The students will write a critical introduction to a book of Bible. Each student will select a biblical book, read it in its entirety, and research its historical background, literary structure, maj
The students will write a critical introduction to a book of Bible. 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 6 non-internet, academic sources (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). The paper should contain the following sections:
a.) Critical Issues (author, date, provenance, occasion, sources, etc.)
b.) Literary structure (two-level outline the major sections of the book and then a 1-2 paragraph summary)
c.) Place in the storyline of the Bible (use Roberts here)
d.) Major themes and theological message
e.) Personal reflection on the book
Suggested resources: ESV Study Bible, New International Commentary on the Old Testament, New International Commentary on the New Testament, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology
This is the Critical Assignment for this course and must be passed at an acceptable rate in order to pass the course.
See the rubric below for more details on how the critical assignment will be assessed
| Performance Levels Dimensions & |
Exemplary (4) |
Accomplished (3) |
Developing (2) |
Beginning (1) |
Score |
| Critical Issues CLO – 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2 SLO - | Thoroughly addresses all of the relevant critical issues including author, date, sources, and historical background. | Adequately addresses all of the relevant critical issues including author, date, sources, and historical background. | Adequately addresses most of the relevant critical issues including author, date, sources, and historical background. | Does not adequately address most of the relevant critical issues including author, date, sources, and historical background. | 30 |
| Literary Structure CLO – 2.2 SLO - | Includes a complete outline of the book and at least a 1-paragraph explanation of the basic flow of the book. | Includes a somewhat complete outline of the book and at least a 1-paragraph explanation of the basic flow of the book. | Includes an outline of the book but it is either incomplete or does not include an explanation of the basic flow of the book. | Does not sufficiently outline the book or include an explanation of the basic flow of the book. | 30 |
| Place in Storyline CLO – 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 SLO - | Demonstrates a thorough understanding of the unfolding storyline of Scripture and the book’s location in it. | Demonstrates an adequate understanding of the unfolding storyline of Scripture and the book’s location in it. | Demonstrates an adequate understanding of the unfolding storyline of Scripture but has difficulty showing the book’s location in it. | Does not demonstrate an adequate understanding of the unfolding storyline of Scripture and the book’s location in it. | 30 |
| Theology/Themes CLO – 4.2, 5.1 SLO - | Thoroughly addresses at least three of the major themes in the book and includes a summary of its theological message. | Adequately addresses at least three of the major themes in the book and includes a summary of its theological message. | Adequately addresses at least two of the major themes in the book and includes a summary of its theological message. | Does not adequately address the major themes and the theological message of the book. | 30 |
| Personal Reflection CLO – 5.2, 5.3 SLO - | Provides a thoughtful reflection on at least three ways that the book’s message is applicable to one’s life | Provides a thoughtful reflection on at least two ways that the book’s message is applicable to one’s life | Provides a thoughtful reflection on at least one way that the book’s message is applicable to one’s life | Provides very little reflection on the ways that the book’s message is applicable to one’s life | 20 |
| Structure and Length CLO – N/A SLO – 1.1, 1.2 | Includes all five sections of the paper and meets the page requirement. | Includes all five sections of the paper and meets the page requirement, but some sections are relatively too brief. | Includes all five sections of the paper and but falls slightly below the page requirement. | Either does not include all five sections of the paper or falls significantly below the page requirement | 20 |
| Grammar/spelling CLO – N/A SLO – 1.1, 1.2 | Written in excellent English with virtually no grammar/spelling errors. | Includes a few minor grammar/spelling errors. | Includes several major or numerous minor grammar/spelling errors. | Needed significant revision for grammar/spelling. | 20 |
| Use of Sources CLO – N/A SLO – 1.6, 1.8 | In addition to the Bible, cites in the body of the paper at least 6 scholarly, non-internet sources. | In addition to the Bible, cites in the body of the paper at least 5 scholarly, non-internet sources. | In addition to the Bible, cites in the body of the paper at least 3 scholarly, non-internet sources. | Does not cite the Bible or does not cite at least 3 scholarly, non-internet sources. | 20 |
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| Total | 200/200 |
