Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for R 212 archive revision 202104

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Effective Term:
Fall 2021 through Winter 2025

Course Number:
R 212
Course Title:
Introduction to the New Testament
Credit Hours:
4
Lecture Hours:
40
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Examines the historical antecedents of New Testament events and the context in which New Testament texts were written and the situations they were intended to address. Focuses on the placement of the texts within the development of the early Christian movement and the different genres represented within the writings of the New Testament canon. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  1. Use an understanding of New Testament ideas and content to interact appropriately with those who value them as sacred texts. 
  2. Recognize and reflect on the impact of New Testament claims in relation to world events and cultures.
  3. Examine the history and development of early Christianity, including the myths, teachings, and doctrine included in biblical texts, as well as their interactions with surrounding cultures.

Aspirational Goals

One of the outcomes of such a course is that students become self-reflective, focusing upon their own beliefs and convictions and sometimes even to the level of reframing their own faith for themselves (instead of it being something they have simply accepted/been reared to believe). Truly, this is one of the most rewarding outcomes of such a course, but it is not something that can be expected of all students or assessed at the end of a term.

Course Activities and Design

The course may include lectures, audio-visual presentations, student presentations, large and small group discussions, guest lecturers, field trips and/or community based learning activities.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Assessment strategies will include some of the following:
• Essays in the form of in-class exams, short papers or term papers
• Student presentations on research, including site visits to religious settings
• Short answer or multiple choice exams
• Group and individual projects, written or multi-media
• Participation in classroom discussion and activities, including field trips
• Portfolios and/or journals
• Community-Based Learning projects
• Attendance

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  • The genesis and historical development of Christianity and the writings that are identified and contained in the New Testament (second testament of the Bible).
  • The major themes that are present in these writings and significant people in them
  • The significant issues faced during the inception of Christianity 
  • The political, cultural, and religious elements of the Christian faith that can be examined in these writings
  • The connection between the earliest Christians and Christian communities around the world today