APOL 500 Introduction to Apologetics

Scripture states, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, New King James Version). Throughout this course, the student will be equipped with different methodologies and approaches to apologetics which will give him/her a foundation for defense in the face of various worldviews and religions.

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Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for the discussion. The original thread must demonstrate course-related knowledge and be at least 400 words. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. The thread must include at least 2 scholarly citations, and each reply must include at least 1 scholarly citation. Current Turabian format is required. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Peer Review Discussions (2)

Peer Review Discussions require the student to provide an argument for a position in an original thread and critical responses to the arguments provided by others. Each thread must demonstrate course-related knowledge and be at least 300 words. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. The thread must include at least 2 scholarly citations, and each reply must include at least 1 scholarly citation. Current Turabian format is required. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Finding Credible Sources Assignment

The student will find and annotate 4 primary sources that present four worldviews that are to be critiqued and defended against. These sources will be foundational to the research and writing of the Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Writing Assignment. Current Turabian format is required. (CLO: A, B, C)

Worldview Chart Assignment

The student will use all relevant information extracted through his/her research to complete a chart in the provided template. The purpose of this assignment is for the student to have the bones for an analysis and critique of a worldview as well as a related defense of Christianity. One worldview will be selected to be addressed in the Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Writing Assignment. The assignment is designed to develop the student’s skills in defending Christianity against an opposing worldview. Current Turabian format is required. (CLO: A, B, C)

Self-Selected Apologetics Argument: Writing Assignment

The student will expand significantly on the previously submitted Finding Credible Sources Assignment and Worldview Chart Assignment. The total content should be about 1950-2350 words, divided somewhat equally among the three sections: analysis, critique, and defense. The student must also include an introduction with a clear thesis statement and a conclusion. The paper must include 8-11 sources, not including the course textbooks and Scripture. Current Turabian format is required. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Apologetics is not just theory but a tool that should be used to argue for Christianity. The student will complete 4 Apologetics Field-Based Activity Assignments using provided templates. A minimum of 2 pages is required for each completed assignment. No title pages are necessary since the student will use the provided templates. Each assignment will include 3 parts: an argument, a report on the logistics of a conversation, and a reflection. Turabian format is required for citations. (CLO: A, B, D)

The student will create a short apologetics video, podcast episode, or blog post that addresses a
common question or challenge to the Christian faith. The goal is to communicate a thoughtful,
respectful, and biblically grounded response that could be shared in a church, small group, or online setting. Length requirements for each option are: video (3–5 minutes), podcast episode (5–7 minutes), and blog post (600–800 words). At least 2 external sources must be used in addition to the course texts and Scripture. Reference should be cited in writing or verbally depending on the format. A 1-paragraph written or spoken reflection must be included. (CLO: A, B, C, D)