Theology 9/10

Theology 9 /10 is an introductory course to Church history beginning with the creation of the universe and continuing up until the present day. The theme for this course is God’s plan through his Church and comes from Luke 24:27, which states, “And beginning with the Moses and all the Prophets, He (Jesus) explained to them what was said concerning himself.” It is important that we build a solid base of Biblical knowledge for our student’s to draw on as they move into the higher-level theology courses and into life in general.

Our main text that we will use for theology 9 / 10 will be the Bible. As a Lutheran School, we believe the Bible to be the wholly inspired word of God, and as a result perfect and unalterable. Other books will be used in conjunction with the Bible throughout the course, but as stated earlier, the Bible will be our main text and source of information for most of the year.

Our objectives for student’s who complete theology 9 / 10 are as follows:
The student will. . .
- Have a good general base of Biblical history that includes people, places, and events.
- Understand that God is the ultimate shaper of this world and its events.
- See God’s awesome plan of salvation as an historical “whole”.
- Begin to understand that he / she fits into God’s plan as an important part.
- Be able to use historical figures and personalities as examples of Christian living.
- Be able to retain and recall important Biblical passages.
- Use prayer in their daily lives and gain knowledge of where to look for answers.
Theology 9 / 10 meets everyday of the school week and is designed for freshman and sophomores. Students are expected to attend every class. If an absence is necessary, students are expected to let the teacher know in advance. If there is an illness or absence, students are expected to find out what they have missed. I will not necessarily be able to find students to let them know what they have missed.
In the event of an absence late work will be accepted. For excused absences, the student will have as many days as they missed plus one to turn in the missing work. Work assigned prior to an absence, but due while the student is absent or on the day they get back is due upon the student’s return to school. Students who have unexcused absences will be allowed to make up missed work as well, but there will be a 20% penalty for all work handed in late. For unexcused absences that have been cleared by the office (family vacations, etc.) arrangements may be made with the teacher for getting work in for full credit.

Students receiving tardies to this class will not only miss valuable class time but could also hurt their citizenship grade. If a student is tardy and misses a deadline for an assignment that assignment will be considered late. Students receiving three tardies to this class will not be eligible to receive an H on their citizenship grade. Students receiving six or more tardies can only hope to get an N on their citizenship grade.
In this class we will have a “Grace-based” approach to late and / or unsatisfactory work. Student’s will be allowed to make up assignments missed, assignments done poorly, failing test grades, poor memory work performances, etc. Students can redo any assignment, test, and memory work, etc. that is below an 80% as many times as they desire until they have raised their grade to an 80%. The only way a student can fail this class is if they choose to fail it by not caring.

There are a few general rules and procedures that are important for students to be aware of. The most important of these is RESPECT. Students are expected to respect themselves, their teacher, and their fellow classmates. By respecting these people you are not only showing care and concern for your fellow people, but also for God who created each and everyone. Students are also expected to be prepared for class each and everyday with their Bible, their binder, something to write with, paper, and any assignments due. Students are expected to stay in their seats unless given permission. Students are expected to keep their mouths clean and free from distractions. Students are expected to follow directions the first time without any complaining or arguing.

Students who do not choose to follow the rules will be given a mark for each infraction. Three marks in one day will earn the student a one hour after school detention that must be made up within one week of its being issued. Five marks during the course of the week will also earn the student a detention. I also reserve the right to administer other consequences for more flagrant behavior. This could include, but are not necessarily limited to an immediate detention, removal from class to the office, or a phone call home.

What students have learned will be evaluated in several ways. Tests, Quizzes, daily HW, projects, and memory work will all be used to assess Students progress. Also, as service is an important part of Christian ministry, service projects will be required of students enrolled in theology classes. Five hours of service are required for each quarter in school. Service hours completed in the summer may only be used during the first quarter of the school year. No extra credit will be given for more than five service hours per quarter. This is not to discourage students from volunteering, but to avoid end of the quarter rushes of service hours meant to boost grades at the last minute. Failing to meet the service hour requirements will have a negative impact on your grade however. Students only completing 3-4 hours of service will have their grade dropped one step (e.g. from a B to a B -). Students completing only 1-2 hours of service will have their grade dropped two steps. Students failing to complete any service hours at all will be given a failing grade for the quarter. Service hours may be completed at the school, at Churches, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Students may NOT receive service hours for doing things for immediate family members unless it goes above and beyond what the student is normally responsible for. If you have a question about whether or not your service hours will be approved, ask your teacher first.

Each theology grade will be based upon the following percentages:
Homework: 40%
Tests/ Quizzes: 30%
Projects: 10%
Memory work: 10%
Participation: 5%
Final: 5%