HUM1012 Discipleship of the Christian Mind
Gateway to the University Core:
School of Arts and Humanities
Instructor: Anderson M. Rearick III, PhD.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Spring, 2013. Tues - Thurs
Credit: 3 Hours / RH 15
Sec. 1: Time: 11:30a 12:30p
Contact Info:
Dr. Rearick's Office: RH 138 - I (Within School of Arts and Humanities Suit in Regents Hall 138)
Office Hours: Everyday: 9:10 - 10:00am and 2:00 - 3:10pm; M-W-F: 3:20p – 4:30p Tues – Thurs 8:00 - 9:00am or by
appointment1
Office (740) 392-6868 [740-397-9000] Ext. 3508
Home (740) 392-3738-- Please no calls after 9:00
Email: anderson.rearick@mvnu.edu
Course Description: HUM 1012 was designed to help students to identify, form, and practice some habits of the Christian mind
while learning to discern their own worldviews and those expressed in primary texts. It aims to introduce students to the vision of
liberal arts education at MVNU and to present the life of the mind as fundamental aspect of Christian discipleship. This course is
designated (W) for its contribution to writing across the University Core curriculum.
As the Gateway to the University Core, this course will introduce students to the idea and practices of a Christian liberal arts
education and thus prepare them to strive towards being lifelong learners. Students will be encouraged to see themselves as
disciples of Jesus who are seeking to form Christian minds through their studies and in their everyday lives. Through writing
assignments and class discussion, the course will explore aspects of the discipleship of the Christian mind, including: 1) its
connection to a discipleship of the whole person, 2) the development of particular habits and virtues, and 3) the need to practice
discernment from Christian and Wesleyan worldviews. Each section of the course will include a shared framework based on
common readings and writing assignments as well as a unique set of discernment applications from primary texts chosen as
examples of the world of imagination.
Class Procedure: HUM1012, will meet two times a week to assimilate lectures about and to discuss the readings involving a
Christ shaped world view and the interpretation of art. We will also be working from the online Moodle platform. Links to
related material as well as online discussion forums required in the class will be found there. One of the
most important questions with which we will grapple is whether writers outside our worldview have
something to say to the Christian reader?
Class Objectives:
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Explore and understand the connections between Christian discipleship and the life of the mind;
2) Engage the processes of discipleship involved in the formation of the Christian mind;
3) Identify and use the key habits, virtues, and disciplines of the mind that produce discernment from a Christian and
Wesleyan perspective;
4) Frame, interpret, judge, and develop practices in reference to the key elements of a Christian perspective;
5) Distinguish dualistic beliefs and practices from a Christian worldview;
6) Understand and appreciate the Wesleyan distinctive within a Christian worldview; and
7) Understand the role and the ethics of writing in a Christian liberal arts education.
General Education Goals: 1: Integrative Thinking, 2: Critical Thinking, and 9: Christian Worldview
Required Texts:
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HUM1012 Course Packet(CP)

Walsh and Middleton, The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian Worldview. IVP, 1984.(Vision)
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Additional articles/handouts assigned in class

JRR Tolkien, The Hobbit.
Evaluation:
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Class Participation - 20% (Online Discussion and Class Involvement and Attendance)
Be aware that appointments will become tighter towards the end of the semester during personal reviews
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Quizzes - 30% (12 quizzes given; 11 best scores counted) [one every week]
Response Papers 30% To be handed in on Turnitin Moodle
Midterm – 10% based on quizzes
Final exam - 10% based on quizzes
Grading Scale: Your recorded work, your attendance, your involvement in class and extra effort will all be factored into the
final grade.
100 - 93 = A Exceptional! A cut above--unusually good.
92 - 90 = A - Very, Very Well Done! -- above expectations.
89 - 87 = B + Well Done! A fine Job!
