INTERPRETING THE SCRIPTURES:

GENESIS TO SONG OF SOLOMON

BL 501 - 4 CREDIT HOURS
Western Seminary Online Campus

Instructor: Andrew (Andy) Dvoracek, Ph.D.

E-Mail: advoracek@westernseminary.edu
Phone: 503-915-1411
Lectures by: Tim Mackie, Ph.D.

Syllabus – Summer 2019

COURSE SCHEDULE
This course is offered in a 14-week schedule. You can see a course schedule by week in this
syllabus. In the learning center there is a schedule with specific dates for your assignments.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course description: This course in Biblical Literature lays a foundation for further study of the
Bible by introducing the great story of God’s plan for redeeming fallen humanity and
reclaiming His kingdom on the sin-cursed earth. Special attention will be given to the biblical
covenants and how they advance God’s redemptive and kingdom programs. This study will
include the Pentateuch (Torah), historical books, wisdom books and Psalms. The course will
include practical application of biblical truths encouraging students to have a meaningful
encounter with God’s Word and grow spiritually. Pre- or Co-requisite: BT501, BT502 4 credits.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Know the basic introduction to each book (theme, purpose, theological contribution
and relevance).
2. Be able to identify and explain key canonical themes including the Abrahamic

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 promise, the Kingdom of God, God’s redemptive program and the purpose of the
law under the Old Covenant and its relevance for believers today.
3. Be able to explain the basic message of each book and the relevance for today.
4. Interact with the major interpretive and critical problems relative to the books being
studied.
5. Learn the basic historical framework of the period from Abraham through the
return from exile.

TEXTBOOKS
Required:
Gordon Wenham and Donald Carson, New Bible Commentary, IVP Press, (1994)
ISBN-13: 978-0830814428, MSRP: $50.00

An English Bible of the student’s choice: you are encouraged to pick a translation that
is different from the one you usually read [e.g. the English Standard Version, New
American Standard Version].
English Standard Version, ISBN- 13: 978-1433534157, MSRP: $11.99
(or) New American Standard Bible, ISBN- 13: 978-1885217950, MSRP: $8.99.

Journal articles; provided on web-based Online Learning Center. At any time, other
articles, videos, and materials may be required by the course instructor and provided
on the Online Learning Center.

Important Note: Required and recommended course texts are subject to change at any
time. You are encouraged to purchase these titles through the Amazon.com associate
program; you may use the links provided above, or the search option found on the Western
website under “Students/Online”: http://www.westernseminary.edu/students/online

COURSE FORMAT
1. Course Audio/Video Materials.
Shortly after your course registration, you will receive instructions about how to
download your course using the Integr@te program (not earlier than 10 days from
your start date).

2. Online Learning Center.

You will also be given access to a web-based Online Learning Center that functions as
your Online Campus classroom for the course. There you will find:

 The course syllabus. Please Note: The syllabus in your Online Learning Center is
the governing course syllabus. Syllabi downloaded early from the seminary website,
or received from any other source, are for informational purposes only.

 A week-by-week schedule to help you successfully complete the course on time with
the least amount of stress.

 Assignment summaries and links for uploading assignments and for completing
group projects.

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  Links to discussion forums, your course instructor and other students, the Online
Campus support team, as well as links to other helpful communication and
instructional resources.

3. Course Instructor.
You will be assigned a course instructor who will participate as appropriate in Online
Learning Center activities; review, grade, and provide feedback on course assignments;
and interact with you on any questions you have about the course. When you receive
your course materials, you will also receive contact information for your course
instructor. Please contact your course instructor within one week of your course start
date and maintain regular contact throughout the course.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Online Confirmation: Before the end of the first Friday of your semester’s session,
you need to log onto the Online Learning Center (www.westernseminary.edu/olc),
download the syllabus for the course, and complete the report indicating that you have
read and understand the course requirements. By federal law, we now need to ensure
that students participate in classes for the full length of the class session. So failure to
complete the Online Confirmation on time will result in a grade penalty and may
impact your financial aid eligibility and student status.

