BI 1073: The Story of Jesus

Honors
Fall 2015 - M,W,F

Instructor: Mike Williams

Office: Ezell 216
Office Hours: : M, W, F 1-2 & 3-4
T, TH 9-10, 1-2
Phone: 966-5785 E-mail: [email protected]

Course Description
This course is designed to introduce students to what the Gospels reveal about the life and
ministry of Jesus. Although it primarily follows the framework of Luke’s account, it will also
incorporate insights from the other Gospels. It examines the meaning and purpose of these
writings in their original context by examining historical, cultural, and narrative elements. It also
explores the various ways in which the message of Jesus addresses our contemporary culture and
our personal stories.

Course Objectives
Students completing this course will be able to:
1. Describe the process of Gospel formation and the nature of this material.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the significant events in Jesus' life, especially from Luke's account.
3. Recognize how the larger narrative context affects the interpretation of individual passages.
4. Describe historical and cultural information relevant to interpreting the story of Jesus.
5. Think critically about how disciples live out the story of Jesus in their own lives.

Required Text
Study Bible from one of the following versions: NIV(2011), TNIV, NRSV, ESV.

Reed, Jonathan L. The HarperCollins Visual Guide to the New Testament: What Archaeology
Reveals about the First Christians. New York: Harper Collins, 2007.
One of the Following:
Wright, N.T. Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. New York: Harper Collins, 2006.
Or
McLaren, Brian. The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change
Everything. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2006.

Course Requirements
1. Attendance & Participation- Attendance will be taken each class session. Students who
come in late are responsible for making sure their presence is recorded. Three absences will be
allowed without penalty. After the third absence 2 points will be deducted from the student’s
final grade for each class missed. After nine absences the student may be dropped from the
class. Athletes should use the three absences for their athletic events and NOT in addition to
absences for athletic events.
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 Please Note: Although three absences are allowed, perfect attendance (0 absences) will
help those who find themselves on the borderline between two grades at the end of the
semester.

2. Weekly Reading- Students will be assigned portions of the Bible to read in preparation for
each week. Chapters from The Harper Collins Visual Guide to the New Testament will be
assigned for certain weeks. Students should be prepared to discuss the material from the chapter.

3. Journal- Students will keep a journal in conjunction with their reading that will include your
observations/reflections/questions of the biblical text. This is should not simply be a summary
of the text but should include your interaction with the biblical passage: What do you think this
passage means? How is it connected to what comes before or after? What does Luke want his
readers to see in this passage? Why do you think this passage is important? What thoughts does
it prompt in your mind? How is it relevant for your life?

Grading Rubric: (Submissions should use Times New Roman font, 12pt, 1 inch
margins, single space)

“B” min. ½ page of reflection single space for each weekly entry

“A” min. 1 page of reflection single space for each weekly entry. More
observation/reflection less summary. Touches equally on all three chapters

Submit through Blackboard.

Journal Schedule
Entry 1 – Chapters 1-3 Due Sept. 4th
Entry 2 – Chapters 4-6 Due Sept. 11th
Entry 3 – Chapters 7-9 Due Sept. 18th
Entry 4 – Chapters 10-12 Due Sept. 25th
Entry 5 – Chapters 13-15 Due Oct. 9th
Entry 6 – Chapters 16-18 Due Oct. 30th
Entry 7 – Chapters 19-21 Due Nov. 13th
Entry 8 – Chapters 22-24 Due Dec. 4th

4. Exams- There will be two semester exams (Sept. 30th and Nov. 4th) and one final exam. The
final exam will be comprehensive.
Note: In case of illness on a test day, no make-up test will be allowed unless the student
notifies the instructor prior to the test. All make-up tests may include additional test
questions.

5. Book Summary and Response- Students will choose to read one of the following books:
Simply Christian by N.T. Wright or The Secret Message of Jesus by Brain McLaren.

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You will then write a summary of each chapter which includes a personal response. Half of the
chapter summaries will be due October 23rd and second half due November 18th. (Submissions
should use Times New Roman font, 12pt, 1 inch margins, single space)

Grading Rubric for Wright

“B” min. ½ page single space per chapter. Good balance of summary and response.
(Chapters 1-8 total = 4 pages, Chapters 9-16 = 4 pages)

“A” min. ¾ page single space per chapter. Extra material focuses primarily on personal
response. Thoughtful connections between chapter material and your own life and
context. Well written. (Chapters 1-8 = 6 pages, Chapters 9-16 = 6 pages)

Grading Rubric for McLaren

“B” min. 4/10 page single space per chapter. Good balance of summary and response.
(Chapters 2-11 total = 4 pages, Chapters 12-21 = 4 pages)

“A” min. 6/10 page single space per chapter. Extra material focuses primarily on
personal response. Thoughtful connections between chapter material and your own life
and context. Well written. (Chapters 2-11= 6 pages, Chapters 12-21 = 6 pages)

6. Academic Integrity- In keeping with our identity as a Christian University and our goal to
help shape lifelong disciples of Christ, academic integrity will be taken very seriously in this
class. As your instructor, I will deal with each student fairly and honestly. As students, you are
expected to do your own work on all tests and assignments unless I indicate otherwise. Penalties
for integrity violations will range from failure on the assignment involved to failure in the
course. Instances of cheating may also be reported to appropriate members of the administration.
For clarification, refer to the University=s Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy.

7. If you are a student with a disability: Requests for academic accommodations need to be
made during the first two weeks of the semester to allow for appropriate arrangements. You must
be registered with the Office of Disability Services, located in the Academic Success Center, for
disability verification and determination of reasonable academic accommodations. Please contact
Kaitlin Shetler, Director of Disability Services, at (615) 966-6301 for any further questions.

8. Dropping the Course- A decision to stop attending class does not constitute dropping the
course. A drop/add form (available in the Registrar=s Office) must be signed by the teacher and
processed in the Registrar=s Office before the drop is official. Last day to drop with partial
refund is Sept. 18th. Last day to drop classes is Oct. 30th.

9. Snow Schedule- In the unlikely event of snow, consult the Snow Schedule on the Lipscomb
website.

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10. Distracting Devices- Cell phones should be on vibrate and answered only in case of
emergency. Laptop computers are permitted for taking notes, but not for surfing the internet
during class.

Grading Scale Final Grade

Letter Range Midpoint Unit Exams- 50%
A+ 97-100 98.5 Journal- 15%
A 94-96 95 Final Exam- 20%
A- 90-93 91.5 Book Summary/Outline- 15%
B+ 87-89 88
B 84-86 85
B- 80-83 81.5
C+ 77-79 78
C 74-76 75
C- 70-73 71.5
D+ 67-69 68
D 64-66 65
D- 60-63 61.5
F 0-59 n/a