UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN-BAYLOR
CSBS 1311-05: OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY
SYLLABUS
Tony M. Martin, Th.D., Professor of Christian Studies
Spring 2007
INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………………………………. 2
1. The Syllabus
2. The Course
3. The Learning Objectives for CSBS 1311
4. The Professor, His Office, Telephone Extension, and Email Address
5. The Class Schedule and Office Hours for the Spring Semester of 2007
THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS ……………………………………………………… 3
1. The Textbooks and Other Materials
2. The Four Tests
a. Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities
b. The Sources for Test Questions
c. The Nature of the Tests
d. The Test Dates
e. Extra-Credit Work
THE CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS …………………………………………………… 6
1. The Class Attendance Policy
a. The University’s Policy
b. The Professor’s Policy
c. Counting Excused Absences
2. The Punctuality Policy
3. Excellence in Attendance and Punctuality
4. The Classroom Policies
THE GRADING PROCEDURE FOR CSBS 1311 ………………………………………….. 9
1. The University’s Policy
2. Final Grades: A, B, C, D, F
3. Other Grades: I, W, WP, Q (=WF)
___________________
The following abbreviations appear in this syllabus and refer to:
1. Ctlg = UMHB 2006–2007 Undergraduate Catalog
2. Hnbk = 2006/2007 Calendar and Student Handbook
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 2
INTRODUCTION
1. The Syllabus
All instructors at UMHB are required to provide students a thorough description of every
course they teach. To provide a suitable description of CSBS 1311 is the purpose of this
syllabus. It functions as a contract between students and their instructor according to
the requirement of the instructor’s contract with the University, which states: By accepting
employment at [UMHB] you [the instructor] agree that, during the entire term of this Agreement, you will … provide every student on your class roll a course syllabus for each class
and follow the policies set out in the syllabus.
2. The Course
a. The course title is CSBS 1311, Old Testament ( OT) Survey. It introduces the student to
the OT by providing an intelligent and appreciative understanding of the history of ancient
Israel in the context of the ancient Near East, her religious beliefs and practices, and the
lives of her most important characters. It also provides an introduction to its religious
teachings and moral values.
b. The 2006–2007 Undergraduate Catalog (Ctlg 84) states that the Core Courses Required
for All Undergraduate Degrees include six hours of Religion (= Christian Studies). In most
cases this requirement refers to CSBS 1311 (= OT Survey) and CSBS 1312 = (NT Survey).
c. The purpose of CSBS 1311 and 1312 is:
to teach the biblical basis of the Judeo-Christian tradition to all UMHB students.
3. The Learning Objectives for CSBS 1311
a. that students become familiar with the literary content, historical background,
ethical values, and religious teachings of the OT;
b. that students learn the meaning of the certain technical terms relating to OT study, such as:
hermeneutics, exegesis, eisegesis, canon, Apocrypha, Torah, and Deuteronomic History;
e. that students become familiar with the greatest characters of the OT:
Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon, and selected prophets;
d. that students acquire at least an introductory understanding of some key doctrines
in the OT: creation, original sin, election, covenant, Torah, salvation history,
moral recompense, wisdom, Messiah, and prophecy;
e. that students become familiar with the nature of biblical archaeology and how it
has illuminated our understanding of the historical and cultural background of the OT;
f. that students understand the interrelatedness and unity of the OT and NT,
and come to appreciate the meaning of the term Judeo-Christian tradition.
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 3
4. The Professor, His Office, Telephone Extension, and Email Address
a. The professor: Dr. Tony M. Martin, Professor of Christian Studies. My office is in
Heard 201. My office phone number is (254) 295–4570 (omit 295 when calling
from a campus phone). My email address is tmartin@umhb.edu.
b. Do not call or email for information already given in this syllabus. Always check the
syllabus first. If you ask for information provided here, I will refer you to the syllabus.
c. Do not call or email in order to inquire about your grade or the number of absences or
tardies you have accumulated during the session. UMHB policy forbids my discussing
topics affecting grades on the phone.
