Introduction to Theology Survey – THEO 104

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the basic tenets of Christianity.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

There is an increasing need for believers to be acquainted with a general overview of the basic doctrines of Scripture and the concept of the Christian life. The aim of this course is to give a rational and practical overview of Christian doctrine so that the student can understand what Christianity is about. In contrast to other courses that attempt to defend Christianity against opposing worldviews and religions, this course focuses on familiarizing students with the basic tenets of the Christian faith and the application of those beliefs to one’s life.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

The student is required to complete all assigned readings as designated in the Learn section of each module.

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will complete each Discussion by creating a 200–300-word thread and replying to at least 1 other student's post in the Modules: Weeks in which Discussions are assigned. The student must post in a manner that propels the conversation forward. See "Course Policies" for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. (CLO: D) This assignment aligns with the following FSLOs: Communication and Information Literacy 1, 2, and 3; Critical Thinking 1, 2, and 3; Civic and Global Engagement 1. 

Experience with Theology Essay Assignment

The student will submit a 600-word essay explaining his/her experience with theology in the past. See "Course Policies" for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. (CLO: D)

Biblical Metanarrative Essay Assignment

The student will submit a 750–1,000-word essay demonstrating his/her understanding of the biblical metanarrative. See "Course Policies" for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. (CLO: A, C, D) This assignment aligns with the following FSLOs: Christianity and Contexts 1, 3, and 4; Communication and Information Literacy 1, 2, and 3; Critical Thinking 2.  

Image of Salvation Essay Assignment

The student will complete a theological essay that will address the relationship of human sinfulness to an aspect of the doctrine of salvation. The student will examine one of the biblical images of salvation (adoption, conversion, regeneration, redemption, reconciliation, justification, election, sanctification, or glorification) and define and describe the doctrine with its biblical, historical and theological contours as well as discuss how this image of salvation relates to and addresses the problem of sin. Finally, the student will apply the implications of this doctrine to the Christian life and for the student’s chosen vocation. The essay will be 750-1000 words. See "Course Policies" for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. (CLO: B, C, D) This assignment aligns with the following FSLOs: Christianity and Contexts 4 and 5; Communication and Information Literacy 1, 2, and 3; Critical Thinking 2.

Reflection Essay Assignment

The student will submit a 600-word essay explaining how his/her view of theology has changed as a result of taking the course, and how the student has been able to apply the principles to his/her life. See "Course Policies" for the formatting expectations for assignments in this course. (CLO: D)

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz is open-book/open-notes and consists of 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions. The student will complete 1 quiz each module: week. The student will be allowed 2 attempts for each quiz. (CLO: A, B)