1

SYLLABUS

FOR

COURSE NUMBER & NAME:BI 5300 Introduction to Graduate Biblical Studies

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:Systematic examination of major bibliographical and reference sources in the area of religious literature needed for effective research and writing. Includes instruction in basic biblical and theological research methods and the writing of graduate level research papers. Must be completed within the first 12 hours of the program.

PREREQUIISITES:University standards and consent of instructor.

NUMBER HOURS CREDIT:Three (3) semester hours.

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Course Faculty

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Department Chair, V.P.BlackCollege of Biblical Studies

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Dean, V.P.BlackCollege of Biblical Studies

Disability Services

Project Key, a service for students with disabilities at FaulknerUniversity main campus, serves as the central contact point for all students with disabilities, including: Harris College of Business, V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies, Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences, Jones School of Law and all extended campuses. Students are responsible for informing the University of their need for accommodations and services.

Contact Pat Morrow, Director of Project Key at 334-386-7185, or 1-800-879-9816, extension 7185. Email , or and click on University Services.

BI 5300 Introduction to Graduate Biblical Studies

V.P.BlackCollege of Biblical Studies

Dr. Carl W. Cheatham

Associate Dean

SYLLABUS

I.PURPOSE:

To explore research and writing methodologies appropriate to graduate work in Biblical Studies and to thoroughly acquaint the student with available tools (hardcopy and electronic) for research in Biblical Studies.

II. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

  1. To acquaint the student with the resources for research in Biblical Studies and the most efficient utilization of them.
  1. To survey basic principles of research writing–search techniques, organization, form, bibliography, etc.
  1. To equip the student to satisfactorily complete a research proposal.

III.COURSE PREMISE, PHILOSOPHY, and METHODOLOGY:

This course is designed to be primarily didactic in nature, but is cooperative to the degree that the student is expected to keep abreast of assigned readings and other assignments and to take personal responsibility for mastering course material in order to receive maximum benefit from lectures, class presentations, etc., and in order to make in class contributions to corporate class understandings. The instructor will bear heavy responsibility for course content through class lectures, video presentations, supplementary printed materials and external links to course-related materials on the Internet, but the student is also expected to take the initiative for enhancing his own personal learning experience by the enthusiastic use of all available materials.

IV.CONTENT OUTLINE:

9/2/11:Preparing Bibliographies

Footnotes, Why, When and How

Reference Notes and Bibliographical Entries Compared

(Vyhmeister, pp. 32-41; 62-81)

9/2/11:Organizing The Paper

Writing the Paper

Formatting the Paper

(Vyhmeister, pp. 82-116)

9/2/11:Biblical Exegesis As Research

Miscellaneous Theological Writing

Theses and Dissertations

(Vyhmeister, pp. 117-125; 152-159; 181-191)

9/2/11:Finding Sources; Online Searching

(Barber/Krauss, pp. 101-113; Vyhmeister, pp. 7-16)

9/3/11:General Reference Works

Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Theological Reference Works

(Barber/Krauss, pp. 11-61; Danker, pp. 148-161)

9/3/11:Atlases and Concordances and Their Use

(Barber/Krauss, pp. 63-79; Danker, pp. 1-21)

9/3/11:The Importance of Lexicons and Grammars

(Barber/Krauss, pp. 81-88; Danker, pp. 89-147)

Word Studies:Old Testament; New Testament

(Barber/Krauss, pp. 89-99)

11/11/11:Commentaries and Their Uses

Danker, pp. 282-307.

Bible Versions/The Use of English Bible Versions

Danker, pp. 162-202.

11/11/11:Indexes and Abstracts

Bibliographies

Barber/Krauss, pp. 115-151.

11/11/11:What Is Research?

