Hebrew Scripture – Freshmen Religion

Mrs. Natalie Walchuk

nwalchuk@salesian.com           510.234.4433 x1109

Second Period, Room 215

 

Course Description

This is a course in Hebrew Scripture. It is a general overview of the Old Testament designed to help students read and understand the Bible. It begins with an exploration of each student’s personal experience of God and situates that experience in the history of God’s continuing plan for salvation as chronicled in the Old Testament.

 

Topics Covered in the Course:

            General Catholic traditions and practices

Composition and organization of the Old Testament

            Historical development

            Literary styles

            Major Themes

            Morality

            Church

            Spirituality and service

 

Course Format

Students will experience the Bible and Church through group and individual activities. These activities will focus on prayer life, interpretation of the text, real-life application of concepts, and demonstration of knowledge of historical content. Students are expected to be active participants in class discussions and activities. Periodic assignments and projects will further demonstrate understanding of the material. 

 

Grading

Active participation in class discussions and activities is an essential part of this course. Therefore daily attendance is key.

 

Homework                   15%

Participation                 15%

Projects                        50%

Tests/Quizzes               20%

 

Policies

Homework:

As homework is key for the discussion the day it is due, it is essential to turn in homework on time. Late homework will be marked down 10% each day it is late.

 

Absences:

When you are absent it is your responsibility to get the assignment from the assignment binder in the class. The binder will include activities from class that day and any in-class or homework assignments.

 

Materials:

Students should bring the following items to class each day:

            A notebook

            A pen and pencil

            The class textbook - Written on our Hearts

            The bible

 

Major Projects

Below is a list of projects. This list will be enhanced as the course evolves. Further details and due dates will be provided as each assignment nears.

 

Prayer Leader

Each student will have a turn to lead the class prayer. The prayer should last 3-5 minutes. It can include music, images, poetry, and/or scripture. Students will then write a follow-up reflection on their shared prayer experience.

 

Creation Story

Identify a “creation story” from another faith. Using a traditional five-paragraph essay structure compare and contrast your chosen story from the one found in Genesis.

 

Biography Activity

Write a biography of one character found in the Old Testament.  The biography must include:

·           Background information on the individual (where they are found in the bible, who they are related to, timeline of their story)

·           Summary of their story (What is their life struggle/challenge?)

·           Relevance (Why is their story included in the Old Testament? What can we learn by their example?)

·           Modern day adaptation (If they lived during our time what type of challenge might they have faced and how would they have handled it?)

 

Ten Commandment Activity

Identify ten key moral/social issues today that God might have included if ten more commandments were added today. On poster board design tablets and display your new commandments. Write a three page paper reflecting and how and why you chose your each of your new commandments.

 

Psalm Writing

Investigate the writing style of the Psalms. Identify a topic to write a modern psalm about and create your own psalm for class prayer.  Pg 650 of Catholic Youth Bible

 

Extra Credit Opportunities

Throughout the year students have two on-going opportunities to earn extra credit. First they may attend mass on Thursday mornings. We will meet on the school steps nearest my office at 7:20am and walk over together. Mass is at 7:30am and students will be back in time for school.

 

Second, each Monday students may submit a three-paragraph reflection on the reading s from mass the previous Sunday. I have enclosed a listing of the readings. This is not intended to be a summary. Rather, it should be a personal reflection on the scriptures.