CHS 2: Reading and Interpreting The Christian Scripture: Course Description

CHS 2: Reading and Interpreting the Christian Scripture
Religion and Peace Studies Department

Divinity School Silliman University
Instructor: Asso. Prof. karl james evasco-villarmea, PhD

Email Address: [email protected]
Office: Magdamo Hall Tel. No. 422-6002 (353)
Office Hours: Mondays/Thursdays and Tuesdays/Friday: 13:00 to 14:30; Wednesdays 10:00-14:00. Consultation meeting
must be arranged and scheduled with the instructor at least a day ahead.
Course Description:
An institutionally mandated subject, Reading and Interpreting the Christian Scripture is an introductory study of the New
Testament. While the historical context, social condition, political situation, cultural environment and literary character of
these books will be examined, the main goal of this study is to allow students to encounter and engage the primary materials
themselves. As the key source for Christian faith and practice, these books will be studied by way of close reading. And
through critical and thoughtful reflection of these biblical texts, key themes will be examined and significant passages
relevant to contemporary life will be emphasized in classroom discussion. From this study, it is hoped that students will come
to appreciate themes and ideas from the New Testament as consequential to their lives.
Learning Objectives:
 Discuss the context and how it influenced the writing(s) of the Christian Scripture
 Identify themes from the gospels, Pauline letters, and apocalyptic writing that are important to contemporary Christian
faith and practice
 Show how relevant themes can respond to present social, political, environmental, and economic issues in the present
time, in the Philippines or abroad
Course Design and Procedure:

1. Library and research work. Once or twice during the semester, students will be required to research on particular book,
topic, and/or related themes. The purpose of this learning activity is not only to learn about the subject but also to
cultivate research habit among students.
2. Video and film showing. Film showing is an essential part of this course—a different but necessary medium of instruction
that supplements classroom discussion.
3. Close reading and reflection of biblical texts: This involves personal and/or group reading and interpretation of
identified/assigned New Testament texts.
4. Group presentations: The purpose of this learning activity is to cultivate social interaction and group cooperation. Group
outputs will be evaluated based on familiarity of an assigned passage or text, the quality of reflections about the text and
its meaning, as well as group members’ participation in group/class discussions and presentation either in a play, drama,
powerpoint presentation, and other creative presentations. Posting of group outputs in social media may be required.
5. Reflection/essay papers. Students may be required to pass reflection/essay papers (encoded for easier reading). Papers
must be passed on the due date in class not in the office or outside the classroom. Plagiarism will be dealt with according
to university policy and guidelines. Authenticity/thoughtfulness is primary criteria in grading the papers.
6. Small group discussion. To encourage students to share their ideas with other learners and to nurture confidence in
public discussion, two or three sessions will be set aside during the semester. This is also designed to accommodate
students who prefer to discuss their ideas with their classmates.
Class Norm and Expectations:

1. Since this course is about reading and interpretation of texts done individually and in group, students are encouraged to
develop the discipline of reflection/thinking, and sharing of ideas and experiences with other learners in the class.
Respectful communication is encouraged.
2. Honesty must be observed at all times particularly during quizzes and exams. Cheating is a form of dishonesty and is a
ground for being given a failing grade.
3. The use of cellphones is not allowed during class.
4. Come to class on time. Fifteen minutes late is marked as absent.
5. Some topics we discuss in class are controversial and might provoke strong personal religious feelings. It is important
therefore that members of the class shall maintain a climate of open and honest exchange of ideas. Everyone will have
much to learn from different perspectives, from co-learners or from the instructor or from the text themselves. So, it is
crucial to think through as it is to listen carefully what others say or try to say. The goal of this class is not consensus but
rather to consider a range of perspectives and to develop own position with greater insight and clarity.
Course Requirements:
1. Textbook: A copy of the Bible, any translation or version but preferably the scholarly version—New Revised
Standard Version (NRSV). The course is designed to allow students read and help them interpret New Testament
passages, hence having a personal copy of the Bible in class is strongly encouraged.
2. Attendance: The importance of class attendance cannot be overemphasized as learning sessions and activities
require presence and class participation. Attendance will be strictly monitored and given points as reflected in
learning outputs and participation in learning activities. Two successive absences without excuse is a ground for
dropping a student from the course. Excuse letters must be supported with medical certificate and/or supporting
documents. Total number of absences excused or unexcused must not be more than 20 percent of the total number
of class hours (not more than 7 absences excused or unexcused).
3. Group project: related to a NT (Gospel and epistle) theme. This will entail identifying a related social issue that a
group wants to address. Each group will identify a theme related to an issue of interest, the passage/s related to the
issue must be discussed, and its meaning applied. Narrative report/project must be passed the week before the Final
Exam.
4. Unit exams and quizzes: A test will be given from time to time to test the familiarity of students with the lessons.
Quizzes can be announced or unannounced.
5. Graded class participation: Throughout the semester, each student is expected to participate by contributing to the
class discussion either in raising important questions to enrich discussion, or discussing important themes and
concepts. Students may volunteer to discuss or write about important concepts in class or may be assigned by the
teacher, or may want to recite on a concept and topic of interest. Students who have difficulty in oral recitations
may approach the teacher for alternative ways of participation.
Rubric for Assessments (Group Presentations/Reflection Papers)
Rating Criteria
Exemplary 40 Work demonstrates qualities which go beyond
requirements
Satisfactory 30 Work presents required requirements
Developing 20 Work partially manifests the requirements. Certain
aspects are incomplete or incorrect
Beginning 10 Work does not manifest any of the requirement
Grading System
Attendance and participation 50%
Graded recitation and discussion 25%
Major Exams/Projects 25%
Computed Final grade is composed of Midterm Grade (50%) and Finals Grade (50%). Students are encouraged to seek
appointment with the instructor for grade/class consultation.
Required Texts:
Kato, Julius-Kei. Reading the Bible in a Secular Age. Cascade Books, 2023.
Thiessen, Matthew. Jesus and the Forces of Death. Baker Press, 2021.
Jennings, Theodore Jr. Reading Derrida/Thinking Paul: On Justice. Stanford University Press, 2005.
Velunta, Revelation. Reading the Parables of Jesus Inside a Jeepney. Independently Published, 2017.
 https://jeepney.blogspot.com/
Course Outline
Topic Activity Output/Learning Outcome
I. Introductory Lessons: Lectures:
 January 22-26 SU, Tradition, and the Familiarity of the expectation and
Scripture direction of the study; understand the
relevance of study to their growth
development
II. Is the Bible still relevant today? Reading and Discussion of Understanding the significance of the
 January 29 to February 9 “Reading the Bible in a Bible at present particularly to
Secular Age” contemporary society
Graded Recitation
III. The Biblical World Film showing: From Jesus to

 The Graeco-Roman Civilization Christ Familiarity of the biblical world and be able
 Palestine and People to compare and relate it to Philippine
 Religion, Culture, and Politics Group Discussion context
 February 12 to 23
IV. Jesus and Ancient Judaism Reading and Discussion of Recognition of the complexity and the
 Disease and Ritual Purity “Jesus and the Forces of difficult debates surrounding religious
System: Debates and Death” issues during the time of Jesus
Disagreements
 February 26 to March 22 Group Discussion and
Reporting
V. The Synoptic Gospels Reading and Discussion of Appreciation of the differences between
 March 25 to April 6 Matthew, Mark, and Luke and among the synoptic gospels
Graded Recitation
VI. Paul and Contemporary Reading and Discussion of Familiarity of contemporary reception of
Thinkers and Ideas “Reading Derrida/Thinking Pauline ideas in philosophy and political
 April 8 to May 3 Paul: On Justice” theory
Group Presentation
VII. 1 Corinthians Reading and Discussion of the Acquainted with some of Pauline ideas and
 May 9 to 17 Pauline Epistle issues in the Corinth Church
Group Discussion and Personal

Reflection
Dates to Remember:
 Midterm Exam: April 4 (MTh) and April 5 (TF)
 Final Exam: May 21 (TF) and May 23 (MTh)
 Private/Group Reading: March 15 (MTh) and March 18 (TF). No F2F class. Instructor is available online for chat and
consultation.
 Group Activity and Learning: May 2 (MTh) and May 3 (TF). No F2F class.
 Group Report: May 6 (MTh) and May 7 (TF)
 Exam Preparation/Study Time: May 17 (TF) and May 20 (MTh). No F2F class.
 Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. No F2F class.

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CHS 2: Reading and Interpreting the Christian Scripture

Religion and Peace Studies Department

Instructor: Asso. Prof. karl james evasco-villarmea, PhD

Course Design and Procedure:

Class Norm and Expectations:

Rubric for Assessments (Group Presentations/Reflection Papers)

III. The Biblical World Film showing: From Jesus to

Group Discussion and Personal

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