Tools of Research

(Leedy/Ormrod, pp. 1-42)

11/2/09:The Problem: The Heart of the Research Process

(Leedy/Ormrod, pp. 43-63)

11/9/09:Review of the Related Literature

Planning Your Research Project

(Leedy/Ormrod, pp. 64-114)

11/16/09:Writing the Research Proposal

(Leedy/Ormrod, pp. 115-132)

11/30/09: Final Exam

V.RESOURCES:

  1. Textbooks:
  2. Vyhmeister, Nancy. Quality Research Papers for Students of Religion and Theology. 2nd Ed., Revised and Expanded. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2008. ISBN 0-310-23945-1
  3. Barber, Cyril J., and Robert M. Krauss. An Introduction to Theological Research. Lanham, MD: The University Press of America, 2000. ISBN 0-7618-1659-3
  4. Leedy, Paul D. and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. Practical Research: Planning and Design. 9th ed., Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009. ISBN0-13-110895-6
  5. Useful Tools:
  6. Danker, Frederick W. Danker. Multipurpose Tools for Bible Study. Revised and Expanded Edition. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003. ISBN 0-8006-3595-7
  7. Bauer, David R. An Annotated Guide to Biblical Resources for Ministry. Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 2003. ISBN 1-56563-723-2
  1. Class lectures and discussion.
  1. Instructor supplied materials, website materials, web links, etc.
  1. Class lectures and discussion.
  1. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EVALUATION:

A. FORMAL ASSESSMENT:

  1. Formal Examination: One examination (a take-home Final)will be due on or before Dec.4.
  1. Critical Review of an approved book, written according to guidelines in Vyhmeister, pp. 154ff.
  1. Exegesis of approved passage in accordance with model in Vyhmeister, pp. 117ff., and with written presentation according to style and citation rules in Vyhmeister.
  1. Research Proposal from Leedy. (Instructions in class)
  1. INFORMAL ASSESSMENT:
  1. Regular class attendance in accordance with the University’s 25% rule.
  1. Careful reading of all assigned materials and class participation.
  1. On-time completion of all major assignments.

VII.COURSE GRADING:

  1. Critical Review—25%.
  2. Exegesis—25%.
  3. Research Proposal—25%.
  4. Final Examination—25%.

VIII.COURSE CALENDAR:

  1. Critical Review--October 16.
  2. Exegesis--November 11.
  3. Research Proposal—November 28.
  4. Final Exam--December 4.

IX.INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION:

Date:8-18-11

Instructor:Carl W. Cheatham

Office:Harris-Parker #242

Telephone:334-386-7158

Home Telephone:334-271-2240

Email:

Course Website:

Office Hours:MW 1:30-5; TTh 8:30-12; 1:30-5; F 9-12 & by appointment.

  1. ACADEMIC POLICIES:
  2. Attendance consistent with the university’s 25% rule.
  3. Academic Honesty. Cheating on an examination, plagiarism on a writing assignment or any other possible action involving academic dishonesty will result in the awarding of a zero for the assignment in question. A second incident will result in a failing grade for the course.
  4. Electronic Devices.
  1. The use of electronic devices such as cell phones, computers, PDAs, MP3 players, WiFi, etc., are strictly prohibited during assessments (exams, quizzes, etc.). (Laptop computers may be used during instructional time for note taking purposes only.)
  2. The use of cell phones during the established instructional time for a class is prohibited. (Cell phones must be turned off or at least set to silent operation during established instructional time.)
  3. The use of instant messaging or other textual messaging tools during the established instructional time for a class is prohibited.
  4. The use of the camera or imaging function on any device is strictly prohibited due to privacy and safety issues. (Violation will result in confiscation and disciplinary action.)
  5. Non-compliance with the above policies will result in at least the confiscation of the device until the end of the class period. (Any and all consequences pertaining to classroom behavior listed in the Faulkner University Student Handbook may also be applied.)
  6. Classroom Behavior, Dress, etc. Regulations in the Student Handbook should be considered the minimum standards for conduct in this classroom.

