Syllabi
Course Description
The Introduction to the Bible module focuses upon the history and writings of both the Old and New. As an introductory course it will begin to provide a basic framework for students as they begin an exploration and appreciation of the wealth of biblical materials.
Themes explored will include… (click here to download syllabi in .pdf format)
List of assignments for each class
Week 1
1. Read Genesis 1-11; 12-50; Exodus 1-15. Write a three-page (750 word app.) synopsis of an event covered in the readings for this initial session.
2. Familiarize yourself with the names and order of the books in the Old Testament.
3. Go to links page and read at least one article from the links provided for week 1.
4. Question of the week.
Week 2
1. Read four of the following Bible texts and be prepared to discuss them in class.
Exodus 20 Ruth 1 Kings 18:16-21:29
Numbers 13-14 1 Samuel 17-19 2 Kings 12; 22:1-23:30
Joshua 5:13-27; 24:1-27 2 Samuel 5-6; 11-12 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 36
Judges 13-16 1 Kings 1-3; 11:41-12:33 Nehemiah 1-4
2. Familiarize yourself with the divisions of the Old Testament (TANAK, 5-12-5-5-12) and their content.
3. Develop an Old Testament Time-Line. See previous page for detailed description.
4. Read Closson’s article on the canon of the Bible (links page).
5. Question of the week.
Week 3
1. Read two Old Testament and two New Testament texts and be prepared to discuss them in class.
Old Testament New Testament
Job 1-2 Ecclesiastes 1, 3, 12 Matthew 1-2/Luke 1-2 John 20-21
Hosea 1-3, 11, 14 Daniel 1-6 John 11-15 Acts 1-8
Psalm 1, 22, 23, 51 Isaiah 2, 3, 52:13-53:12 Mark 11-16 Acts 13-15
Proverbs 1-4 Jonah Luke 14-18 Acts 21-26
2. Familiarize yourself with the divisions of the New Testament and their content.
3. Develop a New Testament Time-Line. See previous page for detailed description.
4. Check links page for articles related to this week.
5. Question of the week.
Week 4
1. Read four of the following New Testament texts and be prepared to discuss them in class.
Romans 1-3 Galatians 1-3 Titus 1 Peter
Romans 12:1 - 15:13 Ephesians 4-6 Hebrews 10-12 1 John
1 Corinthians 5-8 Colossians James Revelation 1-3
2. Review a chronology of the Bible.
3. Check links page for articles related to this week.
4. Oral presentation. (see syllabus for description)
5. Question of the week.
“Links Page”
1. Week One—no links at present
2. Week Two—The Christian Canon (Closson)
3. Week Three—Hebrew Wisdom Literature (an introduction)
4. Week Four—no links at present