Course Evaluation: In the last week of your course session, you will be sent a link
for an evaluation. Please complete this to finish your course.

Points: 3 points possible

Time: 30 minutes

2. Reading

Read the entirety of Genesis–Song of Songs in the order described in the course
schedule, as well as the “Introduction” section for each biblical book from the New
Bible Commentary. Keep track of your reading on the attached “Reading Log” sheet.
For each chapter, enter:
- Zero [0] if you did not read it entirely;
- A half-point [.5] if you skim-read it in its entirety;
- A full point [1] if you read it carefully in its entirety, in a serious fashion.
Submit your “Reading Log” in the Online Learning Center at the dates designated in
the course calendar. No late work will be allowed following those dates.

Time: 60 hours
Points: 180 points possible

3. View Course Lectures and Watch Bible Project Videos

View all course lectures according to the course schedule.

Watch all Bible Project videos according to the course calendar schedule.
You will report this at the end of the semester.

Time: 37 hours estimated viewing time.

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 Points: 40 points possible

4. Biblical Book Project (Design and Message Projects)

You will submit a project in which you create a personal study and
teaching tool for EACH book of the Bible being studied for the course: Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel (*as one
book*), 1-2 Kings (*as one book*), 1-2 Chronicles (*as one book*), Ezra-Nehemiah (*as
one book*), Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. (x 18)

The format for each paper should include the following, clearly organized according to
this pattern (single-spaced):
• Title of the biblical book. (1 line)
• A statement of the main idea of the book, given in a single, grammatically-
complete sentence. (1 sentence + 1-2 lines)
• An explanation of the main idea, given in 2-3 well-developed paragraphs. This
should both explain the main idea of the book and why it accounts for all the
material in the book. (2-3 paragraph = ½ page)
• State the purpose of the book, together with an explanation of the reason for why
you have drawn this conclusion. Note: the main idea of the book and its purpose
are not identical, though they will be related. (1 paragraph)
• Present 3-6 of the leading themes of each book, with 1-2 paragraphs explanation
for each theme. (3-6 paragraphs = ½ to 2 pages)
• A page-length proposal that explains how the message and themes of each book
relate to contemporary needs and issues of individuals, church, and society. (1
page)
• Develop 6-12 well-crafted study questions that could be used in a home Bible
study. These questions should be clearly subdivided into two kinds of questions:
(a) those that enable the participants to be drawn into reading the text more
carefully and gaining insight into its message and content, and
(b) those that help them to explore the relevance of the message to their own
personal lives. (1/4 to 1/2 page)

For each book, you must clearly identify any and all ideas and wording drawn
from ALL secondary sources (including internet resources, study Bible notes,
class notes, books, articles, and any unpublished sources such as sermons,
recordings, or written correspondence) through the use of footnotes (or
equivalent). Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and will result in complete
loss of credit. The use of secondary resources will NOT be a factor in your grade,
but do cite them when used.

(If you went for the longest possible on every section, you might hit five pages
(single-spaced), but that is not necessary. Quality of material is preferred over a
lot of material. If your work is quality, the minimum in each category should be
your goal, with the additional space when it is necessary.)

Time: 55 hours estimated time.

Points: 180 points possible. (10 points each)

5. Discussion Forum Assignments:

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 Your instructor will post six discussion questions on the course online discussion
forum throughout the semester. Since these are designed as interactive
conversations, your grade will be based on both your thoughtful interaction with
the concepts and peers in your learning community, and your timely
communication with the instructor and other students. As you would in a
classroom discussion, we encourage you to make multiple shorter comments rather
than a “presentation monologue.” These are considered live interactions and as
such, participation after the due date listed for each discussion is not eligible for
credit.

For each forum posting set, you will respond to a question that the instructor
posts, then respond to at least two student answers the following week.

Time: 6 hours estimated time

Points: 48 points possible (8 points per conversation set).

