Northeastern
Course Syllabus for REL 2443: Introduction to the New Testament
Fall Semester 2008
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 301.
Course Description
A study of the background of the New Testament including origin, growth, social, economic, and religious development of central concepts, leading personalities, and the process by which it has come to us as viewed in the light of modern scholarship.
Instruction Methods
Class discussions, lectures, assigned readings, and videos.
Expected Course Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Required Texts
Revised Standard Version of the Christian Bible.
Julie Galambush,
The Reluctant Parting: How the New
Testament’s Jewish Writers Created a Christian Book.
Students will be expected to read both the textbook and the entire New Testament.
Notes on Grading
Class attendance:
Students will be asked to sign an attendance sheet at each class period in order to receive credit for attendance.
Assignments:
Students will be asked to complete periodic assignments on different topics related to the New Testament.
Final exam:
The final exam will be administered according to the final exam schedule, and will be based on class lectures, discussions, video presentations, and assigned readings.
Grading system:
Class attendance valued at 15 points
Assignments valued at 45 points
Final exam valued at 40 points
Total: 100 points
In addition to the above, each student will be given the option of turning in one extra credit assignment valued at 10 points. Anyone wishing to complete an extra credit assignment is encouraged to speak with the instructor.
The course grade will be 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
If you have any questions or problems, please let the instructor know as soon as possible.
Office Hours
Monday, 9-11 a.m., and 12-1 p.m. (reference desk)
Tuesday, 9-10 a.m. (office)
Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. (office)
Thursday, 9-10 a.m. (reference desk)
Friday, 9-11 a.m. (office)
The instructor is available other times by appointment. Students may also contact the instructor via e-mail.
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.