Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
DLSI-0027
Organization:
Distance Learning Systems Indiana, Inc
Location:
Online
Length:
9 weeks (144 hours).
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Religious Studies
Description

Objective:

This course provides an academic comprehensive overview of core concepts of Apostle Paul’s life, work and legacy, with both an historical critical and literarily critical teaching and research methodology. Emphasis is placed on the realities of the Greco-Roman contexts surrounding the major events in the Bible; the gospels and the message of early Christianity; The transition of Saul of Tarsus to Paul; the writings of Paul; the Paul’s work to transform Christianity as a world religion; and Paul’s legacy. In addition, contemporary scholarship surrounding 21st Century conceptions of Paul’s life and work will be explored.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply the process of reading the Bible in light of literary and genre criticism.
  • Recognize the development of the New Testament canon, with a summary of Old Testament influence.
  • Recognize the key text sources for the translation of scripture.
  • Identify the timeline of the origins of the writings of the New Testament within current theoretical academic scholarship.
  • Compare and contrast the structure, messages, similarities, and differences among the four Gospels.
  • Recall Paul’s theology of atonement and his ideology of the concept of grace as well as his teachings about Old Testament law.
  • Identify the role of persecution in the expansion of Christianity.
  • Distinguish the role Paul plays in the expansion of Christianity.
  • Recall the theoretical timeline of Paul’s ministry from introduction to death.
  • Interpret the epistles of Paul in light of his travels and work.
  • Recognize Paul’s ideological role of the concept of the Trinity in the epistles.
  • Recall the theoretical itinerary and events of Paul’s missionary journeys.
  • Recognize the establishment of structure of Christian communities in the epistles.
  • Interpret the history of Paul, his work, and his legacy.
  • Synthesize a comprehensive argument concerning the life, work, teachings, writings, and legacy of the Apostle Paul.
  • Identify the importance of reading the Bible critically in context.

General Topics:

  • The Greco-Roman World at the time of the life of Paul and the development of the New Testament canon
  • The development of the four canonical Gospels and their Message to Christianity
  • The historical setting and situations of Saul of Tarsus as well as his conversion to Christianity, taking the name of Paul
  • An Introduction to Paul’s Writings and Ministry
  • Romans
  • General Pauline Epistles
  • Prison and Pastoral Epistles
  • Contemporary scholarship and recent directions in Pauline studies
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Discussion
  • Lectures

Methods of Assessment:

  • Quizzes
  • Written Papers

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials