Note: The following syllabus is from the version of REL 106 taught by Dr. Kyle Fedler. Every member of the religion department teaches some version of this course. All sections of REL 106 cover the same basic content. However, specific readings, assignments, and expectations may differ according to the specific section taken.
Dr. Kyle Fedler
Ashland University
REL 106
EXPLORING THE BIBLE
Ashland University
Spring M/W/F
Course Description :
This course both introduces students to the material and thematic content of the Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) and New Testament but provides the resources and reading skills for further study and investigation of the Biblical text and its influence upon the Judeo-Christian tradition in the West. This is an introductory course therefore no previous knowledge of the Bible is required. Furthermore, as a survey we will focus on those passages of greatest interest and import for understanding the overall structure and claims of this most important of written documents.
Course Objectives :
The objectives of the course are as follows:
1. To develop familiarity with the overall story that the Bible traces, its major themes and ideas. To gain a sense of the overall coherence of the Biblical narrative/story, using the theme of covenant.
2. To recognize that the Bible, a sacred story of God's dealings with God's people, developed in particular historical and cultural contexts. Students should understand that the Biblical writings were recorded over a long period of time by a variety of different authors who sought to instruct, admonish, and encourage others by witnessing and proclaiming their experience of God's actions and will.
3. To develop and practice an approach to interpreting the Bible which seeks to understand the significance and meaning of a given text for the originally intended audience before making responsible applications to contemporary society. Students should develop an appreciation for the way in which scripture creates a perspective and construes the world. This approach takes Scripture seriously while openly acknowledging that the texts need to be re-interpreted in light of contemporary experiences and understandings.
4. To gain an appreciation for the Bible's enduring spiritual and ethical dimensions and how they continue to shape the Jewish and Christian traditions. In particular, this means seeing how Jews and Christians have interpreted the Bible's message as not only promoting personal devotion to God but also political and economic justice, social redemption and cosmic renewal.
Textbook (Available in AU Bookstore)
The New Interpreter's Study Bible by Abingdon Press
The grade will be based on three factors.
Participation, preparation, and attendance 10%
All Quizzes 10% See below
Three exams 80% See Below.
Attendance/Preparation/Participation Grade will be calculated as follows:
Grade: A
Near perfect attendance, high level of preparation, participates actively without needing to be called upon. You cannot receive an A if you miss more than three classes without excuse, no matter how good your participation is. You will not receive an A just for attending or even for responding only when called upon. “A” work is reserved for those individuals who come to class well prepared, having done the reading and sought to absorb it. “A” students bring questions to class, engage their fellow students and not just the professor, and generally make a significant contribution to the success of the class.
Grade: B
Missed a reasonable number of classes (less than three), often did the readings but not always, participated at times. Came to class prepared on most days, but not all. Actively followed the class discussion even though they did not say as much as “A” work students.
Grade: C
Missed class often, seldom did readings, participated only when called upon. Note: you can get a C even if you attend every class, if you never participate.
Grade: F
Generally, this grade can only be “achieved” by working diligently to consistently miss class. If you miss more than 5-6 classes, you will receive an F.
I reserve the right to lower your grade, even to the point of course failure , for excessive absences. Repeated absence from class is simply unacceptable for my course! It shows disrespect for your fellow classmates and disrupts the overall ethos of the class.
Quizzes
Throughout the semester, there will be a total of at least 10 short pop quizzes at the beginning of class. You can take the best eight of these quizzes. They will cover the reading for that day and will be designed to see who has done the reading. In other words, they will cover the basic ideas and content of the reading. IMPORTANT: The quizzes will cover the material assigned for that day and/or the previous session , even if we are behind .
Examinations
Exams will consist of short answers, identifications, explications of significant Biblical quotations (and an essay or two on final exam). The exams are not comprehensive/cumulative. However, in light of the Bible's thematic and narrative unity, certain central themes, terms, ideas, and facts from one part of the course may be necessary to fully explain events and themes from another part of the course. Study guides for each exam will be made available and review sessions will be held.
Exam 1 Friday, October 1 25%
Exam 2 Friday October 22 25%
Exam 3 Monday Dec 13 1:30-3:30 30%
For students who have specific, physical, psychiatric or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please let me know early in the semester so that your learning needs can be appropriately met. Documentation must be on file with Classroom Support Services, 105 Amstutz Hall, ext. 5953, in order to receive accommodations.
