There are two goals related to this course of study. The first is to serve as an introduction to some of the major elements of the biblical traditions as placed in their cultural and historical context. The second is to increase awareness of the Bible’s influence on Western Culture and enhance understanding of current events surrounding the Middle East today. Concurrent with these goals are general educational goals of sharpening critical thinking, problem solving, improving skills in written communication, and recognition of how the value systems of a people continue to influence the present. The following is from the preface of the text to be used.
“The Bible has been and still is one of the most influential books ever published. Its influence is seen in literature, art, music, culture, public policy, and public debate. The first English translations of the
Bible helped to fashion the English language itself—so much so that, had the Bible not been translated into
English when it was, Shakespeare’s plays might never have been written.
“Biblical allusions are found in great literature and in the daily newspaper as well. Rock musicians, screenwriters, television producers, and advertisers use the Bible as a source. Politicians use the words and accounts of the Bible to frame their debates.
“The Bible is a sacred text to Jews and Christians, and it has the respect of Muslims and the members of other world religions. The very fact that it is a sacred text contributes to the Bible’s influence.
Still, the Bible has literary merit all its own. It is filled with adventure, with poetry and song, with narratives and letters, with visions and comfort, with warning and advice.
“The first part of the Bible—the Hebrew Scriptures—both shaped and was shaped by the identity of the Jewish people. Christians kept those Hebrew Scriptures as part of their own Scriptures and saw in them a foreshadowing of Jesus, whom they believed to be the Messiah. The Gospels and other writings of the New Testament have at their center Jesus of Nazareth and the development of the Christian churches.
The actions, words, and teachings of Jesus and his followers also influenced art, culture, and public discourse.
“…In this course, you will get a tour of the whole Bible to see how it was written and when….
You will also see the expansive influence of the Bible. Your knowledge of the Bible can be a key to unlocking other subjects for you—especially literature, art, music, and the social sciences. You will learn why every well-educated person needs to have a basic knowledge of the Bible.”
This course is designed to provide the student with a knowledge of the academic content of the
Bible and its influence in literature, world history, art, music, politics, and social culture.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.

Students of all faiths (and none) need to know about the Bible to engage their American heritage in key areas of language, arts, and literature, as well as history, law, and politics. Without Bible literacy, students are denied full access to their own linguistic, literary, and artistic heritage. The goal is to understand the Bible’s unparalleled influence on the whole Western tradition.
On April 3, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said:
“We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now.
Because I’ve been to the mountaintop…. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land.”
The next day, Dr. King was assassinated. To grasp its full significance, students must know more than that
Dr. King was a great civil rights leader. To understand his last public words, we have to know about the text that inspired him.
The Civil Rights Movement is but one example in United States history of the importance of a background in the Bible. The Mayflower Compact, Abraham Lincoln’s speeches, the temperance and abolitionist movements, even European history, is literally unintelligible without at least a basic working knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. The Bible is one key text whose publicly debated meanings have shaped our past and reshape the present.
In 1963, the Supreme Court ruled that public schools may not require devotional use of the Bible.
In that same decision, however, the Supreme Court explicitly acknowledged that academic study of the
Bible in public schools is constitutional, as part of a good education. This decision banned devotional use of the Bible in the curriculum, but not academic teaching about the Bible.
The Bible Literacy Report showed that less than a fourth of current students are Bible literate. In order to understand their own culture, and just to be well-grounded citizens of the United States, students need an academic knowledge of the Bible. This report concluded that high schools should make basic Bible knowledge part of their curriculum, especially for college preparatory students. Doing so will be an important part of meeting the next generation’s educational needs in an increasingly diverse population.
This is an academic course and will be taught in an objective manner and will require the student to follow the general requirements necessary for any other academic course.
 Students will be expected to read and follow along with the classroom textbook.
 Students will need to bring a Bible to class, complete assignments, take tests, and participate in discussions.
 Students will need a notebook and folder and/or binder to keep up with class notes, journal entries, and graded work.
 Students will need a pen or pencil each day.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course

Every day when you enter my classroom, I will be ready to teach you interesting and engaging lessons. If you approach this class with a positive attitude, respect for your classmates, and a sense of responsibility, you will be successful! My expectations for you are listed below. Make sure you review these expectations carefully and know that I will hold you to these standards of behavior.
Every person in this class will be given an equal opportunity to express himself or herself in class discussions, group work, writings, etc. Individuals may dress differently, have different beliefs, or communicate in different ways, but I expect you to treat each classmate with respect. In a discussion, a variety of opinions often surface. While you will not be asked to change your way of thinking, you will be expected to listen to others with respect and to express your personal opinions in a respectful manner. If you disagree with someone’s viewpoint, you are free to challenge them. However, please take time to consider your classmates’ opinions. The ability to weigh different perspectives and a willingness to change one’s ideas based on the presentation of new evidence are essential skills in today’s information age.
Students are expected to:
 Be in class on time.
 Come prepared for class with required materials.
 Respect your teacher and classmates.
 Limit unnecessary trips out of the classroom.
 Follow the teacher’s rules regarding phones and use of restroom pass.
 Turn work in on time.
 Be a benefit to a group, not a hindrance.
 Actively participate in class discussions.
 Accept an academic challenge.
Consequences:
Leaving class: Students are required to initial & date the checklist regarding restroom use. Students are limited to five passes per nine weeks, with the additional element of leaving your phone while out of class.
Extra points may be spent on extra restroom passes (10 points each) for up to 3 extra passes per nine weeks.
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Absences: If students have a planned absence from school, please notify the teacher in advance in order to obtain upcoming assignments. It’s always best to make up work before leaving. If there is an unplanned absence from school, please see the teacher immediately upon returning to class to obtain any make-up work
(see below). Students may also e-mail the teacher to find out assignment details. Regardless of the situation, please talk to the teacher personally upon returning to school.
Make Up Work: Make-up work/tests shall be permitted for excused absences only. Students having excused absences will be allowed the same number of days to complete make-up work/tests as they were absent.
(i.e. student missed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday then they have 3 days to make-up work/tests).
Again, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher regarding make-up assignments and schedule a time before, during, or after school.
School Policies: Any rule stated in the Student Handbook is, of course, a rule in this classroom as well.
Please be very familiar with all school rules and policies.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.

Writing to Learn (note taking, journals, etc.) - Writing to Demonstrate Learning (open responses, essay questions, on-demands, etc) - Writing for a Real World Purpose (speeches, editorials, letters, research papers, feature articles, etc.)
Grades will be assigned according to the district grading policies. Grades will be divided into four categories, each worth 25% of the overall grade.
 Daily Work: Various assignments and assessments will be given on a daily basis.
 Quizzes: A quiz can be given at any time over readings, notes, chapters, etc.
 Tests: Tests will consist of a combination of multiple choice, short answer, true/false, fill in the blank, and open-response/essay questions.
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Special Projects: There will be at least one special project each nine weeks.
I begin the year with complete trust in each of you. Please do not abuse that trust by being dishonest.
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty are serious offenses. The academic work of a student is expected to be his/her own effort. Students must give the author(s) credit for any source material used. To represent ideas or interpretations taken from a source without giving credit is a flagrant act. To present a borrowed passage after having changed a few words, even if the source is cited, is also plagiarism. Students who commit any act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade in that portion of the course work. Acts of academic dishonesty will be reported to the administration.
If you have questions regarding your schoolwork or need extra help, you can see me after class, by appointment before or after school, and/or you may e-mail me.
The teacher reserves the right to alter this syllabus at any time during the course.