Genesis
BIBL-150

As air is to breathing and water is to swimming, so is a thorough grasp of the book of Genesis primary to one's understanding of the remaining Scriptures and the total scope of systematic theology. Genesis is foundational in that it is God's revelation concerning crucial beginnings: the universe, our earth, man, sin, and salvation. Thus, one's theology will only be as sound as his understanding of Genesis. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that every Christian be knowledgeable of Genesis.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Discuss the detrimental effects of liberal, critical scholarship with regard to Mosaic authorship and the historicity of Genesis 1–11.
2. Identify how foundational the book of Genesis is both historically and theologically to the rest of the Word of God.
3. Locate and list the biblical evidence and arguments for a conservative position of Mosaic authorship, creationism, universal catastrophism in the flood, and the historicity of the Genesis narratives.
4. Examine and compare alternative interpretive viewpoints of difficult and controversial words, phrases, and verses in Genesis.
5. Define the multiple occurrences of the Abrahamic covenant and its development through the narrative of Genesis 12–50.

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore.

Additional Materials for Learning

1. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
2. Internet access (broadband recommended)
3. Canvas recommended browsers
4. Microsoft Office
5. Interactive Turabian-Based Writing Guide
6. The Holy Bible (any version)

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

Discussion assignments are collaborative learning experiences. Each Discussion presents a specific topic to be addressed in 2 parts. During the first part, the student will compose a researched answer citing outside sources and then post it as a new thread. In addition to citing the Bible, the student is required to cite 2–3 additional sources, one of which must be the textbook. During the second part, the student will reply to the posted threads of at least 2 classmates. (CLO: D)

Each Module: Week presents study questions which the student is expected to answer after completing the reading requirements. Answers must demonstrate some reflection of required reading material. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

The student will complete three(3) Interpretive Questions Assignments in the course. Responses must refer to at least 3 different commentaries or journals. (CLO: D)

The student will read Genesis 12–50, focus on 6 factors (provided) about the Abrahamic Covenant, and then organize his or her findings into a chart that can serve as a teaching tool. Submission of the assignment must include a cover page that explains the chart. (CLO: E)

In addition to the textbook, the student must read a minimum of 100 pages of scholarly journal articles or commentaries that are relevant to the course. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage the reading of detailed scholarly studies on pertinent subjects relating to the book of Genesis. These sources must be utilized as essential resource material for course assignments. The number of items read and also the total number of pages read in each item are to be recorded in the reading report form provided in the course. (CLOs: A, B, C, D, E)

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email.

Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.
2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.
3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.
4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at [email protected] for accommodations.  Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition.   For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/. Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at [email protected].  Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy or the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures.

In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs. Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non-Attendance). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory.

Liberty University comprises a network of students, alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/.