FDREL 325 - Doctrine and Covenants
Course Description
Welcome to the online version of Religion 325 - Doctrine and Covenants. This course is unique and will prove to be very exciting and rewarding as you apply yourself with "full purpose of heart" (2 Nephi 31:13). The Prophet Joseph Smith has given each of us the invitation to "Search the scriptures - search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation [. . . ] Search the Scriptures, search the Prophets and learn what portion of them belongs to you" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 11-12). This course is designed to study the Explanatory Introduction, the Preface (section 1), sections 77-138 and Official Declarations 1-2, applying the process described above by Joseph Smith.
Objectives
Department of Religion Central Aim
The purpose of religious education is to build testimonies of the restored gospel by teaching the scriptures and writings of modern day apostles and prophets. Measurable outcomes should include a better understanding of the doctrine, history, places, and peoples as given in inspired revelations. It is also desired that commitment to God will flourish as individuals deepen their knowledge, prepare themselves for the sacred ordinances of the temple, and determine to serve the Church through missions and day-to-day activity in the Lord's Kingdom.
Department of Religion Measurable Outcomes
- Students will gain a better understanding of scriptural history and people surrounding the standard works of the LDS Church.
- Students will gain greater knowledge of the doctrines, principles, and ordinances of peoples found in the scriptures and of those practiced in the restored Church of Jesus Christ as they study and compare the writings of both past and present day prophets.
- Students should have the ability to discuss clearly the basics of the above and to teach themin their homes, in church callings, and to others interested in their religious beliefs.
- As the gospel is taught and the spirit is invited into the learning environment, faith will increase and commitment to God will flourish, better preparing students for the sacred ordinances of the temple, missionary work, community and church service.
Doctrine and Covenants Course Objectives
- Build testimonies of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage living its principles.
- Learn doctrines, principles, and covenants found in these revelations that can increase your ability to receive and recognize personal revelation and improve your ability to live in harmony with God and His children.
- Locate, identify, and explain significant people, places, and events in the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history.
- Share insights, new understandings, and connections with others in order to bless and enrich the lives of each other.
Course Requirements
Required Materials
The LDS Standard Works and the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual [An Online version of the student manual will be available in I-Learn in the "Institute Manual" section].
Grading
There are two important, and very different, grading systems used in this class. The first, and most important, is how well you are doing in the process of learning by the power of the Holy Ghost to become a better Latter-day Saint (discipleship). The Lord - and only the Lord - can judge how well you do in this area. He will bless you for the sincere effort you make to increase your knowledge of the gospel. The other grading system is the one we will use to determine your grade for the course.
You are taking this religion class to encourage you to have experience with the scriptures, words of the living prophets, and the Spirit in a college setting. Your final grade will be determined by your completion of the Course Activities. Please keep in mind the real objective of this class has a much higher purpose than the grade you will receive at the end of the semester. Your grade is a reflection of the academic work you put into the class. It would be a real tragedy to get an "A" in the academic process and receive an average or less than average grade when it comes to changing your life for the better. Through your diligent efforts, you can be successful in both.
Grades will be distributed according to the following categories:
| Course Activities | Point Distribution |
|---|---|
|
Syllabus & Reading Assessments Teach One Another Gospel Research & Writing Disciple Learning Project Capstone Project Total: |
321 points 225 points 195 points 105 points 30 points 876 |
Assignment Descriptions and Due Dates
Course Activities are designed around the Savior's imperative to "Learn of me, listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me" (D&C 19:23). For each activity, you will be required to complete specific assignments designed to fulfill the Savior's directive. "Prepare" activities are always due on Due Date #01 on the assigned week for the given lesson. "Teach One Another" and "Reflect" activities are always due on Due Date #02 on the week for the given lesson. "Disciples Learning Projects" have three due dates, each due on Due Date #02 on Lesson 05, Lesson 09, and Lesson 13. Here is a brief description of each assignment.
