Required Textbooks:

Holy Bible. [NIV is preferred for consistency of referencing in-class, but not required. Other translations (no paraphrases) are acceptable.]
Foster, Richard J. Celebration of Discipline.
Foster, Richard J. and Kathryn A. Yanni. Celebrating the Disciplines (workbook).

Web Links:

Summary of the Spiritual Traditions
Experiencing God: A Suggested Revision

Course Description:
415 Personal Spiritual Development (2 credits) A practical study of spiritual development based in scripture, while exploring journaling, the spiritual disciplines, classic spiritual literature, and the history of spirituality.
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the concepts of faith development and personal spirituality. As such, the student can expect to be involved in reading the Bible, descriptive texts, devotional texts, and the study of spirituality through the ages. All students should be equipped with sufficient information about Jesus and the way people follow him to make a personal decision about the impact Jesus has had on society both past and present, and the impact Jesus wants to have and can have in their lives.

Student Expectations
[Student expectations are set forth in the catalog. This section clarifies some areas as they pertain to this class.]
Attendance Policy---The school attendance policy will be followed. Students whose unexcused absences exceed one week of class will be dropped. Students dropped are required to meet with the professor and submit a written plan for maintaining attendance and progress in the class before reinstatement. Evaluation is weighted in favor of regular class attendance and unexcused absences may lower the student's final grade up to a grade point (see below under "criteria for evaluation"). Excused absences are available only through contact with the instructor within 24 hours after class is missed or in advance. The student is responsible for consulting with the instructor when absent and is responsible for obtaining and completing all assignments.
Classroom Conduct---Students must arrive at class on time. (See catalog.) A student who must arrive at class late is expected to enter class without being disruptive and wait until after class to explain the reason for his or her tardiness.
Late Assignments---Homework must be turned in on time or early. Late work will be accepted only within one week of the due date and will be penalized up to 10%. Daily work and quizzes cannot be made up. Makeup examinations are not available.
Withdrawal Procedure---Class withdrawal procedures set forth in the catalog must be followed. Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal. The student who neither attends nor drops the class will receive a grade of "F."

Goals and Objectives

1. The students will gain a clear understanding of the content of the required texts.
2. The students will be able to identify in their lives and personalities the barriers to spiritual growth.
3. Each student will keep a journal which records reflections on the applications of biblical, class, and devotional readings to personal life.
4. Each student will master the material presented by the instructor.

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION
The successful student will master all course objectives to some degree. The successful student will cooperate with the professor in a mutually stimulating, exciting learning experience. Evaluation will be based upon mastery of goals and objectives as reflected in class participation, quizzes, homework, and examinations.

Class Requirements:

1. Mastery of the general content of the texts.
2. Personal reflection on one's past spiritual life through the completion of a spiritual-life journal.
3. Complete a spiritual-life timeline.
4. Intelligent participation in class discussions.
5. Lead the class in a discussion of specific chapter/content information as assigned.
6. Presentation of a devotional based on a biblical text and spirituality reading from a previous historical period.

Evaluation

100 Class Attendance (each unexcused absence deducts 50 points)
100 Daily quizzes/homework, inclass participation
200 Spiritual Life Timeline
200 Spiritual Life Journal
100 Devotional Presentation
300 Examinations (3 x 100) including final
1000 Total points possible

GRADING SCALE [% of possible points]

A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F <60%

Note: This syllabus is an agreement between the student and instructor of BIBLE 415. The professor reserves the right to amend this syllabus as necessary during the course of the semester, and will promptly notify students involved of the changes.

COURSE CALENDAR

Note: Thursday class meetings will generally introduce and discuss the reading, present additional material concerning the seven spiritual traditions and overview corresponding "Experiencing God" materials. Monday class meetings will be interactive, devotional oriented, and provide some opportunities for practicing or reflecting upon a discipline.

Week 1

Jan 13--Syllabus, introduction, Introducing the Spiritual Disciplines

Jan 17--Introducing the Spiritual Disciplines
Jan 20--Meditation

Week 3

Jan 24--Meditation
Jan 27--Prayer

Week 4

Jan 31--Prayer
Feb 3--Fasting

Week 5

Feb 7--Fasting
Feb 10--Study

Week 6

Feb 14--Study, Test
Feb 17--Simplicity

Week 7

Feb 21--Simplicity
Feb 24--Solitude

Week 8

Feb 28--Solitude
Mar 2--Submission, Spiritual Life Timelines due

Week 9

Mar 13--Submission
Mar 16--Service

Week 10

Mar 20--Service, Test
Mar 23--Confession

Week 11

Mar 27--Confession
Mar 30--Worship

Week 12

Lectureship, class will meet as announced

Week 13

Apr 10--Worship
April 13--Guidance

Week 14

Apr 17--Guidance
Apr 20--Celebration

Week 15

Apr 24--Celebration, Spiritual Life reports/timelines/journals
Apr 27--Concluding Class

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Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs before or immediately after your first scheduled class meeting. After your disability has been verified, your instructor will work with you and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to insure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in the course.

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