1. This first project will be an internet based study of three of the dominant personalities of the history of interpretation (1 page each max). Key into your internet browser the following: “Interpreter AND interpretation AND bible” (replacing the word “interpreter” with a specific name). Present the following information, a paragraph each: (1) Biographical information (name, location, dates, etc.), (2) major contribution to the history of interpretation, (3) peculiarities and deficiencies. On my reserve shelf (and in the reference section) you will also find helpful: Historical Handbook of Major Biblical Interpreters to augment your research.

2. Critique one journal article for five of the following topics: Postmodernism; Deconstruction; Liberation Theology; Black, Feminist, Homosexual, Restoration, Pentecostal or Catholic hermeneutics. Each of your five articles must be turned in on the day that topic is covered in class. Your articles may be either an example of the method applied exegetically, or an evaluation of the method itself. Each of your five critiques is not to exceed one page. They should include a clear description of the hermeneutical method, the dangers each presents, and the positive contribution each may make to proper interpretation. Each critique must be accompanied by a copy of the article you read with the salient points underlined.

3. Write a two page book report on Return to Babel. Your first sentence is to be a confessional statement of how much of the book you read. Then, list 3-5 dominant characteristics and methods of Asian, African, and Latin American Hermeneutics, citing specific page numbers the manifest these characteristics.

4. As a group (4-6 students each), you will adopt one of the millennial views and do several things: (1) Provide a visual aid that clearly lays out the overall eschatological program of your view. (2) Present a one page annotated bibliography of helpful sources for understanding your view. (3) Key in a minimum of 30 test questions to the on-screen testing program in the classroom. (4) Present your material to the class and drill the class to prepare for the unit exam.

NB = Class Notebook; Mont = George Montague, Understanding the Bible

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and are requesting an accommodation, please contact the Executive Director of Admissions at 417-624-2518 Extension 2006 as soon as possible.

Attendance: Absences over 6 will result in the failure of this course as outlined in the college catalogue (page 53-4). Four tardies will be counted as one absence. If a student arrives fifteen minutes after class or leaves fifteen minutes before class is over it will be counted as an absence. 

Homework: Late work is unacceptable. Assignments and projects are due at the beginning of the class period on which they are assigned.  If you are absent, you are still responsible for having your work brought to class and turned in for you. All work is to be typed unless otherwise noted.

Tests: Should you miss an exam you will take a different exam and you will have exactly one week to make it up from the class period on which it was given. You may take it at the testing center (L12) after paying a $5 late fee in the business office.

Cheating/Plagiarism: Cheating will result in a zero on the assignment in question and a mandatory meeting with the dean of students to determine further discipline which may include failure in the class or dismissal from the college. Cheating  includes but is not limited to (1) using material from another student for tests, memory, or term papers, (2) not properly citing sources in papers and assignments so as to make it look original, (3) using cheat sheets – written or electronic – for tests or quizzes.