ACTS OF APOSTLES

BNEW 213

HARDING UNIVERSITY

FALL 2008

 

MWF  3:00-3:50         MCIN 225

 

Instructor: Dr. K. Stanglin

Office phone: 279-4620

Email: kstanglin@harding.edu

Website: www.harding.edu/kstanglin and www.facebook.com

Office hours: MCIN 209, 1:00-3:00 (MWF), 2:00-4:00 (TR)

I want you to do well in this course, so please let me know if you are having difficulty with the class material.

Office phone, hours, and email should suffice for class business. 

 

Course Description (from catalog):

Historical backgrounds, introduction, the founding and expansion of the early church, government, worship, work, and destiny of the churches presented in the text of Acts and related scriptures.

 

Course Objectives:

In light of the university’s mission and objectives, the student who successfully completes this course will be able to:

1)      Articulate the main theme of Acts and describe how it fits into the metanarrative of Scripture.

2)      Demonstrate how the book’s variety of content integrates into the stated theme.

3)      Understand and trace the six subordinate themes throughout Acts.

4)      Identify the chapters where major events in the book of Acts take place.

5)      Answer questions about the “Discussion points” handled in class.

6)      Identify and interpret important or difficult verses in Acts.

7)      Teach the book of Acts to someone else.

 

Academic Setting:

I will teach this course from a Christian perspective, and my own faith commitments and interests will undoubtedly be reflected in my approach.  However, you need not share my faith commitment to do well in this course; the purpose is education, not indoctrination.  Part of education is respectfully hearing, understanding, and assessing the merits of opposing viewpoints.

 

As a part of the liberal arts curriculum at Harding University, this course is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and meets all the criteria of the Higher Learning Commission.  That is, you receive full academic credit for this course, transferable to other accredited institutions.  As such, the intentional goals of the course are primarily academic, not devotional.  This course should not be viewed as a substitute for, but as a supplement to, your personal and communal spiritual growth.

 

Required Course Textbooks:

Bible.  I prefer that you use either the NIV, TNIV, NASB, or NRSV.  Study Bibles are best.

Bring your Bible to each class meeting.

 

Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend classes regularly.  In the event of illness, family emergency, a school-sponsored activity, or an extenuating circumstance, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor as soon as possible of the reason for the absence.  A doctor’s note is required for excusing personal illness.  Print a hard copy for my records.  N.B.: Excuses will not be accepted more than one week after returning to class.

 

The official policy of COBR states that the equivalent of one week of unexcused absences (3) is allowed in this class.  Each additional absence above 3 automatically reduces your final grade by three percentage points.

 

You will be considered tardy if you are not present when the roll is checked or if you leave during class.  3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence.

 

Students with Disabilities:

It is the policy for Harding University to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law.  Therefore, any student with a documented disability condition (e.g., physical, learning, psychological, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations, must contact the instructor and the Disabilities Office at the beginning of each semester.  (If the diagnosis of the disability occurs during the academic year, the student must self-identify with the Disabilities Director as soon as possible in order to get academic accommodations in place for the remainder of the semester.)  The Disabilities Office is located in Room 102 of the Lee Academic Center, telephone, (501) 279-4019.

 

Assessment:

Harding University, since its charter in 1924, has been strongly committed to providing the best resources and environment for the teaching-learning process. The board, administration, faculty, and staff are wholeheartedly committed to full compliance with all criteria of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The university values continuous, rigorous assessment at every level for its potential to improve student learning and achievement and for its centrality in fulfilling the stated mission of Harding. Thus, a comprehensive assessment program has been developed that includes both the Academic units and the Administrative and Educational Support (AES) units. Specifically, all academic units will be assessed in reference to the following Expanded Statement of Institutional Purpose: The University provides programs that enable students to acquire essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions in their academic disciplines for successful careers, advanced studies, and servant leadership.

 

Academic Honesty:

Harding University places a high priority on honesty and a biblical commitment to truth.  Incidents of cheating, plagiarism, or any other activities deemed dishonest will result in penalties.  These penalties may range from receiving a zero (0%) on the assignment to failing the course or dismissal from the school.  (According to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, to “plagiarize” is to steal and use as one’s own the ideas, words, etc., of another.  Collaborating on written assignments that should be done individually would fall under this category of dishonesty.)

 

Classroom Expectations and Decorum:

I expect all students to behave in a Christian manner in and out of the classroom.  Appropriate behavior includes abiding by the conduct and dress codes set by the university.  Turn off all cell phones and pagers.  Do not even bring them on test or quiz days.  Do not eat food in the classroom. Only drinks in spill-proof containers are allowed in class.  If you make a mess, it is your responsibility to clean it up or pay for it to be cleaned.

 

Class will be dismissed when I finish, not necessarily when the bell rings.

 

Course Requirements:[1]

1. Every student should carefully read the entire book of Acts as well as other required readings.  The student is responsible for all the information in Acts.  Pop quizzes may be given periodically to assess reading and comprehension of Acts.  On the final exam, you will be asked to sign a statement indicating how much you actually read. 

 

Be prepared to discuss and answer questions about the material in class.  Your participation in class discussion (which includes relevant questions and thoughtful responses) could be a subjective element in determining the final grade.

 

2. Eight bi-weekly tests will assess the student’s ability to answer questions about Acts and the lectures.  The lowest grade of the eight or the first test missed will not count.  There will be no make-up tests.  420 pts.  (60 pts. each.)

 

3. There will be one map test that will cover the geography of the three missionary journeys of Paul.  This test may not be dropped.  60 pts.