STUDENT ACCESS TO FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION FOR BIBLICAL STUDIES

COURSE:BI 5300

FACULTY:Dr. Carl W. Cheatham

Associate Dean

V.P.BlackCollege of Biblical Studies

Harris-Parker #242

FaulknerUniversity

Montgomery, AL36109-3398

334-386-7158

DEPARTMENT: Biblical Studies

CHAIR:Dr. Carl W. Cheatham

Associate Dean

V.P.BlackCollege of Biblical Studies

Harris-Parker #242

FaulknerUniversity

Montgomery, AL36109-3398

334-386-7158

COLLEGE:V.P.BlackCollege of Biblical Studies

DEAN:Dr. Cecil May

Harris-Parker #259

FaulknerUniversity

Montgomery, AL36109-3398

334-386-7154

VICE PRESIDENT:ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

VICE-PRESIDENT: Dr. JackTucci

Rotunda #100

FaulknerUniversity

Montgomery, AL36109-3398

334-386-7100

STUDENT ACCESS to FACULTY and ADMINISTRATION

Class Instructor:

NAME:Dr. Carl W. CheathamCITY:Montgomery

PHONE:334-386-7158E-MAIL:

DEPARTMENT CHAIRS: (all are located on main campus in Montgomery)

DEPARTMENT / NAME / TELEPHONE / E-MAIL
Bible / Dr. Carl Cheatham / (334) 386-7158 /
Business / Dr. Gerald Jones / (334) 386-7600 /
Computer Science / Dr. Fortune Mhlanga / (334) 386-7601 /
Criminal Justice / Dr. Lou Harris / (334) 386-7132 /
Education / Dr. Claudia Nisbett / (334) 386-7264 /
English / Fine Arts / Dr. Kelly Morris / (334) 386-7312 /
Greats Books Honors / Dr. Robert Woods / (334) 386-7313 /
Humanities / Dr. Jason Jewell / (334) 386-7919 /
Math / Mrs. Sharon Paulk / (334) 386-7306 /
Physical Education / Dr. Terry Brown / (334) 386-7286 /
Science / Dr. Al Schlundt / (334) 386-7303 /
Social and Behavioral Sciences / Dr. Ed Hicks / (334) 386-7309 /

ACADEMIC DEANS: (all are located on main campus in Montgomery)

COLLEGE / NAME / TELEPHONE / E-MAIL
Alabama Christian College of Arts and Sciences / Dr. Dave Rampersad / (334) 386-7105 /
Harris College of Business and Executive Education / Dr. Dave Khadanga / (334) 386-7112 /
V. P. Black College of Biblical Studies / Dr. Cecil May / (334) 386-7154 /

VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS: (located on main campus in Montgomery)

VICE PRESIDENT / NAME / TELEPHONE / E-MAIL
Vice President / Dr. Jack Tucci / (334) 386-7100 /

Program/Center Directors:

NAME / OFFICE / City / PHONE / E-MAIL
Tim Parker / Birmingham Center / Birmingham / (205) 879-5588 /
Barbara Gamble / Huntsville Center / Huntsville / (256) 830-2626 /
Diane Newell / Mobile Center / Mobile / (334) 380-9090 /
Patrick Daly / MHR / Montgomery / (334) 386-7120 /
Ben Young / MEP / Montgomery / (334) 386-7146 /
Wendy Bryson / BCJ / Montgomery / (334) 386-7529 /
Ron Lambert / BBA / Montgomery / (334) 386-7123 /
Dr. Marci Johns / Legal Studies / Montgomery / (334) 386-7304 /
Bonnie Harrell / Adult Evening Program / Montgomery / (334) 386-7145 /
Dr. Robert Woods / Great Books Honors / Montgomery / (334) 386-7313 / rwoods@faulkner..edu
Dr. Carl Cheatham / MABS / Montgomery / (334) 386-7158 /
Dr. Monica Jayroe / Masters in C Justice / Montgomery / (334) 386-7583 /
Dr. Heath Willingham / Masters in Counseling / Montgomery / (334) 386-7248 /
Dr. Michael Young / Masters in Liberal Arts / Montgomery / (334) 386-7918 /
Carla Copeland / M.S. in Management / Montgomery / (334) 386-7117 /

Students may contact the appropriate director, dean, department chair, or the Vice President for Academic Affairs via the Academic Helpdesk - a pictorial directory including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of individuals responsible for each academic area. The Academic Helpdesk may be accessed from all computer labs and library resource rooms via a desktop icon, or by accessing the Academic Helpdesk web page link at .