5. The Class Schedule and Office Hours for the Spring Semester of 2007
TIME 
8:00 AM 9:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM 1:00–2:50 PM
Office (except Wed) Office
Mon/Wed/Fri MSC219
downstairs
downstairs MSC219
Office
Wed
Hughes Auditorium
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MSC219
MSC219
MSC219
Davidson 205
Tue/Thur
Office
Office
Office
MSC = Mabee Student Center
I am available to visit with students during the office hours indicated above. Please remember
that my daily schedule is somewhat flexible, with the result that I am usually, but not always,
available in my office at the times indicated above. If you need a conference with me, please
advise me so that we may schedule an appointment.
THE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
1. The Textbooks and Other Materials
a. Coogan, Michael D., ed. The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha/
Deuterocanonical Books. 3d ed. New Revised Standard Version. New York:
Oxford UP, 2001. (Hereafter NOAB)
Bring your own NOAB to every class. Failure to use the NOAB in class when directed
to do so is noncompliance with course requirements and grounds for a letter-grade
penalty.
b. Frank, Harry Thomas, and Roger S. Boraas. Atlas of the Bible Lands.
Rev. ed. Maplewood, N.J.: Hammond, 1990. (Hereafter Atlas)
A concise atlas for both OT and NT Survey. It contains many color maps that we will
consult as we make our way through the course. It also contains photos of biblical
artifacts relating to CSBS 1311 that are on display both on site and in museums around
the world. Bring your Atlas to every class. Failure to use the Atlas in class when
directed to do so is noncompliance with the requirements of the course and cause for
a letter-grade penalty.
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 4
c. Martin, Tony M. Old Testament Survey Packet: Lesson Schedule, Outlines, and Supplements for Lessons 1–24. Belton: UMHB Media Center, Spring 2007. (Hereafter Packet)
This item contains outlines and supplements for the 24 lessons. Bring your Packet to
every class. Failure to use the Packet materials in class when directed to do so is noncompliance with the course requirements and grounds for a letter-grade penalty.
d. Tullock, John. The Old Testament Story. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall,
2002. (Hereafter OTS)
A modern study of the OT for beginning students using the historical approach (rather
than the book-by-book method), allowing the student to better understand the sequence
of events, persons, and theological development in OT history. The reading schedule is
in the Packet.
e. One package of 3 x 5" unlined index cards. I will use these cards to record your
attendance and punctuality for each of the 28 class sessions during the course.
2. The Four Tests
a. Accommodations for Students with Learning Disabilities
i) See the following discussions:
[1] Students with Special Needs (Ctlg 16)
[2] Counseling (Ctlg 18 = Hnbk 14)
[3] Student Responsibilities (Hnbk 15)
[4] Academic Support (Hnbk 16)
[5] Peer Mentors (Hnbk 16)
ii) UMHB attempts to accommodate those students who are at an academic disadvantage
because of one or more diagnosed learning disabilities (e.g., reading disorder, dysgraphia, dyscalcula, attention deficit disorder, depression, etc.). Students with special
needs can qualify for reasonable academic or physical accommodations in accordance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
iii) It is each student’s responsibility to establish need for accommodations through the
Accommodation and Student Assistance Program. Contact Nate Williams in the
Center for Counseling, Testing, and Career Services, Mabee Student Center, suite 230
(ext. 4696).
iv) I encourage students with special needs as a result of learning disabilities to advise me
so at the beginning of the course. Be assured that I understand the need that students
may have for the accommodations UMHB can provide those experiencing learning
disabilities. But students must realize that they cannot cite a previously undisclosed
learning disability in contesting their final grade for the course.
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 5
b. The Sources for Test Questions
i) Lecture material (most questions come from this source): In order to perform well on
the tests, the professor advises students to practice the following principles for taking
notes during the lecture.
[1] Think of your class notes as your study guide for the tests—for this is the primary
purpose your notes are to serve. No other study guide is provided.
[2] Think of these notes as forming a permanent notebook that can help you in the
future. Your notebook will be of best use if organized in a three-ring binder with
tabbed divider sheets separating the lessons.
[3] Organize your notes by following the outline provided in the Packet for each lesson.
