Course Description

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

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/their understanding of Genesis. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that every Christian be knowledgeable of Genesis.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

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

1. 1. Discuss the detrimental effects of liberal, critical scholarship with regard to Mosaic authorship and the historicity of Genesis 1–11.
   2. Show how historically and theologically foundational the book of Genesis is to the rest of the Word of God.
   3. Confirm 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. Compare and contrast the Patriarchs and ultimately Israel with the culture of the ancient Near East.
   5. Research and compare alternative interpretative viewpoints of difficult and controversial words, phrases, and verses in Genesis.
   6. Trace the multiple occurrences of the Abrahamic covenant and its development through the narrative of Genesis 12 – 50.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (3)

The student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 300 words, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include at least 1 scholarly reference and the Bible in addition to the course textbooks. Sources must be cited in the current Turabian format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other students’ threads. Each reply must be at least 150 words. (MLOs: C, E)

Weekly Study Questions Assignments (8)

The student will answer provided study questions each Module: Week based on the Learn material. The student must cite the specific textbook information for each question. (MLOs: A, B, C, D)

Interpretive Questions Assignments (2)

The student will select and answer 2 interpretive questions as provided in the course. Responses must reference at least 3 different scholarly commentaries or journals. (MLOs: C, E)

Reflection Paper Assignment

The student will choose 1 chapter from chapters 7 – 12 of the Chou textbook and write a summary of the chapter on how the Fall affects that specific area. The student will then make 3 – 5 suggestions on how a proper biblical worldview/understanding of the Fall and Redemption can practically transform this particular area. These suggestions must be based on specific passages of Scripture. The Reflection Paper must be 4 – 5 pages. (MLO: B)

Abrahamic Covenant Chart Assignments (2)

The student will read Genesis 12 – 50, focus on key factors about the Abrahamic Covenant, and then organize his/her findings into a chart that can serve as a teaching tool. Submission of the assignment must include a cover page of 1 – 2 paragraphs that explains the chart. The chart will be divided into 2 separate submissions: the Initial Submission and the Final Submission. The Initial Submission must include at least 10 references to the key factors, and the Final Submission must include 40 additional references, for a total of 50 references to key factors. (MLO: F)

Reading Report Assignment

In addition to the textbooks, the student must read and make a record of at least 100 pages from at least 3 different 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 other course assignments. The student must record the number of items read and the total number of pages read for each item in the Reading Report Template provided in the course.  (MLOs: B, C)