86 - 83 = B Really Good
82 - 80 = B - Pretty Good
79 - 77 = C + Solidly in there
76 - 73 = C Clearly a concrete understanding of the subject
72 - 70 = C - Understanding of subject is workable
69 - 60 = D Passing but weak
59 and below is an "F" Fell short of required understanding of material
Class Participation: (20%) Lecture will only play a part in the class activities. These readings need to be talked about. Students
are encouraged to express their opinions and share their unique insights. Each of us brings something special to a text that is ours
alone. Your comments are very important. I have been known to add extra credit to students who show an exceptional
willingness to participate in class discussion.
Attendance: It is vital that you be in class throughout the semester. Three absences will be allowed and then five
points will be taken from the student's final score at the end of the term. Students who are involved in a recognized
activity for the school (Mandate weekends, traveling musical groups, athletes) need to see the instructor ahead of time
so arrangements can be made. This affects the class Participation grade.
Online Class Participation As part of the above grade, students should make seven (8) entries (about one every two
weeks) in the Moodle online discussions. Of course, more than seven entries will be counted as extra credit.
Quizzes: (30%) There will be twelve (12) quizzes given; 11 of the best scores will be counted. Students will be able to access all
online Moodle quizzes as study guides since these make up the backbone of both the midterm and the final.
Midterm and Final: Based strongly on the online quizzes. Midterm March 7, Final is at 10:00 May 7th
Essays: Bi-weekly –six two page essays to be handed in via Turnitin on Moodle.
Journals: The journals will be maintained in “Black Marble Cover Composition Books.” No
spirals three ring bounders, or folders please. These will be collected and reviewed at different
parts of the semester, possible without warning. Bring to EVERY class. If the writer maintains the
journal so that the number of entries match those assigned in class he or she will be awarded a 89
[B+]. To archive a higher grade more writing must be included in the journal. The topics of those
entries are for the writer’s choice. One entry more will probably only earn an 90-91 [A-] which
will be applied to the Writing score of the clas. Three or more will possibly be an A. However
absolute formulas cannot be given since some entries will be far more involved than others. Also
because of the flexible nature of class sessions an exact number of entries cannot be given at this
time. However, writing in one’s journal three times a week will certainly assure a student of an A.
Grading Policies. No assignments will be accepted after the final exam date. Plagiarism will result in a grade of “0” for that
assignment and can result in failing the course.
Late Work: Papers should be turned in to the instructor at the start of the class session on the day due. Late papers will not be
accepted, except in extreme circumstances and only if you have contacted me prior to the due date for an extension. Any
extension will involve a 10% reduction in points for each class day after the due date, accumulating to 50%.
Integrity: MVNU expects that the intellectual and personal conduct of its students and faculty will be characterized by integrity.
As members of a Christian academic community, students and faculty should refrain from any activity—such as plagiarism—that
would involve them in academic dishonesty or intellectual theft. (See the University Catalog for additional examples of
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violations of academic integrity.) Specifically, this means that all essays submitted must be the product of your own thinking
unless otherwise specified by the instructor.
Format for papers-- A template will be provided on Moodle—MLA is preferred: Submit files with the following title: Course
Assignment, Last Name, First Name (for instance: HUM1012 Essay – Last Name, First Name). Papers should be formatted with
1” margins, 12 point font (Times New Roman/Arial/Tahoma), and double-spaced, numbered pages. Please proofread your
writing for misspelled words, poor grammar and incorrect punctuation. Avoid long paragraphs. For suggestions on good writing
style, consult The Little DK Handbook (used in ENG1083 College Writing)or see Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style.
Success Workshops: The pursuit of academic excellence and the disciplined life requires exploration beyond the classroom. One
way to explore is by attending the workshops offered each semester by the MVNU Office of Student Success. While
participation in these workshops is not an official part of this course, you are encouraged to attend as many as seem useful to you.
See the list of scheduled workshops provided for you by your instructor. Contact Lori Gastin
Disability statement: Students who qualify for and desire accommodations in this course due to a disability, as defined by the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, must follow the Disability Services Policies and Procedures as put forth by the office of
Academic Support. A hard copy of the guidelines can be obtained at the Academic Support office or accessed in electronic form
at the following web address: http://www.mvnu.edu/academics/services/dservices.html.