[4] After class, rewrite your notes, preferably on a computer. When you do, write your
notes in complete sentences as much as possible. Avoid writing sentence fragments
that lack the context necessary to help you recall the meaning and significance of
what you have written.
[5] Pay special attention to the spelling, capitalization, and definition of words and
phrases that the professor writes on the board.
ii) NOAB: the biblical text, study notes, and introductions to OT books in the study Bible
iii) Atlas: maps, photos, charts, and captions in the Atlas. Give careful attention to the
spelling and capitalization of items identified on the maps.
iv) Packet: lesson outlines and supplements
c. The Nature of the Tests
i) We do not use scantrons to take the tests.
ii) Each test is entirely objective. Each test includes five categories of ten items / category;
each item is worth two points (50 items x 2 points = 100 points):
[1] True and False: choose T or F
[2] Multiple Choice: choose A, B, C, or D (sometimes E)
[3] Matching: match items in the first column (1–10) with their most appropriate match
in the second column, where the items are marked by capital letters (A–J)
[4] Fill in the Blank: requiring one or more names, dates, technical terms, etc.
[5] Map Identification: identify, by their exact geographical names, selected sites on
a map of
[a] the OT World (Tests 1, 4),
[b] the Exodus (Test 2),
[c] Palestine (Test 3).
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 6
iii) You are to take each test with a sharp pencil and a clean eraser.
If you take the test in ink you will lose ten penalty points.
iv) You must use correct spelling and capitalization in the fourth and fifth sections
of the test (completion and map identification).
[1] Spelling:
You must spell correctly each word you write.
[2] Capitalization: You must correctly capitalize proper nouns and adjectives.
[3] Capitalization: You must not capitalize words that are not proper nouns and
adjectives.
[4] Map:
Do not repeat a map identification. A repeated map identification
will be counted wrong both times it appears.
v) The professor reserves the right to change the nature of the tests or to adjust the date of
tests 1–3 (although significant changes are very unlikely).
d. The Test Dates (All students will take the final at the time scheduled by the Registrar)
i) Test 1, tentative date: Tuesday, Feb 6, 2007, 8:00 a.m., over Lessons 1–6 only
ii) Test 2, tentative date: Thursday, Mar 1, 2007, 8:00 a.m., over Lessons 7–12 only
iii) Test 3, tentative date: Tuesday, Apr 3, 2007, 8:00 a.m., over Lessons 13–18 only
iv) Test 4, definite date: Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 8:30 a.m., over Lessons 19–24 only
The entire class will take the final exam together. No one will be allowed to take the
final exam prior to or after the time the Registrar has scheduled.
e. Extra-Credit Work
Students who perform poorly in meeting the ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS sometimes
ask that they be allowed to perform extra-credit work in order to bring an expected F up
to a D, or a D to a C. Such work is not allowed in CSBS 1311.
THE CLASSROOM REQUIREMENTS
1. The Class Attendance Policy
a. The University’s Policy
[UMHB] expects regular and punctual attendance in class. Individual instructors, due to
their particular course of study, may have more specific attendance requirements cited in
their syllabi (Hnbk 30; Ctlg 73). The University expects especially students on academic
probation to attend all classes (Ctlg 69).
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 7
b. The Professor’s Policy
i) CSBS 1311 is scheduled to meet 28 times in the spring of 2007, not counting the day
of the final exam. You must attend at least 21 class sessions in their entirety in order
to pass the course. If you miss class 8 times or more for any reason, you will not pass
CSBS 1311.
ii) In order to make a written record of your daily attendance and punctuality, before each
class, please submit a 3 x 5" unlined index card with the following daily information
written in the extreme upper-left corner:
Preferred Personal Name + Last Name
CSBS 1311-05
Day and Date
iii) Absences are counted from the first class session of the term (Hnbk 30; cf. Ctlg 73).
Thus, if you enter the course late, you may begin with several absences already counted
against you.
c. Counting Excused Absences
The student must inform the instructor of university excused absences in advance of
that absence (Hnbk 30; Ctlg 69). An excused absence still counts as an absence and
will be recorded as an absence in the professor’s roll book.
