RLED 5317-SA01 SYLLABUS

SEMINAR ON AGE-GROUP (ADULT) CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

WAYLAND BAPTIST UNIVERSITY – SAN ANTONIO

Summer Term – May 25 – August 37, 2009

WBU Campus – Room 102 –Mondays- 6:00 – 10:10 p.m.

Instructor: Dr. Lewis E. Lee

 

 

CATALOG DESCRIPTION: - Research into the educational ministry to adults with emphasis given to religious and spiritual formation.

 

PREQUISITES: RLGN 1301, RLGN 1302 and admission to the graduate program of the Division of Religion and Philosophy of Wayland Baptist University.

 

TEXTBOOKS: Barbara Bruce, 7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2000; Gary L. McIntosh, One Church, Four Generations, Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002; William R. Yount, Created to Learn, Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996. The book by McIntosh has additional references and resources listed in the back and the book by Yount has extensive endnotes that provide references to many other sources.

 

COURSE OUTLINE:

            Introduction

A study of the teaching/learning process through a study of 7 Ways of Teaching

                        The Bible to Adults by Barbara Bruce

            An introduction to educational psychology through a study of Created to Learn by

                        William R. Yount

            A study of the characteristics of different adult age-groups

            How churches can reach, teach, and minister to adults of today

 

OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to

            (1) demonstrate an understanding of the teaching/learning process for adults by having completed the assignment in Course Requirement no. 2

            (2) demonstrate comprehension of the developmental needs and interests of adults by having written the critical book review required in Course Requirement no. 3

            (3) demonstrate an in-depth understanding of at least one of the various adult age-groups by having written the research paper assigned in Course Requirement no. 4

            (4) demonstrate an ability to apply the knowledge gained in this seminar by completing the assignment found in Course Requirement no. 5

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

 

1.      Read the textbooks and attend class according to WBU policies (see Appendix). The students will be asked in the last class on August 3 to affirm that they have read completely the three textbooks listed above. The reading of these texts, attendance, and participation in class will account for 10% of the final grade. No credit will be given for a partial reading of the texts. Also, please note, as stated in the Appendix, that three absences will result in an automatic F for the course. Two absences will lower the final grade by five (5) points. A late arrival or an early departure will be treated as a one-half absence. Thus, two late arrivals or two early departures equal one absence.

 

2.      Teach a bible study (text chosen by the student) in class in which the student will demonstrate at least two (2) of the “7 Ways of Teaching the Bible to Adults” as presented in the book by Barbara Bruce. Of course, it is understood that the teaching is expected to be biblically sound. The date (either June 8 or 15) for teaching the class will be worked out in consultation with the students at the first class period. This presentation will account for 15% of the final grade. The teaching should take 25 minutes, plus or minus 3 minutes.

 

3.      Write a critical book review of Created to Learn by Yount following the guidelines provided by the Instructor. This book review will be due on June 29, and will account for 20% of the final grade. The entire class period will be given to a discussion of this book.

 

4.      Write a research paper on the subject of “A Christian Educational Ministry to _____________ Among Today’s Adults.” Each student will choose one of the adult groups identified in McIntosh’s book (Builders, Boomers, Busters, or Bridgers) or some other generationally identifiable adult group. The paper is to have a minimum of 25-30 pages, excluding title/cover page, table of contents page, and bibliography with a minimum of 15-20 sources. Only one internet source may be used unless sources are dually published, and even the one source requires the approval of the professor before it is included in the paper. This is to be a thorough presentation of the subject with appropriate footnotes and is to follow the format found in A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 7th edition, by Kate L. Turabian. You also may access the Turabian Style Guide and other helps on the WBU website at http://www.wbu.edu/academics/schools/religion_and_philosophy/student_help/default.htm  

      The following will be taken into consideration when determining the grade:

Ø      Formal elements – Correct spelling and grammar are employed (more than 10 spelling and grammatical errors in the paper will lower the grade by one letter); student demonstrates the effort to produce a professional product free of errors; margins are to be one inch on each side and at top and bottom; paper reflects correct usage of Turabian style manual, e.g., fonts are consistent and either 10 or 12 pitch; quotes are cited appropriately using footnotes. Keep Turabian near! The formal elements  will count for 15% of the grade.

Ø      Presentation of ideas – Task of the paper is clearly defined; introduction includes a thesis statement which takes a position expressed in specific language; content shows thoughtful, logical organization; the passive mood, colloquialisms, and use of “you” are avoided; the word “we” is not used (unless the paper is presenting a report on research done by a team with appropriate clarification); the word “I” is used very sparingly if at all; content notes are used for elaboration or clarification; concepts which are restated or summarized have appropriate citations; sections of the paper are joined with logical transitions; the abstract and the conclusion clearly state essential findings without introducing new elements. The presentation of ideas will count for 30% of the grade.