On a personal note, I am disabled because of eyesight; my son is disabled by breathing complications, and so I am especially
sensitive to the needs and challenges faced by otherwise qualified students. I "toughed" it out when I was at ENC, but the world
has changed for the better and there are many resources available to you I wish I had, resources I in fact presently use in my
office such as a close circuit TV attached to the screen of my computer as well as speaking programs which allow text to be read
to me. Pursue these things and see me if you have any such needs.
Syllabus Alterations: The instructor reserves the right to change the course schedule below at his or her discretion.
Important Dates:
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Spring classes begins Monday, January 28, 2013 at 7:50 A.M. (Our first class is Jan 29 at
Spring break begins Friday, March 8, 2013 at 5:35 P.M.
Spring break ends and classes resume at 7:50 A.M. on Monday, March 18, 2013. No classes on March 11, 12, 13, 14, & 15.
Easter break begins Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 5:35 P.M. No classes on March 29 and April 1 up to 5:35 P.M. that day.
Easter break ends and classes resume on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 5:35 PM.
Faculty Forum – Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 7:50-11:30 AM.
Blue-Green Day is Thursday, April 25th so classes are dismissed between 12:30-4:30 P.M. that day.
Last Class Day Mon. May 6
Final Exam is Tues. May 7 – 10:00am
Course Schedule—Spring 2013
Weeks 1-3: Discipleship of the Christian Mind
Week One
Session 1
Title: Welcome to the Gateway: Course Introduction.
Jan. 29
Objectives: Introduce self and students. Introduce course aims and expectations.
Review and discuss syllabus. Review list of Success Workshops.
Activities: Discuss the question, “What does being a Christian have to do with being a student?”
Session 2
Jan. 31
Week Two
Session 3
Feb. 5
Title: What does it mean to be a disciple—a student—of Jesus?
Objectives: Define discipleship—being a student of Jesus—in a university context.
Reading Assignment: Dallas Willard, “On Being a Disciple, Or Student, of Jesus” (CP 3-9)
The Hobbit Chap 1 “An Unexpected Party.”
Quiz 1
Title: What does it mean to be a college student?: the call to learn
Objective: See being a student as a call to intellectual growth for the sake of the church.
Reading Assignment: Stanley Hauerwas, “Go with God: An open letter to young Christians on their
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way to college” (CP 11-17)
The Hobbit Chap. 2 “Roast Mutton”
Session 4
Feb. 7
Week Three
Session 5
Feb. 12
Title: What challenges might interfere with my student vocation?
Objectives: Articulate how our intellectual life is an integral aspect of Christian discipleship;
discuss the aims and enemies of (Christian) learning from Lewis’ essay.
Reading Assignment: C. S. Lewis, “Learning in War-Time” (CP 19-27)
The Hobbit Chap. 3 “A Short Rest”
Quiz 2
Title: What are the “liberal arts” for?
Objectives: Explore the meaning, character and purposes of a liberal arts education at a Christian
institution.
Reading Assignment: Arthur Holmes, “Theological Foundations” and “The Liberal Arts: What and
Why?,” The Idea of a Christian College (CP 29-41)
The Hobbit Chap. 4 “Over Hill and Under Hill”
Writing Assignment: Essay 1.
Weeks 3-5: Equipping for Discernment: Habits of the Mind
Session 6
Feb. 14
Week Four
Session 7
Feb.19
Session 8
Feb. 21
Title: Habits of a Christian Student #1: Reading
Christian intellectual hero: John Wesley Frederick Douglass
Objectives: Articulate the centrality of reading to the Christian life (Wesley, Foster). Learn what
“reading” means (active vs. passive reading: see Adler). Present specific practices for improving
student reading (Adler).
Reading Assignment: Mortimer Adler, “How to Mark a Book”; Richard Foster, “The Study of
Books”; John Wesley’s Letters or Frederick Douglas, Narrative of the Life of Frederick
Douglass (CP 43-53)
The Hobbit Chap. 5 “Riddles in the Dark”
Quiz 3
Title: Habits of a Christian Student #2: Study
Christian intellectual hero: Simone Weil
Objectives: Articulate the centrality of study to the Christian life (Weil, Foster). Present specific
practices for improving student study skills.