6. Biblical Passage or Theme Paper

You will write a final paper in which you study a particular topic, theme, or biblical
book or passage in greater depth. This is not strictly a research paper and there will
be a variety of options for what kind of paper it will be. The goal is for you to
synthesize some of what you have been learning and think of ways to implement
what you have learned in your theological reflection and in your life and ministry.
The paper will be about 10–12 pages in length and you will be able to choose your
topic/theme/passage. Note: Please notify your instructor on what you will be
studying by week 4.

See paper guidelines document for further instructions.

Time: 21 hours estimated time

Points: 100 points possible

GRADING SCALE
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D-

100-95% 94-93% 92-91% 90-88% 87-86% 85-84% 83-81% 80-79% 78-77% 76-74% 73-70%

ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY
Approx. Points
Assignment
Hours Possible
1. Online Confirmation/End of Course Evaluation 1 3
2. Read Genesis-Song of Songs & Read New Bible
60 180
Commentary Introductions (5 hours)
3. Videos and Course Lectures 37 40
4. Biblical Book Project (Design and Message Projects) 55 180
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy,
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1-2 Samuel (*as one book*), 1-2
Kings (*as one book*), 1-2 Chronicles (*as one book*),

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 Ezra-Nehemiah (*as one book*), Esther, Job, Psalms,
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs.
5. Discussion Forum Assignments 6 48
6. Biblical Passage or Theme Paper 21 100
Totals 180 551

COURSE SEQUENCE
Important: See the course schedule in the learning center for the due dates of your
assignments.

Units Weeks Lessons Assignments & Notes

1 1 Watch Lesson #1 videos 1-5 Personal Introduction Forum
Read: Genesis 1-2
Read Article: “TaNaK Table Handout”
Read: The Old Testament and Christian Faith handout
Read: Genesis handout
Read Text Book: NBC, “The Pentateuch”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Genesis: Introduction”
Watch” Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture — Genesis 1-11"

Watch Lesson #1 videos 6-12 Read: Genesis 3-11

Watch: Bible Project Video: "Heaven & Earth"
Watch: Bible Project Video: “The Image of God”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “The Messiah”
1 2 Watch Lesson #2 videos 1-2 Optional: Course Questions on the OLC
Read: Genesis 12-30
Watch: Bible Project Video: Read Scripture — Genesis 12-50

Watch Lesson #2 videos 3-4 Read: Genesis 31-50

Watch: Bible Project Video: The Covenants
Genesis: Design & Message Project Due
2 3 Watch Lesson #3 videos 1-5 Discussion Forum #1 (Response to Instructor)
Read Exodus 1-18
Read Article: “Exodus Handout”
Read: Text Book: NBC, “Exodus: Introduction”
Watch Bible Project Video: Read Scripture — Exodus 1-18

Watch Lesson #3 videos 6-8 Read Exodus 19-40

Watch: Bible Project “Video: Read Scripture — Exodus 19-40”
Exodus Design & Message Project Due
2 4 Watch Lesson #4 videos 1-4 Forum #1: Respond to 2 students
Read: Leviticus
Read Article: “Leviticus Handout”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Leviticus: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Leviticus”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Holiness"
Leviticus Design & Message Projects Due

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 Watch Lesson #4 videos 5-7 Read: Numbers
Read Article: “Numbers Handout”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Exodus: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Numbers”
Numbers Design & Message Projects Due
Send note: to instructor about what you will be doing
regarding the "Biblical Passage or Theme paper"
3 5 Watch Lesson #5 videos 1-3 Discussion Forum #2 (Response to Instructor)
Read: Deuteronomy 1-14
Read: Text Book: NBC, “Deuteronomy: Introduction”
Read Article: “Deuteronomy Handout”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Deuteronomy”

Watch Lesson #5 videos 4-7 Read: Deuteronomy 15-34

Read/Review: Main Themes and Storyline of the Torah
Read/Review: The Moses Model in the Torah-Prophets
Read/Review: The Messiah in the Torah
Read/Review: Hebrew Bible - Historical Outline
Watch: Bible Project Video: “The Law”
Deuteronomy Design & Message Project Due
3 6 Watch Lesson #6 videos 1-4 Discussion Forum #2 (Response to Instructor)
Read: Joshua
Read Article: “Joshua Handout”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Joshua: Introduction”
View: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Joshua”
Joshua Design & Message Projects Due