 

4. Write a 300-400 word (approx. 1 single-spaced page) analysis paper over each of the two outside reading articles (see schedule).  With each paper, you should address what the author is trying to accomplish (thesis), how he develops his argument (structure), what are the strengths and/or weaknesses of his arguments (assessment), and any practical implications of the arguments (use).  The paper should be your own work.  60 pts. (30 pts. each)

 

5. The student should keep a notebook containing all lecture notes and handouts.

 

6. Extra credit (to replace one missed or low grade on the eight tests): The student will submit, in a word-processed hard copy, a list of passages written out (i.e., citation and text) that have to do with the six subordinate themes of the book of Acts, along with their sub-points.  In addition, the student will write a 100-word paragraph explaining the meaning of each subordinate theme and its sub-points.  The sub-points will be introduced in a separate lecture. 

 

In addition to the hard copy, you must also submit the paper electronically before the deadline.  Go to www.turnitin.com.  I will let you know the class ID, and the password will be acts.  Click “submit” and follow the instructions.  Papers not submitted through this website will not be accepted.  Up to 60 pts.  Due November 21 (late papers will not be accepted). 

 

7. A final exam will cover the entire course.  200 pts.  Evaluation criteria: Texts, lectures. 

 

Final: Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1:30-3:30

 

Grading Scale:      740 points total.

 

90-100% = A     80-89 = B     70-79 = C     60-69 = D      0-59 = F

 

Although it is your responsibility to keep up with your grades and absences, I will periodically post them on my website.  Check your grades with your last name and password (H number).

 

Course Schedule:

Wk. 1, 8/25                 Syllabus.  Introduction to Acts.

 

Wk. 2, 9/1                   Ezekiel 37.  Main theme of Acts.  Read Osburn, “Acts Framed” (on reserve)  Analysis Paper 1 (W).  Test 1 (F). 

 

Wk. 3, 9/8                   A 1-2.

 

Wk. 4, 9/15                 “All.”  “Baptism in the Holy Spirit.”  Read Terry, “Baptized in One Spirit,” http://www.acu.edu/sponsored/restoration_quarterly/archives/1970s/vol_21_no_4_contents/terry.html       Analysis Paper 2 (W).  Test 2 (W).  

 

Wk. 5, 9/22                 A 3-4.

 

Wk. 6, 9/29                 A 5-6.  Test 3 (M). 

 

Wk. 7, 10/6                 A 7-8.  Test 4 (F).

 

Wk. 8, 10/13               A 9-10.    

 

10/17                          READING BREAK

 

Wk. 9, 10/20               A 11-12.  Test 5 (F).

 

Wk. 10, 10/27             A 13-15. 

 

Wk. 11, 11/3               A 16-17.  Test 6 (W). 

 

Wk. 12, 11/10             A 18-20. 

 

Wk. 13, 11/17             Test 7 (M).  A 21-23.  (Optional) Theme Paper Due (F). 

 

THANKSGIVING BREAK

 

Wk. 14, 12/1               A 24-26.  Test 8 (F).

 

Wk. 15, 12/8               A 27-28.  Map Test (F). 

 

Six Themes:

You should understand these themes in Acts and keep a separate section in your notebook on each one.  As you read through Acts and listen to class discussions, note the verses, insights, and explanations that inform or develop these themes.

            A. The Continuation of God’s Purpose in History. 

            B. The Mission and the Message.

            C. Progress Despite Opposition. 

            D. The Nature of Faith and Unbelief. 

E. The Inclusion of Gentiles in the People of God. 

            F. The Life and Organization of the Church. 

 

Verses for Memorization:

1:4-5                1:8                   2:36-37                        2:38-39                        2:47                 4:12                

 

5:32                 8:4                   11:26               13:47               16:30-31          17:11

 

20:7                 20:28-29          22:16               28:20

 

Bibliography

 

Ash, Anthony Lee. The Acts of the Apostles, Part I: 1:1–12:25. Austin: Sweet Publishing Company, 1979.

 

Boring, M. Eugene. Disciples and the Bible: A History of Disciples Biblical Interpretation in North America. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 1997.

 

Bruce, F. F. Commentary on the Book of the Acts. NICNT. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1954.

 

Gaertner, Dennis. Acts. The College Press NIV Commentary. Joplin: College Press, 1993.

 

Gasque, W. Ward. A History of the Criticism of the Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1975.

 

Gaventa, Beverly R. The Acts of the Apostles. Nashville: Abingdon, 2003.

 

Jervell, Jacob. Luke and the People of God: A New Look at Luke-Acts. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1972.

 

            . The Theology of the Acts of the Apostles. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996.

 

McGarvey, J. W. New Commentary on Acts of Apostles. Cincinnati: Standard Publishing Company, n.d. [rev. ed., 1892]

 

Marshall, Ian Howard. Acts. Tyndale NT Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1980.

 

Meyer, Heinrich August Wilhelm. Critical and Exegetical Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles. 4th ed. Trans. Paton J. Gloag. New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1883.

 

Moore, Mark E., ed. Fanning the Flame: Probing the Issues in Acts. Joplin: College Press, 2003.

 

Oster, Richard E. The Acts of the Apostles, Part II: 13:1–28:31. Austin: Sweet Publishing Company, 1979.

 

Spencer, F. Scott. Journeying through Acts: A Literary-Cultural Reading. Rev. ed. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2004.

 

Terry, Bruce. “Baptized in One Spirit.” Restoration Quarterly 21/4. (Available at http://www.acu.edu/sponsored/restoration_quarterly/archives/1970s/vol_21_no_4_contents/terry.html

 

Willimon, William H. Acts. Interpretation. Louisville: John Knox Press, 1988.

 

Witherington, Ben, III. The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998.

 


[1] Course requirements and schedule are subject to change.