Ø      Content – All material in the paper is related to the thesis statement; topic is appropriately covered for the length of the paper; writer offers insights, interpretations, and viewpoints which clearly demonstrate a rational and informed view of the topic; all conclusions are adequately supported by the evidence presented; appropriate vocabulary is used and in a correct way. This will require the adequate and judicious use of sources as well as meet the requirements for length of the text. Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and if detected, will result in a failing grade for the course. The following suggestions may help. The paper should define the group, describe the characteristics of the group, identify the circumstances and environment that helped shape the group, recognize the different sub-groups in the larger group (such as singles, divorced, widowed, employed, retired, etc.), point out the needs of the group, and discuss how the church can minister to those in the group who already are in the church and to those in the group who are not in the church. The student should recognize that these are only some suggestions for the content of the paper. Additional material may be included if the research justifies it. The content will count for 30% of the grade on the paper.

Ø      Punctuality – It is absolutely imperative that you turn in your paper and make your presentation on the date and at the time scheduled in the first class meeting. Failure to be punctual will adversely affect all of the students and will automatically lower your grade by one letter. Punctuality will count for 10% of the grade on the paper.

Ø      Presentation - The student is to make a report and present the paper to the class on the date decided upon in the first class session. He/she is to prepare enough copies to give one to the Instructor and each of the other students one class session prior to the date of the presentation (see next paragraph). The student, also, is to present the paper to the class using at least two (2) of the teaching methods described in the book by Barbara Bruce. At the conclusion of the presentation, the student is to be prepared to respond to questions and observations by the other students. The presentation will count for 15% of the grade on the paper. This presentation is to take 40 minutes, plus or minus 3 minutes.

This research paper and presentation will account for 30% of the final grade.

The presentation will be on July 13th, 20th, or 27th, as agreed upon in the first class session. Each student is to bring a copy of his/her paper for the instructor and each student in the seminar at that time. Please be sure to prepare and print your paper early enough to have it ready as calendared.

 

5.      Based on the study done in this class, write a paper entitled, “A Proposed                      Adult Ministry in a Local Church.” You are to write this as a proposal for a specific church. It may be your own church or another of your choice here in the area. Think of yourself as the Minister of Adult Education in this church. Before writing the paper, you will need to get data from the church that indicates the average total attendance of the church, the average total number of adults attending, and the break-down on those adults by both age and church organization. For example, how many are “Builders” or senior adults, how many are “Boomers” or median adults, how many are singles, etc., and how is the church organized and currently conducting her ministry with and to these adults. Then, based on your learning in this class, what would you propose as an ideal adult ministry in this specific church. This paper should be a maximum of 10-15 pages in length and will be due at the class meeting time on either July 27 or August 3rd. Be prepared to give a copy of your paper to each student in the class and to describe your proposal briefly (about 20 minutes, plus or minus 3 minutes) to the class. This will be the final exam and will account for 25% of the final grade.

TAKE NOTE: The web address for online library resources available through the University is www.wbu.edu/lrc. This service will facilitate better and easier research for you. Through this service you may access a variety of databases as well as gain access to the hard copy resources of the University library. Books are shipped back and forth at University expense. If you have not completed RLGN 0001 - Theological Research and Writing Lab, an online “workshop to guide students through research, writing, and completion of [a] Turabian style research project as required by the Division of Religion and Philosophy,” you are urged to do so. To take full advantage of this help, you should begin your research as soon as possible so you will have time to send drafts of your work for corrections and suggestions and incorporate them in your paper.

 

SPECIAL NOTE: Papers and reports are due as indicated. No assignments may be submitted by email. They are to be submitted in person on the date they are due at the beginning of the class period. Assignments received later than the class period in which the assignment is due will be considered late. An assignment one week late may receive a maximum grade of B. An assignment two weeks late may receive a maximum grade of C. No assignments will be accepted that are more than two weeks late. Also, no assignments will be accepted after August 3rd regardless of the due date since this is the last class period of the term. Furthermore, all assignments are to demonstrate the ability of the student to communicate clearly. In other words, the grammar, spelling, syntax, etc., are to be flawless. The grade will be lowered by one letter on any reports and/or papers that have 10 or more spelling or grammatical errors. Use the spell checker, but do not depend on it. Write your papers early enough to be able to reread the paper before turning it in. The different parts of the paper as well as punctuality all are important. Follow the guidelines in the book by Turabian or in the Turabian Style Guide on the WBU website as referenced above. Remember, plagiarism will not be tolerated. Each student must do his/her own work and appropriate credit must be given when someone else is quoted.

