Jerusalem bibles) that incorporates one of the modern, critical translations is strongly recommended.
Web pages, handouts and library reserve readings will be referenced throughout the term, contents of which you also will be responsible.
Sep 8 |
Introduction to course and survey of the Scriptures. Handouts on compilation of texts, and discussion of canonization and translation of the Bible |
Sep 15 |
Origins. Read Genesis, chapters 1-50, plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of competing origins stories. |
Sep 22 |
Torah and Law. Read Exodus 1-20; and Deuteronomy 1-11; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of ancient community life. Note: Sep 21 = Tishri 1 & Rosh Ha-Shana in Jewish calendar; also Feast Day in the Christian (Roman Catholic) calendar for St. Matthew, the Apostle |
Sep 29 |
Early tribal life in new land. Read Joshua 1-10; Judges 1-3, 19-21; I Samuel 1-16; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of anarchic civil life. Note: Sep 30 = Tishri 10 & Yom Kippur; Feast Day for St. Jerome, translator of the Vulgate |
Oct 6 |
Kings of Israel. Read II Samuel 1-8; I Kings 1-12; II Kings 14-25; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of establishment and dissolution of the kingdom(s) and exile of the people. Note: Oct 5-13 = Tishri 15-23 & Sukkot |
Oct 13 |
Prophets of Israel. Read Isaiah 1-8, 40-53; Jeremiah 1-7, 18-20; 29-31; Haggai 1; Jonah 1-4; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of role of prophets before and after exile of the people; discussion of rebuilding in the land during intertestamental period. |
Oct 20 |
Hebrew Writings. Read Psalms 1, 19, 24, 37, 48, 81, 82, 92, 93, 94, 119, 150; Job 1-7, 38-42; Proverbs 1-9; Ecclesiastes 1-12; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of wisdom and anti-wisdom traditions. Note: Oct 18 = Feast Day of St. Luke, the Evangelist and companion of St. Paul |
Oct 27 |
Gospels. Read Gospels of Mark 1-16; Matthew 1-5; Luke 1-6; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion concerning synoptics and of gospel as new literary genre. Note: Oct 28 = Feast Day of Sts. Simon, the Apostle, & Jude, brother of James |
Nov 3 |
Apostolic Letters. Read Acts 1-9 and 15; Galations 1-6; I Thessalonians 1-5; Philemon 1; James 1-5; Romans 1-5; I Peter 1-5; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of life in the early churches as Christianity spread. |
Nov 10 |
Revelation and the early church. Read Gospel of John 1-11; I John 1-5; Jude 1; Revelation 1-5; plus library reserve reading (tba). Handouts and discussion of gnostic and apocalyptic influences upon the early church. Note: Nov 30 = Feast Day of St. Andrew, the Apostle |
Dec 8 |
Presentation of Projects and Final Exam. Note: Dec 14-21 = Kislev 25 - Tevet 2 & Hanukkah; Dec 21 = Feast Day of St. Thomas, the Apostle |
Assessment & Grading Scale
Participation = 30% |
90 - 100 = A |
Final Exam = 25% |
80 - 89 = B |
Project & Presentation = 45% |
70 - 79 = C |
|
60 - 69 = D |
|
0 - 59 = F |
You must attend at least 8 of the 10 class sessions to pass the course. |
You must attend the Presentation & Exam session on Dec 8 to pass the course. |
One final exam will be given during the semester. You will be presented a list of objective and essay questions from which to study on November 10th. You will then come to class on Decmeber 8th to be presented a test composed from a selection of those same questions, writing for up to 90 minutes in response. The test is closed book and closed notes.
You will sign-up to prepare a research project on a subject in the Hebrew or Christian scriptures. We will discuss a list of general topics and potential subjects, but I encourage you to choose a project in which you have personal interest. The final product will be a 8-10 page research paper that incorporates at least 3 scholarly secondary sources. Aim to choose a topic no later than October 13th. You will present your project to me in its final written form on December 8th, and orally present your paper to the class as a whole on that same date.
Attendance: You must attend at least eight (8) of our ten (10) class sessions in order to receive a passing grade for this course. Three (3) or more absences, whether excused or unexcused, will earn an automatic F. You must also attend the final session on December 8th to present your project and take the final exam. This may seem draconian, but our time together is too short and intensive. If you cannot commit to the class schedule, you should drop this course and seek an alternative. [N.B. You are counted absent if you (a) fail to come to class on any scheduled night, or (b) fail to arrive within 30 minutes of the start time.]
Participation: Although speaking in class, publicly putting and defending a position, can be daunting, you are strongly encouraged to learn to think through your own and others' experiences and insights within the context our discussions. Especially in this small seminar setting, I expect you to come prepared for discussion, having done the readings
To give direct incentive to so engage, 30% of your mark for the course will be comprised of my assessment of your overall classroom participation. This includes, but is not limited to, my assessment of your participation during our sessions (e.g. making relevant comments during discussions, being prepared to respond to questioning, asking relevant questions, and following directions concerning reading assignments). The point is to determine your active engagement with the material in the context of the class.
This syllabus is composed in good faith, with a schedule of readings,etc. which will guide us throughout the term. Still, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments to this schedule as deemed necessary for the overall enterprise of the class. Any changes will be communicated as far in advance as feasible, and you are responsible for knowing if and when any changes have been made. Note: Probable changes include meeting onWednesday rather than Tuesday night if that better meets the need on occasion to coordinate meetings with each other's schedules during a particular week. Let's stay in touch, confirming each week when we will next meet.