Syllabus: Senior Seminar/Bible Comprehensive
for Biblical Studies (BA), Bible and Ministry (BS), and Vocational Ministry (BS) Programs
Students in all of my classes are encouraged to access the following web sites for resources of various kinds and to understand better the assignments given and the philosophy of teaching and evaluation the professor employs.
Book or Article Review Guidelines
Research Grading Guide
MLA Supplement for Religious Writing
Grading Guidelines
Class Evaluation
This page provides the student opportunity to evaluate the class confidentially and anonymously at any time during the semester.
Anti-Plagiarism Guidelines
General Expectations
[apply to all classes unless the specific syllabus indicates otherwise]
Understanding Syllabus Assignments
Ohio Valley College
Bible Program
Class Policies and Syllabus
Course/#: Bible Comprehensive/Senior Seminar, BIB451
Credit hours: 1 hour
Instructor: Program director or appropriate Bible program faculty
Prerequisites: Since this course is designed to be a "cap" course for students seeking a major in Bible, students should be in their final semester as a Bible major. Students following a different schedule must receive Bible program permission to enroll in this course.
Required Textbooks
Holy Bible. [Any translation (but no paraphrases).]
Course Description
This course is designed to overview the student's educational experience at Ohio Valley College and to complement the Professional Seminar (BIB452) which the student should have taken previously or concurrently. As a correlating course, this course continues to encourage and facilitate the student's preparation of a portfolio and resume, and to allow the student the opportunity to reflect upon the impact of that education in future plans. With these in mind, the following components are vital to the class:
- the content of the biblical text with special attention given to themes, biblical theology, and the message of the Bible. Students will briefly survey the Bible and organize the materials in their own library, especially class notes and materials. This component may be tested with either a written or oral comprehensive examination. This exam will focus on general Bible knowledge and content specific to courses the student has taken in the program at Ohio Valley College.
- the development of a resume and portfolio is completed as a part of BIB452. The student should have these materials ready for presentation as one component of this course.
- the successful completion of an exit interview with emphasis on integrating learning and ministry experiences.
- successful quality research as evidenced through a capstone research paper or project. Students should include a sample research project in the portfolio, either as submitted or rewritten if necessary. A student may be assigned a faculty advisor who will assist in the writing or rewriting of this research project by request.
- reflection upon the significance of the Bible for the student's own life, and the significance of the student's education for ministry.
Student Expectations
[Student expectations are set forth in the catalog. These paragraphs clarify matters that pertain to this class. Students are encouraged to consult the expectations available on-line at (www.bobyoungresources.com/syllabi/expect.htm)]
Attendance Policy---The school attendance policy will be followed. Students are expected to attend class as scheduled with no absences. The seminar nature of the class demands such diligence. It is the responsibility of the student to commit to such diligence, and to consult with the instructor in the very unusual situation when an absence must be excused. The student is responsible for obtaining all assignments and completing any work missed.
Classroom Conduct--Students are expected to arrive at class on time. (See the catalog for details.) Students who must arrive
late due to unforeseen circumstances are expected to enter class without being disruptive and wait until after class to explain the reason for the tardiness.
Late Assignments---Homework must be turned in on time or early. Students who do not produce and submit timely work will fail the class.
Withdrawal Procedure---Class withdrawal procedures are set forth in the catalog and must be followed. Nonattendance does not constitute official withdraw. The student who neither attends nor drops the class will receive an "F" grade.
Goals and Objectives
1. The student will demonstrate an awareness of the general content of Scripture, biblical themes, and the general content of the books of the Bible by answering general Bible questions in a Bible comprehensive interview.
2. Students will be able to identify and reflect upon the significance of key biblical doctrines, themes, words, and phrases, to the extent such have been a part of their program of study. Competency will be demonstrated through a Bible comprehensive interview and through materials included in the student portfolio.
3. The student will be aware of the unique concerns, themes, topics, theology, outline, chronology, and purposes of the books of the Bible, again to the extent such have been a part of the program of study. Competency will be demonstrated through a Bible comprehensive interview and through materials included in the student portfolio.
4. The student will be able to reflect upon the significance of the Bible for her or his own life, as evidenced in a personal reflection paper informed by the study of biblical literature and theology.
5. The student will be able to do quality research with primary sources in seeking to understand and apply the content of the biblical text, as evidenced by the inclusion of a sample of the student's best research work to be included in the portfolio.
6. The student will demonstrate interpersonal skills through participation in an exit interview which will ask about Bible knowledge and applications, the student's experience at OVC, and other interview questions which may arise.
Criteria for Evaluation
The successful student will master each of the course objectives to some degree--no items will be omitted. The successful student will
cooperate with the professors in a mutually stimulating and exciting learning experience. Evaluation will be based upon mastery of these goals and objectives as reflected in class participation, homework, and other assignments.
Class Requirements
1. The student is encouraged to use this class as an occasion to compile, catalog, and file materials previously produced, with the ultimate result of a file of materials, and a professional portfolio and resume as developed in BIB452.
2. In preparation for the oral Bible comprehensive portion of the class, the student is encouraged to include or add to this corpus of previously produced materials. A student portfolio will be submitted according to the class schedule. The portfolio should include a resume, transcripts, samples of best work, and other materials typical of a portfolio as described in professional seminar.
3. Successful mastery of the biblical knowledge base, as reflected in the ability to answer general Bible questions and questions specific to coursework the student has completed.
4. Personal Reflection Paper. Reflection upon the significance of the Bible for the student's own life and the significance of the student's education for ministry informed by the study of biblical literature and theology are the two major goals of this assignment. This paper should be at least 6-10 pages in length.
6. Understanding of biblical theology and textual content with the contemporary applications as demonstrated in the exit interview. The exit interview should also demonstrate the student's awareness of theological issues.
Evaluation
Evaluation will be based on timely submission of the assigned course requirements as listed below.
25% Bible Comprehensive Examination
25% Materials file and portfolio (including research paper)
25% Reflection Paper
25% Exit Interview
Grading Scale [% of possible points]
A 93-100%
B 84-92%
C 75-83%
F below 75%
Please Note: This syllabus is an agreement between the student and the instructor of BIB451. The professor reserves the right to amend any or all of this syllabus as he deems necessary during the course of the semester, and will promptly notify all students involved of the changes.
Course Calendar
6th week of semester--Oral Bible Comprehensives begin
[Note: Students should schedule these with the Bible department office.]
10th week of semester--Reflection paper due
12th week of semester--Exit Interviews begin; portfolio and research paper should be completed and presented at the exit interview
________________________
Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify the Office of the Provost before or immediately after your first scheduled class meeting. After your disability has been verified, your instructor will work with you and the Office of the Provost to insure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in the course.
http://www.bobyoungresources.com/academics/syll-451.htm