 

GRADING: the grading system of the University as outlined in the Catalog will be used. The value of the different requirements is as follows:

            Reading of the textbooks, attendance, and class participation – 10%

            Teaching a lesson in class                                                            - 15%

            Critical book review                                                                   - 20%

            Research Paper                                                                          - 30%

            Proposal for Adult Ministry                                                         - 25%

                                                                                                               100%

 

APPENDIX

 

The University has the following approved attendance policy:

 

1.      Students should make every effort to attend all class periods. All absences must be explained to the satisfaction of the instructor who will decide if the omitted work may be made up.

2.      Any student who misses twenty-five percent or more of the regularly scheduled class meetings will receive a grade of “F” for the course.

3.      When a student reaches a number of absences considered by the instructor to be excessive, the instructor will so advise the student and file an Unsatisfactory Progress Report in the office of the instructor’s division chairperson.

4.      Two late arrivals or early departures may be counted as one absence.

5.      If an instructor fails to appear or fails to send notice of his arrival within the first ten minutes of a class period, students may leave without incurring an absence.

6.      The student may petition the Academic Council for exceptions to the above stated policies.

 

Please do not assume that you can miss almost 25% of the class meetings with no penalty. Students who miss class almost always perform more poorly than they expect and have lower grades.

 

Remember, the way our classes are structured here, 3 weeks is 25% of a course. Also, attendance in a class means being present from the time the class begins until it is dismissed. A late arrival is considered the same as one half-class absence. Leaving at the break means being absent for half the class. Two such half-class absences equals one week of absence.

 

Please remember this is a Christian institution and you are enrolled in a class related to Christian ministry. As such, I remind you that Christian leaders are to hold high standards of character, conduct, and appearance and should dress and act appropriately. Please remove hats and caps when entering the room. Thank you.

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

You may contact me by calling 210-590-5641 (my direct office number) or the Wayland campus at 210-826-7595, x 241. If I am unavailable, you may leave a voice mail message with a telephone number (please speak slowly and distinctly) and I will return the call as soon as I can. You also may contact me through e-mail at lewis.lee@wbusa.wbu.edu or leel@wbu.edu. I suggest you send your e-mail to one of these addresses and a copy to the other. I would rather receive two from you than none. Office hours are posted outside my office door. Appointments still are preferable, however, since being in the office does not mean I am necessarily free.

 

 

 

 

SOME ADDITIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR THIS CLASS (AND OTHERS)

 

Remember, this is a University and you are enrolled in a graduate course of study. This means the work will be harder and require more commitment of time and effort from you than high school, technical school or undergraduate study. Furthermore, this is a Christian University. This means we do not require less, but rather we expect more. The average university course expects you to study two hours outside of class, i.e., doing homework, review of class materials, research, writing, etc., for every hour of class time. A class that meets four hours a week thus will require about eight additional hours of

preparation time, a total of twelve hours a week. If you cannot give this much time, you probably won’t do as well as you would like in this course.

 

I will do everything academically and ethically permissible to help you reach the standards of excellence required, but the ultimate responsibility is yours. The standards of excellence cannot be lowered for “special circumstances” because it reduces the value of the education for everyone. I trust that by enrolling in this class, you have decided to get an education, not just a diploma, and that you will do whatever it takes to succeed.

 

Please come to class prepared to learn and participate. Complete assigned reading, papers, etc., before class begins and on time. Listen, take notes, and join in class discussion. A short pencil beats a long memory every time! Focus your thoughts, not just on the facts, but also on what the facts mean. Grasp the “big picture,” and the facts will be remembered more easily. If you understand the concepts, you will benefit more and really get an education. Keep your notes in such a way that you can look up facts later, if you need them.

 

Class attendance is expected and encouraged. Students who miss class almost always have a more difficult time with the material and fare more poorly than they would otherwise. (See the Appendix regarding attendance requirements.)

 

Any time you have a question, ASK IT. The only dumb question is the one you have, but don’t ask. We are all ignorant about something. Being ignorant is no shame, staying ignorant is!

 

This class, like most other classes, involves communicating, orally and in writing. Your communication will be enhanced greatly if you present your thoughts logically and clearly so that all may understand. Many people use language loosely in everyday life. Theology (and other subjects) uses language very precisely. Learn to think, speak, and write with precision. Make the dictionary and a good thesaurus your best friends.

 

The great values of a university education include the discipline, dedication, and commitment you develop, learning how to learn and how to keep on learning, discovering how to find out what you need to know when you need to know it (we call that research), acquiring the skill to read and listen critically and with understanding, and in practicing and perfecting your “people skills” as you cooperate and get along with others. People expect these skills from all university graduates, especially of those who have done graduate study, and they will help you greatly wherever life takes you.

 

SPECIAL NOTE:

 

  1. It is University policy that no otherwise qualified disabled person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity in the University.
  2. Official announcements (including class closures due to inclement weather and other special announcements) will be posted on the WBU-SA website at www.sa.wbu.edu under class changes.