Study
You will be required to diligently read and study the sections in the Doctrine and Covenants along with the assigned portions of the commentary found in the CES Student Manual, as listed on the Lesson Worksheet (an online version of the Student Manual can be found in the "Institute Manual" section in I-Learn). You will receive 2 points for reading each assigned section in the Doctrine and Covenants and 1 point for reading the assigned commentary in the student manual. (This will be accounted for on the weekly assessment.)
Assessments
Each week you will complete an assessment including 10 questions about the sections studied in the assigned readings. You will also account for having completed the assigned readings on time. The assessment must be completed each Due Date #01. (A Lesson Worksheet is provided to help prepare you for the quiz and is found in the Weekly Folder in the “Study” area.)
Teach One Another
The Savior has said, "And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom. Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you" (D&C 88:77-78). Each week you will be given the opportunity to share something you have learned from your study with others. In most even numbered lessons you will participate in a “Teach One Another: Discussion Group” where you’ll share insights and ask questions about the reading for that week. In most odd numbered lessons, you’ll find someone outside of class to counsel and discuss important doctrines and principles that you have studied and researched. During these weeks, you will take a short quiz to verify that you have completed the assignment.
Research
By Due Date #01 of each week you will complete a 750-1000 word scripture study writing assignment designed to help you focus on a particular doctrine or principle. Specific details for each research assignment will be given in weekly lessons.
Disciple Learning Projects
Essential to our becoming is our ability to act upon the insights gained through our learning and listening process. As part of the imperative to "walk in the meekness of my Spirit" (D&C 19:23), you will be asked to identify a doctrine or principle found in your study of the Doctrine and Covenants that you can more fully apply and make part of your life. In relation to James' invitation, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God" (James 1:5), Joseph Smith reasoned, "At length I came to the conclusion that I . . . must do as James directs, that is, ask of God" (JS-H 1:13). Some of our greatest learning moments in life come when we actually apply and live the truths that we learn and believe. Throughout the semester (Lessons 4-13) you will take the time to diligently apply something specific from your study of the Doctrine and Covenants. What you do in applying this will push you above and beyond what you normally do as a disciple of the Lord in your day-to-day life. In Lesson 3 you will create an action plan/goal, in Lesson 8 you will reflect and report on your progress, and in Lesson 13 you will generate a final report.
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 motivate us to learn and teach by study and by faith.
Underlying Assumptions
- Everybody at BYU-Idaho is a learner and a teacher.
- Learners and teachers at BYU-Idaho are at different levels in their individual progress towards learning by study and also by faith.
- The principles of the Learning Model apply to all aspects of the BYU-Idaho experience.
Principles-Learners and teachers at BYU-Idaho
- Exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a principle of power.
- Understand that true teaching is done by and with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost.
- Lay hold upon the word of God as found in the Holy Scriptures and in the words of the prophets in all disciplines.
- Act for themselves and accept responsibility for learning and teaching.
- Love, serve, and teach one another.
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 incumbent on each of us to live true to our commitment and covenants.
Late Work
All course activities have solid due dates or deadlines! Failure to meet the stated due dates will result in the reduction of your grade for that particular activity! There will be NO make-up work available for missed activities, so it would be beneficial to complete work early.
Time Commitment
The online class policy is that for every credit hour, expect to spend 3 hours of work per week. For example, in a 3-credit course, there would be 9 hours of work each week. For this class,you should plan on spending about 6 hours per week.
The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus any time during the semester.
Resources
BYU-Idaho Online Support Center
The BYU-Idaho Online Support Center (BSC) is designed to help any students taking online courses at BYU-Idaho. If you have questions about any online course or any feedback concerning online courses, instructors, or your online learning experience please contact the BSC.
BSC Contact Information
Phone: 208-496-1411
Text Messaging: 855-808-7102
Email: onlinelearning@byui.edu
Live Chat: Fill out the information and click "Begin Chat" on the page
Website: https://content.byui.edu/integ/gen/8872d2b2-91d5-4953-a357-3097ef2aa5d0/0/byuisupcenter.html
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM, Mountain Time