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Explanation of Assignments:
A. Reading:
Your professor assumes that students will spend time preparing for this course outside of the classroom. In fact students are expected to prepare for class ahead of time by completing the required readings as set forth in the agenda. Reading assignments should be completed BEFORE the student comes to class.
In this course the term "reading" is defined as the process of examining and apprehending the meaning of the text. This task necessarily calls for the expenditure of time and effort on the part of the reader. In other word, reading is the study of a printed document, and its purpose is the understanding of its content. This definition excludes the scanning of reading assignments in a perfunctory manner for the sake of completing a course requirement.
Remember we will use these four textbooks. The Dowley text will be our main textbook for the course. The Mead book gives an overview of American Religious groups. The Ferguson book is a collection of primary source material from the Early Church period. The Walton book of charts will be an important resource for us so bring them to class each day. Read the material BEFORE we begin covering the material so that you will be able to participate in classroom discussion.
B. Research Paper:
Each student will choose a different group mentioned in the Mead book. The choices will be first come first serve and none will be repeated. Your paper is to be no less than 8 and no more than 10 pages typed double space, 1 inch margins, 10 or 12 pt Times New Roman font. The 8-10 pages of text must exclude any pictures, graphs, charts, endnotes, bibliography, etc. All of these should appear at the end of your paper. You must include footnotes to document your research. You should use no less than 2 periodical sources, no less than 2 standard reference works, e.g. Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, etc. 2 books excluding your textbooks. Your paper should discuss the history of the beginnings of the group. You should discuss any distinctive teaches or beliefs, statements of faith, creeds, etc. You should also examine the modern day challenges which this group faces, e.g. declining membership, controversies, etc. You will find the Mead book an excellent BEGINNING POINT, you should also check the library for many sources as well as my website http://campus.kcc.edu/faculty/jwineland
C. Book Review: This is to be no less that 3 pages and no more than 4 pages in length. 10-12pts. Times New Roman font, 1” margins. This is NOT A SUMMARY.
Guidelines for Writing a Book Review
1. At the top of the first page, put the name of the author, the title of the work, the publisher’s name, and the date of the publication.
2. State the main theme or main points.
3. Describe the evidence presented to support the theme.
4. Assess the arguments and evidence used. (Are they clear or unclear, strong or weaj, convincing or unconvincing?)
5. Describe the author’s background and reason for writing the book.
6. How does this work relate to other course materials? Does it agree or disagree? Does it add a new perspective?
D. Examinations: There will be three exams during the semester. Questions for the exams will be drawn from classroom discussions and your textbooks.
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