Watch Lesson #6 videos 5-9 Read: Judges & Ruth

Read Article: “Judges Handout”
Read Article: “Ruth Handout”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Judges: Introduction”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Ruth: Introduction”
View: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Judges”
View: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Ruth”
Judges Design & Message Projects Due
Ruth Design & Message Projects Due
4 7 Watch Lesson #7 videos 1-5 Discussion Forum #3 (Response to Instructor)
Read: 1 Samuel 1-17
Read Article: "1-2 Samuel Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, “1 & 2 Samuel: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — 1 Samuel”

Watch Lesson #7 videos 6-10 Read: 1 Samuel 18 — 2 Samuel 24

Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — 2 Samuel”
1 & 2 Samuel Design & Message Projects Due
4 8 Watch Lesson #8 videos 1-6 Forum #3: Respond to 2 students
Read: 1 Kings
Read Article: "1-2 Kings Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, "1 and 2 Kings: Introduction”

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 Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — 1 & 2 Kings”

Watch Lesson #8 videos 7-9 Read: 2 Kings

1 & 2 Kings Design & Message Projects Due
5 9 Watch Lesson #9 videos 1-6 Discussion Forum #4 (Response to Instructor)
Read: Psalms 1-73
Read Article: "Psalms Handout"
Read: Psalms - Design and Message - handout
Read Text Book: NBC, "The Psalms: Introduction”
Read Text Book: NBC, “Poetry in the Bible”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Psalms”

Watch Lesson #9 videos 7-9 Read: Psalms 74-150

Psalms Design & Message Projects Due
5 10 Watch Lesson #10 videos 1-4 Forum #4: Respond to 2 students
Read: Proverbs
Read Article: Wisdom Literature in the TaNaK Handout
Read Article: "Proverbs Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, "The Proverbs: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: “Read Scripture — Proverbs”
Proverbs Design & Message Projects Due

Watch Lesson #10 videos 5-9 Read: Ecclesiastes

Read Article: " Ecclesiastes Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, "The Ecclesiastes: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture — Ecclesiastes"
Ecclesiastes Design & Message Projects Due
6 11 Watch Lesson #11 videos 1-3 Discussion Forum #5 (Response to Instructor)
Read: Job 1-27
Read Article: "Job Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, "The Job: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture — Job"

Watch Lesson #11 videos 4-7 Read: Job 28-42

Job Design & Message Projects Due
6 12 Watch Lesson #12 videos 1-2 Forum #5: Respond to 2 students
Read: Song of Songs (Solomon)
Read Article: " Song of Songs Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, "The Song of Songs: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture — Song of Songs
"
Song of Songs Design & Message Projects Due
Watch Lesson #12 videos 3-7
Read: Ezra-Nehemiah
Read: Article: " Ezra-Nehemiah Handout"
Read: Text Book: NBC, "The Ezra-Nehemiah: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture —Ezra-
Nehemiah"
Ezra-Nehemiah Design & Message Projects Due
7 13 Watch Lesson #13 videos 1-2 Discussion Forum #6 (Response to Instructor)

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 Read: Esther
Read Article: "Esther Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, " Esther: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture — Esther"
Esther Design & Message Projects Due

Watch Lesson #13 videos 3-8 Read: 1 & 2 Chronicles

Read Article: "1-2 Chronicles Handout"
Read Text Book: NBC, " 1 & 2 Chronicles: Introduction”
Watch: Bible Project Video: "Read Scripture — Chronicles"
1-2 Chronicles Design & Message Projects Due
7 14 Forum #6: Respond to 2 students
Reading Log - Due
Videos and Lectures Log – Due
Biblical Passage or Theme Paper due - (Due Monday)
Course Evaluation and Reflection

