Encountering Jesus

RELB 150 · 3.0 credits · Winter Quarter 2016, 2-3:15 p.m., T, Th

Department of Theology, Pacific Union College

Instructor: Mark Witas M.Div. Senior Pastor, PUC Church

Email: markwitas@gmail.com or mwitas@puc.ed
Phone: (707) 888-2274
Office: Church Administration building in front of the church

Course Description
“Exploration of the pivotal role, identity and teachings of Jesus in the salvation of
humanity. Prerequisite: RELT 105*.” In this course we will learn, discuss and at-
tempt to better understand the life, purpose, mission, and calling of Jesus Christ as
presented in the Holy Bible. This class will bring us close to Jesus and provide a
behind the scenes look at the "why?" of his coming. It will also be a time of deep
discussion on the teachings, expectations, and longings of Jesus as they have been
expressed in the gospel accounts.

Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, an attentive student will be able to:
1. Identify and explain the meaning of the major events and key teachings of
Jesus within the first century contexts of the New Testament gospels.
2. Articulate the reason for Jesus' mission on earth and the philosophy behind
his actions and teachings.
3. Understand the purpose and goals of Christ's followers as lined up with the
life and teachings of Jesus and the understanding of the Seventh-day Ad-
ventist church.

Theology Department Level Outcomes

1. Critically analyze the major themes and issues in the Bible in light of its cul
tural, literary, and historical contexts.
2. Explain the basic Christian doctrines and distinctive Seventh-day Adventist
beliefs in light of biblical and historical interpretation.
3. Apply spiritual, ethical and philosophical teachings in Scripture and Christ
ian tradition to a contemporary world.
General Education Learning Outcomes: This course applies to the General Educa-
tion section on Foundations of Faith: "Students will be able to explain the histori-
cal and salvific meaning of Jesus, explore and critically analyze biblical texts and
themes as well as Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and values, and integrate trans-
formative faith perspectives with life in the contemporary world."

Required Textbooks
1. The Bible (any modern version) You MUST have your Bible with you each
class period.
2. Simply Jesus, NT Wright
3. A Farewell to Mars, Brian Zahnd

How to Succeed in This Course

1. Attentively read all assigned passages before class to know the context and
ideas that will be discussed.
2. Be on-time to class and submit assignments when due.
3. Carefully listen in class and ask questions when you do not understand the
material presented.
4. Participate in thoughtful discussion and debate in class.
5. Take careful notes.
6. Be prepared for quizzes and exams.

Course Expecta-
tions
1 Attendance is required. You must have a (non-electronic) Bible in class. If
you miss 5 classes for any reason you will be expected to drop the class. At-
tendance must be for the full class period for attendance and quiz to count.

2 Assignments are due at the beginning of class. There are no late assignments
accepted.

3 Quizzes will cover lectures, material assigned for that day and the previous
day's material. No make-up quizzes are given.
 4 There will be one midterm and one final exam given. Students must take ex-
ams at the appointed test time. Students will be given in-class reviews to aid
in preparation for exams.

5 Writing assignments must be in Times New Roman 12 pt., double spaced,

with 1 inch margins.

6 Grades will be posted on Canvas. The following shows the approximate

value of points:
A. Quizzes and Assignments 40%
B. Written Assignments 10%
C. Midterm Exam 20%
D. Final Exam 20%
E. Participation in Class 10%

8. Grade distribution percentages are as follows:

A 94-100 A- 90-93 B+ 87-89 B 84-86 B- 80-83
C+ 77-79 C 74-76 C- 70-73 D+ 67-69 D 64-66
D- 60-63 F (Don't get an F.)

9. Major Assignments:
A. You are required to be prepared for each class by reading the assigned
passages, according to this syllabus.

B. At the beginning of each Thursday class period, a one-page response

will be due. This response can be: A reaction to what was read, questions about a
possible conflict or contradiction in what you read, a response to how your life phi-
losophy agrees or disagrees with what you read, or what you learned about Jesus
from the passage. Please don't retell the story that you read.

C. At the beginning of each class period there will be a quiz of general knowledge
over the lectures and the assigned passages assigned for that day.

D. There will be a mid-term exam on October 27 and a final exam date will be an-
nounced. The contents of the exams will be discussed in class before they are
given.