Professor Availability and Office Hours
Office Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 9:30-10:50 and M/W/F at 11:00
Miller 35B
Office: X5208 Home: 419-207-8517
E-mail: kfedler@ashland.edu
Students with documented disabilities who require academic adjustment for this class are requested to contact me to discuss reasonable accommodations. While not require, it is in the best interest of the student have this conversation early in the semester. In order to receive academic adjustments, paperwork from Disability Services must be provided to document this need. Disability Services is located in 105 Amstutz, X 5953.
Website: I have a website with the following contents: course syllabus, lecture notes, supplemental readings, exam study guides.
1. Go to Ashland University Website ( www.ashland.edu ) 2. Click on “Current Student” and scroll down to Eagleweb. 3. Click student and put in I.D. and password. 4. Click on “University Online Course Notes” 5. Under the heading “Arts and Sciences” find and click “K. Fedler, Ph. D.” 6. Put your ID and password in again. 7. Click on “Academic Webpage with Course Notes” 8. Find the course.
**If you do not have a username/ID or a password, contact Information Technologies at 5405.**
Powerpoint Notes : Powerpoint notes are on reserve in the library. These may actually be more helpful than the lecture notes.
Reading Schedule
1. Some weeks are heavy reading weeks. Others are light. Plan accordingly.
2. The reading assignments are listed by the day they are due . My presentations and our discussions may not always correspond with the week's readings, particularly in the beginning. If history is any indication, we will fall behind quite quickly. Keep reading! Read the assigned materials or you will be swamped by the time the lectures catch up, which is usually near the exam periods.
3. Biblical reading assignments are given by Book, chapter, and verse.
4. In addition to the primary source reading in the Bible, most assignments also contain additional reading out of the textbook, such as introductions and “Excursus” readings. These are listed by the title of the reading and the page numbers. If the assignment says “Reading notes” this means that you are responsible for the notes at the bottom of the pages for those Biblical verses. If the assignment says “all” then you are responsible for all the reading notes covered by those verses. If it does not say “all” then find the reading notes where the exact verses listed in the syllabus are cited at the bottom.
5. The Syllabus/Reading Schedule is outlined in such a way that it can be a helpful tool to get the bigger picture. Use the headings and short descriptions to focus your attention.
Introduction
Excursus: Covenant (p113-114)
Two Accounts of Creation Genesis 1:1-2:25
Pages 1-3 (ignore the outline)
Excursus: Creation: Ordering chaos (p. 5)
Excursus: In God' Image (7-8)
Excursus: Dominion or Dependence (8)
All reading notes for Genesis 1:1-2:24
A. Noahide Covenant as response to Disobedience &
Disruption of Harmony of Creation
Human Disobedience and Disruption of Harmony of Creation Genesis 3-4
Reading notes for 3:1-24
Yahweh's response to human wickedness:
Reversal of creation and Noahide covenant Genesis 6-9
Excursus: Two Flood Narratives (17)
Reading Notes 6:5-8:19
Tower of Babel. Genesis 11
B. Abrahamic Covenant: Matriarchs and Patriarchs of the Covenant
The Birth of Yahweh's Chosen People: The Abrahamic Covenant
The Call of Abram Genesis 12
Excursus: The Promises to the Patriarchs (p. 26-27)
All reading notes for 12:1-7
Abram and Lot Genesis 13
The Covenant Re-established Genesis 15
Hagar and Ishmael Genesis 16
The covenant of circumcision Genesis 17
Excursus: Priestly View of History (34)
Reading notes for 17:1, 5, 9, 11
Yahweh's Promises Fulfilled through Abraham's Descendents
The Laughter of Sarah Genesis 18:1-15
Abraham bargains for Sodom Genesis 18:16-33
The Birth of Isaac: Impossible Fruitfulness Genesis 21:1-21
Abraham's Temptation and God's Deliverance Genesis 22
Excursus: Moral Dilemma of the Sacrifice of Isaac (43)
Yahweh's Unexpected Choices: “Israel” Born and Nurtured
Jacob and Esau Genesis 25, 27, 28
Reading Note 27:1-26
Jacob becomes “Israel” Genesis 32
Reading note 32:22-32
Joseph Genesis 37, 39-46:7; 47:1-25; 50
This looks like a big assignment, but it is one long story that reads quickly.
