RLGN 330 Course Syllabus COURSE SYLLABUS RLGN 330 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF TEACHING THE BIBLE COURSE DESCRIPTION A study of the laws of teaching and learning as they apply to various situations in which the student has an opportunity to observe and apply the principles and art of effective teaching. The student will be given an opportunity to observe and apply the principles of effective teaching. RATIONALE This course is based upon the premise that teaching/learning in the church occurs at different levels and through a variety of techniques. This course will explore learning theories, teaching preparation, characteristics of the learner/environment, and will also analyze teaching techniques that will merge learner needs, expectations, and abilities with church curriculum needs. I. PREREQUISITE BIBL 350 and/or RLGN 325 II. REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES Turabian, Kate L. Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. Current ed. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press. Wilkinson, Bruce. The Seven Laws of the Learner: How to Teach Almost Anything to Practically Anyone. Colorado Springs, CO: Multnomah Books, 1992. ISBN: 9781590524527. Wilhoit, James C., and Ryken, Leland. Effective Bible Teaching. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012. ISBN: 9780801048609. Yount, William R. The Teaching Ministry of the Church. 2nd ed. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic. ISBN: 9780805447378. Digital video recorder or similar device. Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources. Page 1 of 4 RLGN 330 Course Syllabus III. IV. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment B. Internet access (broadband recommended) C. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (Microsoft Office is available at a special discount to Liberty University students.) D. Media player software (webcam, smartphone, etc.) E. Bible MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: V. A. Articulate the theological and biblical foundations for teaching the Bible. B. Develop lesson plans that are based on a particular passage of Scripture using the Inductive Bible Study approach. C. Utilize various teaching methods for different age groups. D. Describe the various learning styles. E. Engage the various learning styles through a variety of teaching methods. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS A. Textbook readings and lecture presentations B. Course Requirements Checklist After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1. C. Discussion Board Forums (2) Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. There will be 2 Discussion Board Forums throughout the course. The first discussion board will cover methods of teaching and communication of principles as encouraged by the textbooks. The student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. The thread must consist of at least 400 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and incorporate a minimum of 2 citations in current Turabian format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must consist of at least 200 words and incorporate a minimum of 1 citation in current Turabian format. Acceptable sources for citations include the textbook, the Bible, and other sources related to the topics of teaching, communication, etc. Page 2 of 4 RLGN 330 Course Syllabus D. Teaching Assignments (4) The student will present a Bible Lesson that they will develop throughout the duration of this course and record it using the Video Everywhere Blackboard tool. See the presentation entitled “Video Everywhere Tutorial” and accompanying PDF for further instructions. Teaching Assignment 1 The student will choose a passage of Scripture from those provided and prepare and record a Bible Lesson using the Video Everywhere Blackboard tool. Teaching Assignments 2 and 3 Using the Word templates, the student will answer questions related to the assigned reading material, and describe in detail how they have developed their Bible lesson. Teaching Assignment 4 The student will submit a recording of their fully developed Bible Lesson (again using the Video Everywhere Blackboard tool), along with a written outline using the assigned template. E. Book Review The student will submit a 1500-2000 word book review of Wilkinson’s, The Seven Laws of the Learner. The review must be written in current Turabian format and include a summary, critique, and application in addition to a title page and bibliography. The title page and bibliography will not count toward your overall word requirement. F. Midterm and Final Exams Each exam will cover content covered in the course materials and presentations. Each quiz will consist of 25 multiple-choice and 2 essay questions, is openbook/open-notes, and must be completed in 1 hour and 15 minutes. VI. COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES A. Points B. Course Requirements Checklist Discussion Board Forums (2 at 100 pts ea.) Teaching Assignments (1 at 50 pts, 2 at 100 pts, and 1 at 150 pts.) Book Review Midterm Exam Final Exam Total Scale 10 200 400 150 125 125 1010 A = 900–1010 B = 800–899 C = 700–799 D = 600–699 F = 0–599 Page 3 of 4 RLGN 330 Course Syllabus C. Late Assignment Policy If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions: 1. Late assignments submitted within one week of the due date will receive a 10% deduction. 2. Assignments submitted more than one week late will receive a 20% deduction. 3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the class will not be accepted. 4. Late Discussion Board threads or replies will not be accepted. Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis. D. Disability Assistance Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Online’s Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport. Page 4 of 4