Syllabus: REL 211 New Testament I

Note: This course code has changed from FDREL 211 to REL 211. You may occasionally see references to the old course code or title.

Course Description

This course is a study of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ using the four gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) as the basic source of information. The main topics covered in this class include the life, ministry, Atonement, and Resurrection of the Savior. As with all BYU-Idaho online and campus courses, each credit equates to approximately three or four hours of work per week. Therefore, you need to be able to dedicate six to eight hours of work each week to complete this course's assignments. Additionally, this course is designed using the BYU-I Learning Model. Though online, it is NOT an independent study course. You will be expected to interact with classmates weekly in order to teach one another about what you are learning. Interaction is accomplished through discussion boards.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to help you achieve the following:

  1. Develop a greater faith in and testimony of Jesus Christ; deepen our personal conversion to Him.
  2. Increase our abilities to learn and teach by the Spirit.
  3. Maintain a habit of daily scripture study.
  4. Identify, understand, and apply principles from the scriptures and the words of the prophets.
  5. Explain, share, and testify of true doctrines and principles.
  6. Master (meaning memorize, explain, and apply) key scriptural passages.

Course Materials

LDS scriptures, access to lds.org, and the New Testament Student Manual.

Courtesy Expectations

As you interact with others in various assignments, please remember to be kind, considerate, and respectful of differing viewpoints. You can differ in opinions (sometimes, the best learning comes when others challenge your thinking), but still be civil and loving. Respect each other’s opinions and avoid using racist, bigoted, homophobic, sexist, or aggressive language in class discussions, writing assignments, or in reporting problems or concerns. Any violation of basic common courtesy—including interaction with peers, the instructor, or others monitoring the course—will negatively impact your grade.


(1:07 mins, True at All Times Transcript)

Grading Strategy

Apart from the introductory and concluding lesson, the course follows a steady routine and weekly lesson structure comprising of these main activity areas as follows:

Assignments Brief Description Percent
Introductory Activities During the Introduction of this course, you are asked to complete a quiz on your understanding of the syllabus, as well as participate in an online discussion to get to know your classmates and instructor.

8%

Weekly Reflections After studying the assigned weekly readings, you will take an online quiz. This will assess your knowledge of the topics and doctrines that you studied. This will also give you a chance to respond to questions that will help you express what you learned. 

45%

Insight Sharing: Teaching Truth Discussion For this activity, you will work as a group to answer specific questions or complete activities related to the lesson material. You will share with your group and compose a summary of your thoughts as a result of the discussions and activities.

10%

Insight Sharing: Share it! On even weeks, you will have a choice of topics from which to study as well as a choice of ways in which to teach what you studied.

10%

Becoming Like Christ Project At the beginning of the semester, you will be asked to pick a Christlike attribute which you would like to improve. The purpose of this project is to focus your attention on improving the way you follow Christ in your daily activities. Periodically throughout the semester, you will report your progress to your online instructor. Submissions will be due in weeks 2,4,5,9, and 14. 22%
Directed Study These include scripture passages to read, study, and share. In addition you will submit 3 relevant gospel principles found within the passages. The scripture reading activities are due each week and will help you prepare for the other activities. 5%

To see when assignments are due, please refer to your calendar

Grade Distribution for this course is as follows:

Grading Scale
A 93% – 100%
A- 90% – 92%
B+ 87% – 89%
B 83% – 86%
B- 80% – 82%
C+ 77% – 79%
C 73% – 76%
C- 70% – 72%
D+ 67% – 69%
D 63% – 66%
D- 60% – 62%
F 59% and below

NOTE: You should plan to spend about 6–8 hours per week in this course.

Learning Model Architecture

As with all of your other courses at BYU-Idaho, you will have the opportunity to prepare spiritually and intellectually throughout this course. You are encouraged to continue your personal prayers and scripture study as you seek to understand the ideas and doctrinal concepts discussed. Additionally, you will have opportunities to teach others both inside and outside of class and share those learning/teaching moments with others. Be sure to check the Course Questions Discussion Board each week to post questions about the course and the Gospel, and answer other students' questions. You will also be given opportunities to reflect on what you are learning and to report on your weekly activities. Please remember that you will need to be able to devote three to four hours of time for every course credit, or six to eight hours weekly.

Participation Expectations

The BYU-Idaho Learning Model used in this course is based on the gospel instruction given by the Savior to "teach one another." It will help you learn more and retain what was learned. Therefore, it is expected that in this course you will interact with others, both teaching and learning together. Participate fully in the activities and discussions. Complete your discussion board posts in a timely fashion so others can interact with you in meaningful conversations. Doing so will help you do better in the course and allow you to serve your fellow classmates.

Late Work Policy

Assignments are due on the day indicated. Each lesson opens early in order to allow students some flexibility in determining their schedule. Late work will be accepted only at your instructor’s discretion. If you feel your situation warrants personal consideration, inform your instructor before the assignment is due so that he/she has time to work with you. Any late work that is accepted is subject to a penalty as determined by your instructor.

Course Support

If you ever have a question, problem, or concern about the course, you can get help in resolving it in one of two ways. Your instructor will inform you of the method he/she wishes to use:

  1. Check your instructor's announcements. Your instructor will post useful information to answer common questions that the class may have.
  2. You can also contact your instructor through email. If your question or concern is of a personal nature, please contact your instructor through email rather than posting it to a public place such as the discussion board associated with an Announcement.
    • If you contact your instructor through email, it could take up to 24 hours to receive a response (excluding Sundays and holidays). Please state your question clearly, include sufficient detail, and allow enough time when communicating with your instructor in an email.
  3. If you have been unable to resolve your questions, problems, or concerns you can report a concern by contacting the BYU-Idaho Support Center.

Policies

Learning Model

BYU-Idaho Learning Model Vision Statement

At BYU-Idaho, we foster faith building and life changing learning. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, our commitment to the restored gospel, and our effort to build a Zion learning community motivates us to learn and teach by study and by faith.

Underlying Assumptions

  1. Everybody at BYU-Idaho is a learner and a teacher.
  2. Learners and teachers at BYU-Idaho are at different levels in their individual progress towards learning by study and by faith.
  3. The principles of the Learning Model apply to all aspects of the BYU-Idaho experience.

Principles: Learners and Teachers at BYU-Idaho

Honor Code

The Code of Honor, Dress and Grooming Standards, and Academic Honesty will be enforced in the class. Although it is online, please remember that you still need to live by the Honor Code standards. This is especially true as it relates to Academic Honesty (because of the nature of the course design, you will be doing significant amounts of self-reporting)! Each of us has made a commitment to follow these guidelines; therefore, it is necessary to live true to our commitment and covenants.

Course Helps

Student Resources

There are many resources available in the Student Resources module, such as computer tutorials and free websites which can help you improve your typing skills. Find the Student Resources module by scrolling down toward the bottom of the Modules page and browse the available resources.

Disclaimer

Please visit the University Policies page to read BYU-Idaho's policies on student honor, students with disabilities, sexual harassment, and complaints and grievances.