C. Mosaic Covenant
Exodus, Covenant, and Holiness
A People Defined by Suffering and Yahweh's Compassio n
Introduction to Exodus (85-86)
Israelite Persecution Exodus 1
Birth and Calling of Moses Exodus 2-5
Pharaoh vs Yahweh: Deliverance of the Israelites Exodus 6-17
Reading Notes 7:8-10:20
Special Note on page 96
Reading Notes 12:3-10; 12:11-13
Excursus: Salvation and the Sea (106)
Monday February 7 -Wednesday February 9
Structures of the New Covenant Relationship:
A People Formed By Yahweh's Gift of the Law
A Chosen People Exodus 19
Ten Commandments/Torah Exodus 20-23:13
Reading note Exodus 20:1-17
Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 5-8, 15
A People set apart in Faithfulness and Holiness
The Golden Calf Exodus 32, 34
A Holy People for a Holy God Leviticus. 11, 18-20
Reading Notes Exodus 11:1-15:33; 112b-23; 12:1-8; 12: 1-5
Sabbath Year Deuteronomy 15: Lev. 25:1-7
Jubilee Year Leviticus 25:8-24
Reading Note 12:2-8
Review: Wednesday Februray 9 6:30 p.m .
Exam 1: Friday February 11
D. Davidic Covenant
Deuteronomic History as Reading of History based on Covenant
Deuteronomic History I: A Confederation of Tribes
Deuteronomic Theology of blessings and curses
and Joshua chosen to replace Moses Deuteronomy 28; 30:1-31:8
Reading Note Deuteronomy 28:1-68
Israelites Take Possession of Canaan Joshua 1-8
Introduction to Joshua (303-304)
Excursus: The Israelite Conquest of Canaan (307-308)
Reading Note: 2:12
Excursus: Joshua and Moses (310)
Excursus: Holy War (314)
Deuteronomic History II: The People Get a King—Davidic Covenant
Introduction to 1 Samuel (only page 391)
The Ark of the Lord Captured and Returned 1 Samuel 1-6
The Israelites ask for a King 1 Samuel 8
Samuel Anoints Saul 1 Samuel 9-11
Excursus: Biblical Ambivalence to Government (407-408)
Reading note 13:8-15a
The Spirit of Yahweh leaves Saul
and Rests Upon David 1 Samuel 13: 1-15; 15-18
David mourns the death of Saul and Jonathon 2 Samuel 1
Reading note 1:5-10; 1:13-16
David Becomes King 2 Samuel 5-7
A New Covenant Established with David 2 Samuel 7:1-16
David's Downfall: Bathsheba and Uriah 2 Samuel 11-15
Consequences: 2 Samuel 18-19
Solomon Becomes King I Kings 1
Reading notes: 1:1-53; 1:1-4; 1:4
Solomon Asks for Wisdom I Kings 3
Solomon's Wealth I Kings 4: 20-29
Solomon's Use of Forced Labor I Kings 5:13-18
Solomon builds a Temple and Palace I Kings 6:1-22; 7: 1-5
Solomon's Disobedience I Kings 11:1-13; 11::26-43
Wednesday February 23
Division, Destruction, and Exile
Israel and Judah as Divided Kingdoms I Kings 12:1-24
Israel (Northern Kingdom) Destroyed II. Kings 17:1-24
Judah and Jerusalem Destroyed—Exile II Kings 25:1-12
III. Israel Responds to and Struggles With Being a Covenant People
Prophets, Psalms, Job
Israel Called back to Covenant Faithfulness: Prophets
Making a Choice: Elijah and the prophets of Baal 1 Kings 18-19, 21
Amos calls for a return to covenantal faithfulness Amos 1-2; 4:1-2; 5-8
Introduction to Amos (1279-1280)
Reading notes 1:1; 1:2; 1:3-2:16; 2: 6-16; 4:1-3; 5:10-13; 5:21-27
Post Exilic Prophets: Comforting the Afflicted and Eschatological visions
Isaiah 52-53; 61; 65:17-25
Ezekiel 7, 36:22—37:14
Daniel 7, 8, 12
Israel Responds to God's Covenant Faithfulness: Psalms
Wednesday March 2
The Psalms: Israel's Praise and Exhortation
The Psalms: Introduction, 749-750 (only)
Psalms of lament: 13, 22, 44,
Psalms of Praise: 46, 96, 136, 150
Israel Struggles with God's Covenant Faithfulness: Job and Ecclesiastes
Non-Traditional Wisdom: Questioning Simple Answers
Job 1-3, 8, 10:2-7, 13, 15, 21, 22, 38-42
Review Session: Wednesday March 2 6:00 p.m.
