Class Participation (10%): Students are expected 1) to have spent substantial time with the assigned materials and 2) to contribute to the discussion in each class session.
Journal
(70%): Each student will compile a Biblical Criticism Journal. This
notebook will record each student's understanding of the method’s theory
and application. Journal entries will have two sections: 1) Response to
Assignments. You will be provided questions to help you prepare for class.
You should have written responses to these questions. You may email these
responses before noon on the day of class or you may turn them in at the
beginning of class. 2) Response to Class Process. After each
class session you should complete your journal entry by addressing the
following questions:
§ What is the fundamental
question asked by his method?
§ What presuppositions
ground this method?
§ What are the advantages
of this method? Disadvantages? What questions
does this method leave unanswered?
§ What does this method
offer you in your religious/vocational context?
§ How does this method
apply to a particular biblical text (the class will be
provided passages)?
Group Project (20%): After consultation with the instructors, students working in groups, will choose at least two (2) methods and at least one (1) biblical passage that will serve as the foundation for their group project due at the end of the year. The project will represent the group's collective engagement with the methods and the passage. Options for the project include Bible study or Sunday school materials, sermons, liturgies for worship, websites, and others that will best represent the group's work. More details will be provided in class.
Honor Code: All work done in this class is governed by the rules and regulations of the Vanderbilt University Honor Code
Inclusive Language: In accordance with the University guidelines, students are expected to use inclusive language in their papers and in class discussions.