RELIGION 25 COURSE OUTLINE

Program Overview

The course provides a solid understanding of the Christian Scriptures and, more specifically, the four Gospels. There, the course explores the religious and political world of Jesus, the daily life of the Jewish people, the infancy narratives, the hidden years of Jesus' childhood, and the beginning of his public life.

From this orientation, the course shifts to a thorough discussion of Jesus' message and ministry, the theme of which centers around Jesus' proclamation of his "Dream," the Kingdom of God. Jesus' marvellous sayings, teachings, and stories and his astounding actions properly follow in the context of his vision of the Kingdom.

The last days of Jesus, culminating in his tragic death on the cross are explored to the degree possible within their historical context concluding, in one sense, the course's treatment of the Jesus of History.

Following the historical context, the course moves toward a discussion of the Christ of Faith, the resurrected Jesus. Because of the pivotal importance of the Resurrection for those who profess belief in Christian faith, it is discussed in considerable detail.
The course concludes with a general review and summary of the church's developing understanding of Jesus through history, introducing students to the major church doctrines and creedal statements about Jesus the Christ, and ending with a cursory study of other World Religions.

Major units of study:

• The Search for Jesus: Sources in the Christian Testament.
• The Gospels: Central Sources for Understanding Jesus.
• The World of Jesus: History and Politics.
• Daily Life in Jesus' Time: Culture and Religion.
• The Mission Begins: Preparing the Way of the Lord.
• The Cross: The End or a Beginning?
• The Resurrection: God Is Victorious! Jesus Is Lord!
• World Religions: Broaden our Understanding of Christ.

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of "Orientation to Online Learning"
• Religion 15

Evaluation

• First Term: 25% - Chapter One - Chapter Four
• Second Term: 25% - Chapter Five - Chapter Ten
• Christian Service 25%
• Final Examination 25%

Required Resources

• "Jesus of History, Christ of Faith", Zanzig, Thomas
• "Catholic Update", Wintz, Jack
• The Holy Bible.

General Expectations

• Students must complete their course with in the time limits specified by their instructor.
• Instructors will provide completion dates for assignments, quizzes, and exams on the calendar within each course. Since these dates reflect the time needed to complete each section of the course, it is critical that meet all deadlines. Students are required to contact their instructor regarding any changes to these deadlines. Assignments that are not submitted by the deadline will be assessed a mark of 0 (zero).
• Students that fail to meet their course deadlines, even for a short period, may be required to meet with the administration to discuss their progress.
• Students must maintain regular contact with their instructor via the communication tools provided in their course. A minimum of two contacts per week is expected.
• Revelation Online is a "virtual" school. Students are expected to participate in chat and discussion sessions designated by the instructor. Chat sessions will be posted on the course calendar.
• Technical issues will occur and are not an excuse for late or missing assignments. Students are expected to manage their time so that minor delays due to technical problems do not result in missing deadlines. Students are expected to contact Technical Support if they experience technical problems.

Technical Skills and Equipment Requirements

• Students must have internet access. A high speed connection, either ADSL or cable, is necessary in some courses.
• Skill in using a web browser to navigate the web to locate educational resources and download files.
• File management skills necessary to create directories, save files, and retrieve files.
• Ability to use email to send messages and attachments.
• A Java enabled browser, either Internet Explorer 5.0 or Netscape Communicator 6.0 or higher.
• Word processor such as Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.

Face-to-Face Requirements

• Students are required to write two exams (mid-term and final) at the testing centre located at the Revelation Online Centre.
• Students may be required to attend appointments with the school councilor if their progress becomes a problem.