8. Inclusive Language: In line with current style guides, I will be using inclusive language. This means that I will use language that includes women whenever possible. Instead of "man" I will use "human beings." Instead of "he" I will use "he or she," etc. I urge you to follow my lead both orally and in written form.

9. Exams: There will be three exams and a final. They will consist of essays, short identifications, and map questions. These exams will be given approximately at the 4th, 8th, & 12th week of the course. The final will cover both newly discussed material and a comprehensive essay. Before each exam I will provide students with a study guide. Please bring a blue book and a pen on each exam day.

10. Make-Up Exams: Make-up exams (though usually more difficult than regular tests) will be permitted only for those students with LEGITIMATE explained absences. Students should strive to notify me in advance if they know they will have to be gone on a scheduled exam day.

11. Written Assignment: Each student is required to do the following:

You are to read three articles dealing with either archaeology or aspects of the history or culture of the world of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible from journals that may be obtained in the Meyer Library. 

You are then to write a short (2 pages) summary of each article's contents and a one page personal analysis of:

 (1) the author's thesis and how well it was explained (be specific)
 (2) the degree of difficulty you had in reading it (too much jargon? give examples)
 (3) what you found particularly interesting and would like to know more about (be specific!)
 (4) ways in which it could be improved or made more understandable (be specific)
 (5) value of visual and explanatory aids (describe them and make suggests for more)
 (6) the ways in which the article has aided your fuller understanding of the OT/HB (be specific). 

I recommend the following popularly written journals:

Biblical Archaeologist (renamed Near Eastern Archaeology) -- BS620. A1 B5
Biblical Archaeology Review -- BS620. A1 B52
Bible Review -- BS410. B58
The Bible Today -- BS600.2 B53

Biblical Archaeologist/Near Eastern Archaeology is available ON-LINE, WITH FULL TEXT, through EBSCO-HOST (http://library.missouristate.edu).

Choose specific items in each article upon which to base your analysis. Include:
 
(1) the author
(2) title of the article
(3) title of journal
(4) issue number and year of publication
(6) page numbers.

The first of these analyses (worth 25 points each) is due September 17, 2007. The second is due on October 8, 2007 and the third is due on November 12, 2007.  A two point per class day penalty will be imposed on each paper submitted after the date it is due.

Each of you will become the “expert” on the topics covered in your article reviews and you will be called
on periodically in class to provide information that will further enhance the classes’ understanding of this material.

12. Cheating: Any student participating in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions as described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/acintegrity.html) also at the Reserve Desk in Meyer Library.

Cheating and plagiarism, as defined in the Missouri State Student Judicial Code will not be tolerated in this course. Those who plagiarize the work of others will either be subject to a penalty of one letter grade on their written assignment or the imposition of an additional written assignment.

I would also direct you to the university statement of community principles.

13. Assessment: Students' command of the materials presented in this course will be assessed through written exams, written assignments, journal article critiques, class discussion, in-class oral presentations, and the ability to answer the instructor's questions during class. These methods of assessment will help gauge the effectiveness of presentation by the instructor as well as help demonstrate the usefulness of
this course as a part of the General Education curriculum. Students will also be given the opportunity to assess the course as a whole using both a standardized, college-wide questionnaire and an Honors College assessment instrument.

14. Grading: The final grade will be computed as follows:

Exams I, II, & III-            225 points (75 points each)
Final Exam--                 100  points
Article Analyses--          75  points (25 points each)
Class Participation--  100 points
Total possible           = 500

The grading scale for the final grade will be based on the scale: A = 90-100; B = 80-89;
C = 70-79; D = 60-69; F = Below 60

Borderline grades will be determined by such factors as attendance, the final exam, completion of work on time, evidence of hard work and a willingness to seek help, and general contribution to class discussions.

If you stop attending this class but do not follow proper procedure for dropping the class, you will receive
a failing grade and will also be financially obligated.  To drop a class anytime after the first week, see http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/chnsched.html).  You do not need to obtain any signatures on the
drop slip.

15. Disability Accommodation: To request accommodations for disability, students must contact Disability Services (http://www.missouristate.edu/disability), Plaster Student Union Suite 405, (417) 836-4192; TTY (417) 836-6792.  Students must provide documentation of disability to Disability Services prior
to receiving accommodations.  DS refers some types of accommodation requests to the Learning Diagnostic Clinic (LDC). The LDC also provides diagnostic testing, for which a fee is charged.

16. Discrimination Policy: Missouri State is an equal opportunity employer/affirmative action institution, and maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against.  At all times, it is your right to address inquiries and concerns about possible discrimination to Jana Estergard, Equity and Diversity Officer, Siceluff Hall 296 (417-836-4252). Concerns about discrimination can also be brought directly to your instructor's attention, and to the attention of your instructor's department head.  The Missouri State statement of non-discrimination can be found at http://www.missouristate.edu/eoaa.htm.

17. Office Hours: Students should feel free to consult with me about the course and their work. My office is STRO 215 (inside the Dean's Suite in STRO 207) and I will be there MWF 9:00-9:50 and 1:00-1:50 TR. If you can not meet with me during these times, see me after class and I will arrange a mutually convenient time for us to get together. The Associate Dean's office phone is 836-5529 and the secretary can make an appointment for me. I can also be contacted by e-mail at: VictorMatthews@missouristate.edu

18. Cell Phone Use: As a member of the learning community, each student has a responsibility to other students who are members of the community.  When cell phones or pagers ring and students respond in class or leave class to respond, it disrupts the class. Therefore, the Office of Provost prohibits the use by students of cell phones, pagers, or similar communication devices during scheduled classes. All such devices must be turned off or put in a silent mode and cannot be taken out during class. At the discretion
of the instructor, exception to this policy is possible in special circumstances. Sanctions for violation of this policy are determined by the instructor and may include dismissal from the class – see Class Disruption (http://www.missouristate.edu/recreg/classdis.html). In testing situations, use of cell phones or similar communication devices may lead also to a charge of academic dishonesty and additional sanctions under the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures (http://www.missouristate.edu/registrar/acintegrity.html). There are two appeal processes available to students. A sanction for class disruption may be appealed using the appeal process stated in the Class Disruption policy; however, a violation that involves a charge of academic dishonesty must be appealed using the process described in the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures. Students have the right to continue attending class while an appeal is in progress.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE -- RELIGION 101