Northeastern
Independent Study Syllabus for REL 3203: History of Jesus
Spring Semester 2009
Instructor: Gary Cheatham, M.Div., M.S.L.S.
Office: L307
Phone: 918.444.3265
http://arapaho.nsuok.edu/~cheatham/
Instruction and Learning Methods
This is an independent study that utilizes readings, surveys, observations, research, and analysis. Questions and discussion are strongly encouraged.
Student Participation and Attendance
Students are expected to meet with the instructor for advising and discussion on a weekly basis. Meetings can be held bi-weekly if agreed upon by the student and instructor.
The instructor is available at other times by appointment or e-mail.
Assignments
Students will be required to complete six (6) research assignments by the end of the semester. Assignments are to be based on any combination of the following formats:
The instructor must approve the book or video to be reviewed, or the topic of a research paper or presentation.
Expected Course Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Required Text
Christian Bible (any translation).
Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the the life and teachings of Jesus, as outlined in the four New Testament Gospels.
Grading
Regular attendance and participation in meetings is required for a successful completion of the course. The instructor will take into account any special circumstance that might prevent a student from attending a scheduled meeting. Students are expected to contact the instructor as soon as possible if they are unable to attend a scheduled meeting.
The final grade will be determined by meeting attendance and participation, and the successful completion of all assignments by their due dates. Assignment and course participation grades will take into account whether the student has successfully demonstrated that they have examined the teachings and message of Jesus, developed an understanding of the life of Jesus, critically considered the interpretations of scholars and/or film makers, and examined their own views on the life and teachings of Jesus.
Grading system:
Meeting attendance and participation valued at 50 points
Written assignments valued at 25 points each (6 x 25 = 150 points total)
Total: 200 points
The course grade will be determined by totaling the number of points that have been accumulated:
A 180-200 points
B 160-179 points
C 140-159 points
D 120-139 points
F 0-119 points
If you have any questions or problems, please let the instructor know as soon as possible.
Office Hours
Monday, 1-2 p.m. office; 2-4 p.m. Library reference desk
Tuesday, 2-4 p.m. office
Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. office
Thursday, 3-4 p.m. office
Friday, 9-11 a.m. office; 11 a.m.-12 p.m., and 1-3 p.m. Library reference desk
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.