10 PUC's Policy on Academic Integrity. Academic integrity is highly valued and

is expected. Academic dishonesty is an extremely serious offense and is cause for
disciplinary action. Students involved in cheating, plagiarizing, fabrication, multi-
ple submissions, abuse of academic materials, deception, misrepresentation, elec-
tronic dishonesty, and other types of academic dishonesty, including productions
of materials for other students, are ordinarily subject to dismissal from the course
with a failing grade. The teacher will evaluate the nature of any incident and deter-
mine the discipline needed after talking with the student. The student will receive
notice of the discipline in writing, with a copy of the letter (with evidence) sent to
the Academic Dean. Due process will be followed.

11 Questions about Grades: Any question about a grade item must be addressed
to the teacher within two weeks after a grade is posted on Canvas. After that, the
grade stands as recorded. It is the student's responsibility to check their updated
grades on Canvas. PUC's policy concerning a final grade is this: "Final grades are
posted on Web Advisor at the end of the quarter. Once grades have been posted,
grade changes are permitted only if it can be established that a clerical error was
made, resulting in an inaccurate grade submission on your official record. To raise
a grade once it has been recorded, you must repeat the course at Pacific Union Col-
lege. Late work is not accepted after the end of the term." These policies are im-
ported by reference in this syllabus and students are held responsible for compli-
ance with them.

12 Academic Policies: All courses offered at PUC are subject to the institutional
academic deadlines and polices (available for review at http://www.puc.edu/aca-
demics/records/home)

13 Disability Accommodations: PUC is committed to providing equal educa-

tional opportunities for qualified disabled students. If you have a documented
learning, psychological, or physical disability or if you suspect you have a disabil-
ity, contact Nancy Jacobo, Disabilities Coordinator at the Teaching and Learning
Center (ext. 7688). She will work with you to enhance your learning environment
or set-up testing to assess your learning capabilities. More information is found at:
https://www.puc.edu/academics/tls/disabilitiessupport-services.

14 Assessment of Learning: Learning will be assessed through quizzes, written

assignments and a final exam.

15 Absences Caused by Short-term Suspensions: If you are given a short term

suspension from PUC, please contact the teacher for possible accommodations to
complete the class work while absent from campus.
16 Disclaimer: The instructor has the right to alter or adjust the syllabus as
needed during the quarter. Any exceptions to this syllabus are at the instructor's
discretion and will be announced in class or on Canvas.

17 Syllabus: Students are required to read and understand this syllabus and
all class requirements. Ask the instructor for clarification as needed.

Course Schedule and Assignments

Jan. 10 Introductions, syllabus overview, open discussion on the person of

Jesus, the gospel writers,

Jan. 12 Paper Due Wright chapters 1-2, the why of genealogies birth
narratives, early childhood of Jesus

Jan. 17 Wright chapter 3, Birth narratives, early childhood of Jesus.

Jan. 19 Paper Due, Wright chapter 4, John the Baptist/Jesus' baptism

Jan. 24 Wright chapter 5 Jesus in the Wilderness

Jan. 26 Paper Due, Wright chapter 6, Sermon on the Mount part 1.

Jan. 31 Wright chapter 7, 8 Sermon on the Mount part 2.

Feb. 2 Paper Due, Wright chapter 9, Sermon on the Mount part 3

Feb. 7 Wright chapter 10, 11 Jesus’ purpose for coming (His own words)

Feb. 9 No Paper Due, Midterm

Feb. 14 Wright chapter 12, Jesus' purpose for coming Part 2

Feb. 16 Paper Due, Wright chapter 13, Jesus' problem with those in charge

Feb. 21 Zahnd 1-2, Jesus' understanding of himself in John

Feb. 23 Paper Due, Zahnd 3, Jesus and the Sabbath

Feb. 28 Zahnd 4, Jesus and OT Prophecy

Mar. 2 Paper Due, Zahnd 5, Jesus and his parables

Mar. 7 Zahnd 6, Jesus and his parables 2

Mar. 9 Paper Due, Zahnd 7, Jesus and his last hours

Mar. 14 Zahnd 8, Jesus and the cross

Mar. 16 Paper Due, Jesus and resurrection, Review

Final Exam TBA