Friday March 4 EXAM # 2
Spring Break March 7-13
IV. God Enters into New Covenant by taking on Human Life in Christ
Monday March 14-18
Palestine Under Persian, Greek and Roman Rule
Gospel of Mark: Jesus as Suffering Servant
Mark Introduction, 1801-1802
Mark 1-4; 6-9; 10:32-45; 11:1-18; 14-16
Excursus: The Kingdom of God (1955)
Excursus: Responsibility for the Death of Jesus (1959)
**Quiz covers: Mark 1-3, 8, 14-16
Monday March 21- Friday April 1 No Class on Friday (25 th ) or Monday (28 th )
Gospel of Matthew: Jesus as New Moses/Lawgiver and Teacher
Matthew 1-2; 5-7; 10-15; 21-23; 25:31-46; 26-28
Reading Note 5:1-7:28; 5:17-48; 5:17-20
**Quiz Covers: Matthew 1-2, 5-7, 13-14
Monday April 4-Friday April 8
Gospel of Luke: Jesus as Savior of the All the World
Luke Introduction 1847-1848
Luke 1-4, 6-7; 9; 10:30-37; 15-16; 18; 22:1-24:53
**Quiz covers: Luke 1-4; 8:18-30; 10, 15, 16
Monday April 11-Friday April 15
Gospel of John: Jesus as the Word of God Made Flesh
John Introduction, 1905-1906
John 1-8:30; 11, 13-20
Reading Note: 1:14
Excursus: “I am” sayings (1915)
Excursus: The Eucharist in John (1920)
**Quiz covers: John 1-3, 8, 11, 13
V. Christians respond to and struggle with New Covenant
Monday April 18 th
Acts of the Apostles: The Spirit of Christ Continues in the Church
Acts Introduction, 1953-1954
Acts 1-4, 9-11, 15, 22
Reading Note: 15:1-35
Wednesday April 20 th -Monday April 25
The Epistles of Paul of Tarsus
Romans Introduction, 2007-2008
Dead to Sin/Justification by Faith Romans 1-7, 12
Excursus: The Righteousness of God (2011)
Reading Note: 3:21-31; 3:21-22; 3:24; 3:25
Excursus: Paul and the Law (2020)
Excursus: Paul's Use of Abraham (2015)
Reading Note: 6:1: 6:2 ; 6:3-4
Paul's Epistles II: Paul Responds to Misinterpretations of Justification by Grace
Misinterpretation 1: Galatians 1-3, 5
Galatians Introduction: 2079-2080
Reading Note: 2:11-14; 2:11-12: 2:13; 2:14
Misinterpretations 2: 1 Corinthians 1-3, 6:12-8:13; 15
Wednesday April 27
Epistle of James
Revelation 21:1-22:7
Catch up or review
Sunday May 1 Review Session 6:00 p.m.
FINAL EXAM
REL 106A Wednesday May 4 th 8-10 a.m.
REL 106B Monday May 2 10:30-12:20
Outline of Bible as Presented in REL 106
• Creation as the Basis of Covenant Life
II. God Enters into Covenant Life in History with Israel
A. Noahide Covenant as response to
Disobedience and Disruption of Harmony of Creation
B. Abrahamic Covenant
C. Mosaic Covenant
D. Davidic Covenant
Deuteronomic History as Reading of History based on Covenant
III. Israel Responds to and Struggles With Being a Covenant People
Prophets, Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes
IV. God Enters into New Covenant by taking on Human Life in Christ
V. Christians respond to and struggle with New Covenant
VI . Creation of New Heaven and New Earth as Final Consummation of Covenant