Biblical & Theological Foundations of Education – CLED 720
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
This course builds on CLED 700 and is a study of the biblical and theological foundations of education as evidenced within Scripture. Learners examine the history and philosophy of Christian education and the biblical assumptions that directly impact one’s philosophy and practice of education. Students also learn about the importance of a Christian worldview when it comes to the practice of educational leadership.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
What makes education Christian? More often than not, the answer to this question is reduced to adding a Bible course or two to the curriculum. Often, despite the existence of some Bible courses in the curriculum, what remains is a pedagogy that, at its philosophical root, is driven by a worldview that is contrary to a biblical understanding of truth. What is needed is a grasp of the historical and philosophical development of education as well as a biblical and theological foundation for education on which modern educational methodologies can be built.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (8)
Discussion are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. The only exception to this length requirement will be Discussion 2 where the student will simply craft a thesis statement for the Research Paper (see below for more detail.)
In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to the thread at least 2 classmates per discussion (thus making a total of 4 replies.) Each reply must be at least 200 words.
Each discussion spans two modules: weeks. The initial threads are during the odd modules: weeks. The replies are during the even modules: weeks. (CLO: A, B, C, D)
Research Paper Assignments (4)
The student will write a 3,000-word, research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on his/her topic, which will be selected from a provided list. The paper must follow current APA format and include at least 20 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. This paper will be due in the following stages:
Discussion: Research Topic, Questions & Thesis Statement
This is one of the course discussions (see above) that allows students to taken a chosen topic and develop it into research topic. The discussion will also require the student to develop a research question and an initial thesis statement. This will set the stage for the student to complete the intial research proposal and annotated bibliography.
Proposal and Annotated Bibliography
This assignment will include a revised submission of the initial research topic, research questions and thesis statement. Additionally, the student will create an annotated bibliography of at least 10 of the primary sources that will shape the argument.
Draft (Literature Review)
This assignment is intended to be the student’s best effort on a completed Research Paper. This draft will be developed exclusively as a literature review.
Final Submission
This assignment will include requested edits and other finishing touches (such as the title page, etc.). Additionally, the students will add their own insights, reflections, and conclusions.
(CLO: A, B, C, D)
Reflection Essay Assignment
The student will write a 1-2 page reflection essay in response to two of the four prompts provided.
(CLO: A, B, C, D)
