Andrews University
Department of Religion
RELB110 Syllabus 2007
Biblical Backgrounds
Field School Version, 3 credits
Instructor: Keith Mattingly, Ph.D.
Instructor’s Professional Background: Dr. Mattingly is the Chair of the Department of Religion and Biblical Languages. Within the department he has been instrumental in developing a strong practicum component. Outside the department he has developed programs such as Chapel Choices. Outside of Andrews he is the chair of the Stevensville SDA Church Board and president of the Country Acres Home Owners Association. His research is mainly in the area of Biblical Studies. Dr. Mattingly is the Co-Director for Administration and Records of the Hesban Excavations where last season he had the joy of unearthing a four line Byzantine Greek inscription on a door lintel. His research has been funded by Andrews University.
I. Course Description:
Archaeological, cultural, geographical, and historical backgrounds of the Old and New Testament.
II. Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the salient geographical features of the lands of the Bible
- Explain the geographical setting of various biblical events and stories
- Explain the historical and cultural context of various biblical events and stories
- Understand the importance of the everyday life in Biblical Israel
- Understand the role of archaeology in illuminating biblical events and stories
III. Course Requirements:
- Assigned Readings and Written Reviews: Readings for this course will be drawn from four different textbooks. You will be using the Holy Land Atlas to learn about the landscape and geography of the lands of the Bible, Life in Biblical Israel will introduce you to everyday life in Bible times; Peoples of the Old Testament will tell you about the various people groups mentioned in the Bible; and Joseph will give you important information on Egypt in the form of a story. Read all of Joseph, Peoples of the Old Testament World, Life in Biblical Israel and in the Holy Land Atlas read Vol 1, Sec 1: Archaeological and Historical Summary and Vol 2, Introduction pp 2-11.
Turn in a 4-5 page typewritten review for each of the four books addressing the following topics: 1) What is the objective of the author and how did he/she meet that objective? 2) What did you learn about the culture, religions, geography, history, etc., of the ancient biblical world for people groups such as the Amonites, Amorites, Assyrians, Canaanites, Edomites, Egyptians, Israelites, Moabites, Philistines, etc. 3) What are the strength and/or weaknesses of the book? 4) Make a statement as to how much of the book you read.
- Notebook Journal: This is a real time journal of your trip. Conclude each day with a review of the day. Review what you learned at each site visited, what was your personal reaction, and how you have been informed about biblical times. The journal may be written by hand or using a word processor. Remember, the journal is to be in real time and not written days or weeks after the fact. On tours to local sites you can be aided in your daily review by taking notes at each stop. You are also welcome to make drawings and take pictures as appropriate. This journal will be your keepsake for the tour so feel free to include anything such as handouts and regular tourist information that will make this as valuable as possible.
- Virtual Tour Project: Using the Cleave’s Satellite Atlas and the CD provided with the purchase, prepare a virtual tour of the Holy Land in which you either visit major sites connected with the conquest and settlement ofIsrael in Palestine or visit the major cities and regions connected with the ministry of Jesus. The tour should be accompanied by a typewritten text presenting the itinerary you have developed. You may collaborate with fellow class mates on this project.
- Course Evaluation Essay: Write a 3-5 page typewritten report that evaluates what you have learned from taking this class. Address the reading, journal, virtual tour, real tour, lectures, etc that were a part of this tour or dig.
- Final Exam: A final exam will be administered back at Andrews University once you return. This will be an oral exam in which the teacher will ask each of you questions that will cover assigned readings and content covered in lectures, tours and projects. Answers can be found by looking them up in the text books or your journal. So bring to the exam period all your material.
IV. Grading Standards:
Assignment |
% |
Reading and Written Reports |
40 |
Journal |
30 |
Virtual Tour Project |
10 |
| Course Evaluation Essay | 10 |
Final Exam |
10 |
TOTAL |
100 |
Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
A |
94 – 100 % |
A- |
90 – 93 % |
B+ |
87 – 89 % |
B |
83 – 86 % |
B- |
80 – 82 % |
C+ |
75 – 79 % |
C |
70 – 74 % |
C- |
65 – 69 % |
D |
60 – 64 % |
F |
0 – 59 % |
VI. Assignment Submission:
Students should be pro-active in completing assignment in a timely manner. Four book reports, your journal, the typewritten virtual tour report and the course evaluation essay are due by the end of the dig. It is the student's responsibility to make sure the teacher gets his/her assignment. Upon consultation with me the student can extend the due dates until the first week of school. The final exam will be administered late in the last week of the dig.
VII. Academic Honesty:
Students are expected to display honesty in all academic matters. Please review the Academic Integrity statement found in the University Bulletin for a complete description of what constitutes academic dishonesty along with the consequences for such behavior.
VIII. Textbooks:
Richard Cleave, ed. (required)
1999 The Holy Land Satellite Atlas. Nicosia, Cyprus : Rohr Productions. Vols 1-2.
Terri Fivash (required).
2002 Joseph. Washington DC: Review and Herald Publishing Association
Alfred J. Hoerth, Gerald L. Mattingly and Edwin M. Yamauchi, eds (required)
1994 Peoples of the Old Testament World. Grand Rapids, MI : Baker Books
Philip J. King and Lawrence E. Stager (required)
2001 Life in Biblical Israel. London : Westminister John Know Press
Edited 01/31/07 jlpc
