Northeastern
Course Syllabus for REL 3103: Early Christian Heresies
Spring Semester 2009
Instructor: Gary Cheatham, M.Div., M.S.L.S.
Office: L307
Phone: 918.444.3265
http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~cheatham/
Class Days and Times
Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., in FA 302.
Course Description
This course will study the phenomenon of heresy by focusing on the struggle between “heresy” and “orthodoxy” in early Christianity. Students will be introduced to contemporary and early Christian orthodoxy, the basic development of the New Testament canon, noncanonical Christian texts, early Christian heresies, the role of women in early Christianity, proto-orthodox Christian fathers, and early heretical church leaders. In addition, the course will look at examples of how some “heretical” teachings have continued to play a role in historical and contemporary Christian traditions.
Expected Course Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Required Texts
Christian Bible (any translation).
Bart D. Ehrman, Lost Scriptures:
Books That Did Not Make It into the New Testament.
M. R. James, ed., The New Testament
Apocrypha.
Notes on Grading
Students will be asked to sign an attendance sheet at each class period in order to receive credit for attendance.
Instructions and due dates for the graded assignments will be distributed in class.
The final exam will be administered according to the final exam schedule. The final will be an open note exam, and will be based on class lectures and discussions, class video presentations, and assigned readings. As a result, students are encouraged to take notes during class and when completing the assigned readings.
Points possible:
Class attendance is valued at 15 points.
Two papers valued at 25 points each.
Final exam valued at 35 points.
Total: 100 points
Grading system:
The course grade is determined by totaling the number of points that have been accumulated.
A 90-100 points
B 80-89 points
C 70-79 points
D 60-69 points
F 0-59 points
The only reason for making a poor grade in the course is the failure to adequately complete the graded assignments, and the failure to take adequate notes during class and when completing the assigned readings in preparation for the final exam. Under certain circumstances, exceptions may be made to the above policies. If you have any questions or problems please let the instructor know as soon as possible.
Office Hours
Office hours to be announced (office hours will be added to the web syllabus in January).
The instructor is also available by appointment.
If any member of the class feels that he/she has a disability and needs special accommodations, that class member should advise the instructor of such disability at the first class attended.
Inclement Weather and Disaster Policy
The following are basic premises for the inclement weather policy at
1. Classes are expected to be held if at all possible.
2. It is the student's responsibility to receive the information when weather is questionable.
3. Neither students nor faculty are expected to risk life or limb.
4. Faculty members are obligated to hold classes if the University is not closed, unless the faculty member is unable to get to campus.
During times of inclement weather, decisions concerning day classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. in order for the media to be notified and for students to receive the announcement before they leave home. Decisions concerning night classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. The automated attendant message at (918) 456-5511 will be modified to include information concerning campus operations during inclement weather.