Historical Study of the New Testament (HIST 5B) 4 units MTWTH 11:30am
Green Sheet
Instructor: Mary Jo Ignoffo
ignoffomaryjo@deanza.edu
http://www.deanza.edu/faculty/ignoffomaryjo/
Objectives:
This class seeks to broaden our knowledge, understanding and perception of the New
Testament so that we can intelligently engage in discussion, writing, and thinking about the
Near East in that period of time and how it impacts today’s world. How did the New Testament
come to be written and by whom? How was it understood in its own historical setting? What
insights does its historical context give for our current globalized world?
Overview:
Our journey through this period begins with an overview of the society and politics of the
Greco-Roman world. We will examine the culture out of which the writings of the New
Testament came to be written. We will study the format, content, and socio-economic and
political settings of the texts. Through an examination of the history of the New Testament,
students will begin to grapple the challenges of historical inquiry.
Required Text: Please bring textbook to every class.
Understanding the Bible, eighth edition, by Stephen L. Harris (McGraw-Hill Publishers). Students
who have the textbook by January 10, will be awarded an extra ten points. Those who do not
have the textbook by January 15 will have points deducted from their overall score.
Assignments:
In-class writings: periodically I will submit a quotation or law or question for your written
consideration. Each will be worth 10 points. Overall, you can expect to write approximately
2,500 words (or ten pages) during this course. There is no make-up for this assignment. If you
are not in class, you will not earn the points.
Exams:
Two mid-term examinations worth 75 points each: (25 objective questions worth 2 points each
and one essay question worth 25 points). Final Exam: worth 100 points (25 objective questions
worth 2 points each and two essay questions worth 25 points each). For this class you will need
a scantron for each exam. If you miss an exam, you must make arrangements to make up the
test within one week. Failure to do so will result in a zero score.
Grading Policy:
I do not grade on a curve. Grading with be based your total points accumulated from exams,
assignments, participation and extra credit. The ranges are:
A+ = 100-98%
B+ = 89-88%
C+ = 79-78%
D = 67-63%
A=
97-93%
B=
87-83%
C = 77-70%
D- = 62-60%
A- = 92-90%
B- = 82-80%
D+ = 69-68%
F (fail) = 59% & below
Attendance:
Attendance is expected and required. Please alert the instructor if you are ill and cannot make
it to class. If you miss three or more classes, your grade will be negatively impacted.
Policies:
Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated and will be handled as directed in the De Anza
College Catalog. Classroom behavior must be respectful, and I reserve the right to drop a
student who is disruptive to a learning environment. No cell phone or pagers may sound, and
texting may be perceived as cheating and be handled as such.
Schedule for Reading Assignments and Exams
Please Complete the Reading Assignment by the date indicated.
Jan 7
Introduction
Roman Occupation of Judea
Jan 9
Hellenism
Jan 14
Jan 17
Jan 22
Jan 30
Feb 4
Feb 11
Feb 19
Feb 26
Mar 5
Mar 6
Mar 12
Chapter 9
pp.301-313
Chapter 10
pp.320-332
Midterm
Chapter 11
pp.333-345
pp.350-365
pp.366-380
pp.380-394
Mark
Matthew
Luke
John
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
pp.398-412
pp.414-420
pp.420-438
pp.439-461
Historical Jesus
Christian Beginnings and Paul
pp.482-490
Revelation
Midterm
Mar 18
Mar 21
Mar 25
First Century Judaism
New Testament
Overview of the Gospels
Paul’s Letters
REVIEW
Monday
11:30 am
Final Exam