Students will write final paper giving a basic introduction and overview of one of the 66 books that make up the Bible. The entire process and all relevant parameters of this assignment are explained in incredible detail in the “Critical Assignment Walkthrough Videos” in Weeks 1-7 Learning Activities. Each student will select a biblical book, read it in its entirety, and research its historical background, literary structure, major themes, place in the biblical storyline, and theological message. Students should cite at least 4 non-internet, academic sources beyond the textbooks (books, journal articles, etc.). The paper should be 6-10 pages long (Times New Roman, 12-point font with 1” margins all around) and should include a bibliography (which is not counted toward the page total). This paper should follow the modified APA format described in the walkthrough videos and evidenced in the temlate. Students ARE REQUIRED to use the template attached to the “Critical Assignment Walkthrough” item and must follow all instructions presented therein. Failure to use the template and follow instructions will result in a failing grade. Each paper should contain the following sections:
Introductory Issues (who wrote it? when was it written? what is the occasion/background of it’s writing? what is it’s primary purpose/why was it written? what is the main point?)
Literary structure (two-level outline that details major sections of the book and then a 1 paragraph summary)
Place in the storyline of the Bible (use Roberts here)
Major themes and theological message
Personal reflection and Application on the book
Bibliography
MAKE SURE TO HAVE COMPLETELY STUDIED THE “CA WALKTHROUGH VIDEOS” AND TO HAVE ADHERED TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS. A LEARNING ACTIVITY WITH THE TEMPLATE, A SAMPLE PAPER, AND ALL OF THE DETAILED INSTRUCTION VIDEOS HAS BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE THE START OF OUR COURSE IN WEEKS 1-7 LEARNING ACTIVITIES.
While your Critical Assignment (CA) is not due until Week 8 (on Day 3!), it is crucial that you get started on it early and work on it in sections. Because of this feature, each Week’s workload carves out space and time for CA prep, study, research, and writing. While you do not have to have all of the walkthrough’s watched by the end of Week 1, you should start studying the assignment parameters in Week 1 and start writing by Week 5. You will find this Agenda Item in Weeks 1-7. Watching all CA walkthrough videos is required! It is very important that you take heed of the following info, watch the walkthrough videos, and start on the Critical Assignment as soon as you can.
First and foremost, your CA is due on Day 3 of Week 8. Please mark this in your calendar so it doesn’t sneak up on you.
Second, attached to this agenda Item is the .docx template you are to use for this assignment. It is hyperlinked just below. Please make note of the 2 following crucial issues: 1) You must submit this assignment as a WORD file, either .doc or .docx. No other format is allowed; 2) You must use this template. If you do not use this template, your CA will NOT be graded.
CST100 CA Template.docx
Third, here is Dr. Joe Slunaker’s Haggai paper that serves as an example in the walkthrough videos. (Note that you can choose any of the other 65 books of the Bible, but not Haggai for this paper). Dr. Joe’s paper is the ONLY PAPER for this assignment that you are allowed to consult for ideas and questions. His paper is attached below in the hyperlink.
Dr Joe’s Haggai Paper.docx
Fourth, in your Week 8 Learning activities, you will find the rubric that is used for grading.