COURSE POLICIES
You may have additional course policies that you would like to include here (e.g., writing/format
requirements), but please make sure that you include at least the following paragraphs:

ATTENDANCE AND LATE ASSIGNMENTS:

Students are expected to participate in class sessions, make weekly progress in the course, and submit
assignments on time according to the syllabus schedule. Absences, non-participation and tardiness may
impact a student’s grade. Students who anticipate an absence should discuss it in advance with the
instructor. Students who miss more than 20% of the seat time for an on-campus class will not pass the
course, without a request for and the completion of additional assignments. Assignments submitted
after the due date and time will be subject to the instructor’s late assignment policy.

COPYRIGHT VIOLATION AND PLAGIARISM:

Research in secondary sources for the written project is permitted and welcomed. However, any
appropriation of either ideas or wording taken from other sources, whether print or electronic, must be
properly footnoted. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism which can result in substantial grade
reduction or failure. Any unauthorized copying or use of copyrighted materials, including downloaded
files of various kinds, can result in criminal charges and fines. For a fuller explanation of these issues or
WS's copyright policy, see the Copyright Issues and Cheating" section of the Student Handbook:
https://www.westernseminary.edu/academic/handbook-copyright.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF CLASS SESSIONS:

All student class participation, whether spoken, recorded or written, is to be considered confidential and
not shared with those outside of the class. Recording of on-campus class sessions is a privilege that is
only permitted with the consent of the instructor. On-campus class recordings are only to be used for
personal review and are not to be shared with anyone. Online course materials are copyrighted, and
may be kept for ongoing personal use and review.

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Some students with disabilities could be given permission to record on-campus classes as an
accommodation that has been approved by the Disabilities Coordinator, Ashley Mitchell. This is done
on a case by case basis. The policies noted above apply to these students also. If you have a diagnosed
disability you may contact Ashley to go through the accommodations process to see what will work best
for your situation.

No other use or distribution is permitted.

INCOMPLETES/EXTENSIONS:
The final deadline for submitting all course work is the last day of the semester as noted in the
Academic Calendar and in the class schedule. In the case of serious illness, family emergency, or similar
extenuating circumstances, the student may request an extension from the professor. A 1-3 week
extension is typical in such circumstances, and some penalty for late work may apply. Longer extensions
may be requested by petition and approval of the Administrative Committee. Extensions longer than 5
weeks are rare and should only be requested under extreme circumstances.

If students face a personal emergency that requires requesting an extension going beyond the end of the
semester, it may affect their ability to receive financial aid in the next semester, and they may face the
possibility that their next semester’s course registrations will be cancelled. Please contact the Financial
Aid Office for assistance.

AUDIT/ENRICHMENT STUDENTS:
Enrichment students are encouraged, but not obligated, to participate in assignments and class
discussions. Professors are not obligated to grade participation for these students, but may opt to do so
depending on class size.

THE AVAILABILITY OF DISABILITY SERVICES AT WESTERN

SEMINARY:
Western Seminary is committed to responding to the needs of students with disabilities as outlined in
both the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Western students
are assisted individually as their needs dictate. It is the responsibility of students with disabilities to
identify themselves and the nature of the disability. Any student who has a disability should contact the
seminary’s Disability (Section 504) Coordinator, Ashley Mitchell, at 503-517-1819/1-877-517-1800, ext.
1819. Her office is at the Portland campus. Students at the northern California campuses may contact
Director of Student Services – San Jose or Director of Student Services – Sacramento, or they may
contact Ms. Mitchell directly. Appropriate forms will be provided and must be submitted to the
Disability Coordinator’s office.

TITLE IX:
Western Seminary adheres to federal Title IX requirements. Please see Western’s Title IX handbook
online at (insert address) or contact the Title IX Coordinator, Ashley Mitchell at
amitchell@westernseminary.edu or 503-517-1819.

Questions regarding this course’s online content can be directed to:

Jon Raibley - Email: jraibley@westernseminary.edu
1-800-893-8567 - In Portland: 503-517-1899

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