Reading Assignment: Simone Weil, “Reflections on the Right Use of School Studies with a
View to the Love of God”; Richard Foster, “The Discipline of Study”(CP 55-65)
The Hobbit Chap. 6 “Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire”
Writing Assignment: Essay 2
Title: Habits of a Christian Student #3: Intellectual Integrity
Christian intellectual hero: Galileo Galilei
Objectives: Articulate a broad theological understanding of intellectual integrity (including
understanding before disagreeing, giving proper credit to others’ ideas, not shying away from
advancing unpopular viewpoints, etc.). Discuss MVNU’s academic integrity policy.
Reading Assignment: Galileo Galilei’s “Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina of Tuscany”;
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Ferdinand von Prondzynski, “The Question of Intellectual Integrity”; David Gushee, The Truth
about Deceit; MVNU academic integrity policy (CP 67-77)
The Hobbit Chap. 7 “Queer Lodgings”
Quiz 4
Week Five
Session 9
Feb. 26
Title: Habits of a Christian student #4: Intellectual Generosity
Christian intellectual hero: Charles Finney
Objectives: Articulate a broad theological understanding of intellectual generosity as well as a
set of concrete suggestions for practicing it.
Reading Assignment: Charles Finney, “The Impolicy of Spasmodic Efforts” (CP 79-81)
The Hobbit Chap. 8 “Flies and Spiders”
Writing Assignment: Essay 3
Weeks 5-7: Thinking Like a Christian 1: Cultivating a Christian Worldview
Session 10
Feb. 28
Week Six
Session 11
March 5
Session 12
March 7
Week Seven
Session 13
March 19
Title: What is “worldview” and why does it matter?What story am I in?
Objectives: Understand and articulate what a worldview is. Understand how worldviews guide
our perceptions and provide a vision for what ought to be.
Reading Assignment: Walsh and Middleton, “Chapter 1: Worldview and Culture” and “Chapter
2: Analyzing World Views,” The Transforming Vision, 15-39.
The Hobbit Chap. 9 “Barrels Out of Bound”
Quiz 5
Title: Worldview Question 1: Who am I?
Objectives: Exploration of the meanings of imago Dei, of being created in the image and
likeness of god. Articulate a personal anthropology.
Reading Assignment: Walsh and Middleton, excerpt from “Chapter 3: Based on
Creation,”Vision,52-59; <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_of_God>.
The Hobbit Chap. 10 “A Warm Welcome”
Writing Assignment: Essay 4
Midterm Exam Online
Title: Worldview Question 2: Where am I?
Objectives: Articulate a theology of creation. Identify the biblical vision for human beings’
relationship with creation.
Reading Assignment: Walsh and Middleton, excerpt from “Chapter 3: Based on Creation,”
Vision, 43-52; Psalm 104; Proverbs 8.
The Hobbit Chap. 11 “On the Doorstep”
Activities: Discuss Wes Baker’s poem “Dirty hands: Lest we think being green is easy”
Title: Worldview Question 3: What’s wrong? Why is the worldbroken?
Objectives: Understand the meaning and scope of the biblical account of the Fall. Explore and
critique personal and cultural narratives of why the world is broken.
Reading Assignment: Walsh and Middleton, “Chapter 4:
Acknowledging the Fall,” Vision, 61-71.
The Hobbit Chap. 12 “Inside Information”
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Session 14
March 21
Week Eight
Session 15
March 26
Title: Worldview Question 4: What’s the solution?
Objectives: Articulate the meaning and shape of the biblical promise of redemption. Explore and
critique personal and cultural narratives of redemption.
Reading Assignment: Walsh and Middleton,“Chapter 5: Transformed by Redemption,”Vision,
73-90.
The Hobbit Chap. 13 “Not At Home”
Quiz 6
Title: Worldview: Wesleyan Distinctives: Reading the World in a Wesleyan way
Objectives: Identify the distinctive features of a Wesleyan worldview. Critique a Wesleyan
worldview.