2. The Punctuality Policy
a. [UMHB]expects … punctual attendance in class…. Punctuality is … as important as
attendance. Students coming to class late are responsible for checking with the instructor
to make sure they were not marked absent (Hnbk 30; Ctlg 73). Because of the importance
of punctuality, excessive tardiness (3 times or more) will be penalized. You are allowed
two free tardies during the semester. Every tardy beginning with your 3d will penalize
your final test average 2 points.
b. I will regard you as tardy if you are not seated in your regular place at 8:00:00 a.m. by
my watch, not by the classroom clock. I set my watch by the announcement of the hour on
radio station KNCT-FM, 91.3. Be aware that clocks in the Mabee Student Center are not
coordinated and are not set to accurate time.
c. In my grade book, I will carefully document your attendance and punctuality record for the
course. I regard attendance and punctuality as equal in importance to your test grades, and
I regard chronic tardiness as a symptom of immaturity.
CSBS 1311, Spring Syllabus: 8
3. Excellence in Attendance and Punctuality
I deeply appreciate and respect those students who strive to compile an excellent record in
attendance and punctuality. I will reward them, at my discretion, according to the custom that
I have practiced over the years and will explain in class.
4. The Classroom Policies
a. I expect students to respect the teacher, the subject of the course, the learning environment
in the classroom, and their classmates at all times. Failure to do so is grounds for penalizing
the student’s final grade or, in extreme cases, administrative withdrawal from class.
b. See Academic Decorum (Ctlg 73–74; Hnbk 30–31), Misconduct Defined (Hnbk 43,
especially A, B, C, N), and Dress Code (Hnbk 53–54). These sources prohibit the
following classroom behaviors:
i) sleeping in class
ii) talking in class while the instructor is teaching
iii) walking out of class during instruction: You will receive a two-point penalty against
your final average for every time you leave class during the lesson and return later.
iv) not wearing shoes to class
v) wearing immodest dress to class
c. We will observe these additional policies in order to minimize distractions (those who
violate these policies will receive grade penalties):
i) Do not eat in class.
ii) Do not lie down on your desk as if sleeping during class.
iii) Do not ask a neighbor to share his/her study Bible, Atlas, or Packet. You are responsible
for bringing your own materials to each class.
iv) If you have a question about the lecture material, ask the teacher, not your neighbor.
v) Please do not distract the class with persistent coughing or sniffling.
d. Be assured that I deeply appreciate your cooperation with these basic principles of classroom decorum. I thank you for the assistance your cooperation gives me as I try to provide
all students in this class a quality academic experience.
GRADING PROCEDURE FOR CSBS 1311
1. The University’s Policy
a. See Academic Policies in Hnbk 28–33, especially:
i) The Grading System (Hnbk 28; cf. Academic Standards, Ctlg 67–70)
ii) Academic Probation (Hnbk 29–30; Ctlg 65)
iii) Academic Honesty (Hnbk 30; Ctlg 73)
iv) Academic Decorum (Hnbk 30–31; Ctlg 73–74)
v) Class Preparation
(Hnbk 31)
CSBS 1311, Spring 2005: 9
b. The discussion there presents the official policies of UMHB regarding your academic
evaluation for this and all other courses.
2. Final Grades: A, B, C, D, F
I will calculate your final grade by averaging your 4 tests. Your test average, minus any
penalties for violating policies set forth in this syllabus, will determine your final grade
for CSBS 1311.
3. Other Grades: I, W, WP, Q (= WF)
a. I = Incomplete
You may receive the temporary grade of I for CSBS 1311 only if you have not finished
the course due to conditions beyond the student’s control (Ctlg 68; Hnbk 28).
b. W = Withdrawal
The last day to drop CSBS 1311 with a W is Friday, 9 February 2007.
A W does not count in computing the student’s GPA (Ctlg 68; Hnbk 28).
c. WP = Withdrawal Passing; Q = Withdrawal Failing
The last day to drop CSBS 1311 with a WP/Q is Wednesday, 11 April 2007.
A WP does not count in computing the student’s GPA (Ctlg 68; Hnbk 28).
d. Any student who stops attending a class but fails to officially drop the course through
the Registrar’s Office will be given a failing grade in the class (Hnbk 29).