Reading Assignment: Thomas Jay Oord and Michael Lodahl, “Adventures in Love”; Cornelius
Plantinga, “Educating for Shalom” (CP 83-94)
The Hobbit Chap. 14 “Fire and Water”
Writing Assignment: Essay 5
Weeks 8-13: Thinking Like a Christian 2: Discerning with a Christian Worldview
Session 16
Activities: Examine Why there is an Issue Concerning Fantasy and Horror Genres
March 28
Objectives: Separate Argument from People
Reading Assignment:
Begin Viewing PowerPoint on “Who is the True Lord of the Rings?”
The Hobbit Chap. 15 “The Gathering of the Clouds”
Quiz 7
Week Nine:
Title: Moral Dilemma in Fiction
Session 17
April 2
Objectives: Develop a Christ centered perspective on Imagination
Continue Viewing PowerPoint on “Who is the True Lord of the Rings?”
Reading Assignment:
The Hobbit Chap. 16 “A Thief in the Night”
Writing Assignment: Essay 6
Session 18
Title: Christians Don’t Lie but Literature is the Lie the Tells the Truth
April 4
Objectives: To Understand the Nature of Fiction as a Truth Teller
Reading Assignment: “Father Knows Best: The Narrator of The Hobbit as Paternal Protector” by
A. M Rearick, St. Augustine (Handout from The Confessions)
The Early novel—online lecture
The Hobbit Chap. 17 “The Clouds Burst”
Activities: Discuses The Uncomfortable Relationship of Christians with Literature
Quiz 8
Week Ten:
Title: When We Create Worlds We Mimic our Father
Session 19
April 9
Objectives: Discuss the creative impulse and why creativity sometimes finds rocky ground in
institutions.
Reading Assignment:
Coleridge’s Comments on the Imagination
The Hobbit Chap. 18 “The Return Journey”
Writing Assignment: Essay 7
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Session 20
April 11
Week Eleven:
Session 21
April 16
Session 22
April 18
Week 12
Session 23
April 23
Session 24
April 25
Week 13
Session 25
April 30
Session 26
May 2
Title: Are the Critics Right? What Literature Should be Avoided?
Objectives: To gain a clear awareness of what should be identified as “profane art.”
Additional Instructor Resources:
Reading Assignment:
The Hobbit Chap. 19 “The Last Song”
Quiz 9
Title: Harry Potter--The Nature of the Argument
Objectives: Understanding the methods of debate between the Two Sides
Reading Assignment: “What should be the Christian view of Harry Potter?”
Harry Potter, Jesus, and Me By Andrew Peterson
“Satan Still Armed and Dangerous” by Anderson Rearick
Activities – Discuss Harry Potter, begin viewing Hellboy
Writing Assignment: Essay 8
Title: Hallowing Halloween
Objectives: The Connection between the celebration of Halloween and Literature of the Fantastic
Reading Assignment: “Is Halloween a Witches' Brew? Or have Christians been spooked out of
celebrating a part of their rich tradition?” by Harold L. Myra
“Hallowing Halloween” by Anderson Rearick (online—or in Writing for Growth)
View Hellboy
Quiz 10
Title: Helboy—A Christian Narrative?
Objectives: Consider the truth found within a work of fantasy not written by a Christian
Reading Assignment: Hellboy, Evil, and the Cross by Steven D. Greydanu Hellboy the comic
(copies provided)
View Hellboy
Writing Assignment: Essay 9
Title: What is the World Fantastic is Not Christian?
Star Wars and Legend
Objectives: What to do with the Worlds Which Do Not Include a God Supreme?
Reading Assignment: Star Wars and Legend
Quiz 11
Title: Is There No Truth in Beauty?
Objectives: Christians in the Pagan Universe
Reading Assignment: “The Fight between Pagonism and Christianity.”
Writing Assignment: Essay 10
Title: Looking Back, Looking Forward: The University Core
Objectives: Review key points from the semester; explain the vision and purpose of the
University Core.
Reading Assignment: Updated handout on The University Core
Additional Instructor Resources: The University Core document.
Quiz 12
Final is at 10:00 on Tuesday May 7th
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