Week 15:

A reflective blog evaluating the following:

1. Give students a level of expertise in the disciple of biblical studies.

The blogs incorporated a vast amount of information about the bible. The questions ranged from bible topics such as God’s house to when we feel that the world will end. In order to correctly and intelligently answer the questions of the week, I researched the topics, read general information, and then formulated my own opinion about the subject matter that I was not familiar with. I did not answer the questions in a matter of minutes, which in the end, educated me in the subject matter that I was not familiar with. The blogs ultimately required me to develop a disciple of biblical studies. I feel that I have learned a lot and can intelligently discuss the topics from the bible that I blogged about.

2. Provide the tools to read the Bible in an academic and critical manner.

In order to fulfill the course goals and answer the biblical questions required in the blogs, I could not just read the Bible as a story. I read, reflected, analyzed, and then critiqued the information presented in the Bible. I seriously answered each and every question with the knowledge that I learned by critically analyzing the information. This course taught me that an answer to a question is not a simple statement, but an evaluation of the time, attitudes, consequences, along with academic and critical review of each element. I was allowed to dig deep into the subject matter at my own pace and develop my own thoughts and opinions. My answers were not lightly suggested, they were well thought and developed from critical review of the words written in the Bible.

3. Improve student’s ability to effectively communicate and to write clearly matters involving critical thinking.

A much easier approach for the teacher would have been to lecture about the different questions posed in the blogs, have the students memorize his version of the answers, and memorize the answers for a test. This may have been easier, but I know personally that I would have left this class not really knowing any more than I did when it began. The approach taken by encouraging me to read the questions, dig into the bible for information, digesting that information, formulating my own answer, and then the ability to communicate my response demonstrates that I have indeed fulfilled the course goals. My clear and critically written communication of my responses to the questions also confirms that I have developed an expertise in the disciple of biblical studies, developed the tools to read he Bible in an academic and critical manner, and improved my ability to effectively communicate and write clearly matters involving critical thinking. I feel that I have taken this class and the assignments seriously and have accomplished the course goals.

4. Improve the world

I feel that the group project was so rewarding. The world has so many problems today that our class had no problem addressing the major ones. My particular group focused our project on the problem of hunger in the world today. Hunger is not just a word, it is killing people every minute of the day. The problem of hunger is not limited to only poor or disadvantaged people, it is a problem that encompasses all social levels, all ethnic groups, all cities, states, and the world. I educated Xavier students about hunger and the statistics surrounding hunger. I collect food and encouraged other students to participate and get involved, and I volunteered time at a major food shelter to package food for delivery to the hungry. I improved the world.

Do you agree with Paul or James in the Faith vs. Works conflict?

I agree with Paul. I feel that everyone has got to have faith. Faith is more important than the law, the works.

What was the best part of this class?

When we discussed how Rihanna got abused by Chris Brown and went back for more! Just kidding!!!

The best part of this class for me was the opportunity to help the community and ultimately the world by my project. I really felt good giving back to my community. After reading the blogs of my classmates regarding their projects, I feel that this class really had a purpose. Everyone was rewarded for making a difference.

What was the worst part?

The midterm exam was the worst part for me. I do not like just memorizing facts and then feeding them back on a test. I feel that I learn much more by exploring information and then giving my opinion based on facts about that information. I feel that I learn more this way and I retain what I have learned. My grade on the midterm exam did not display the level of understanding that I had of the material.

Do you think that courses such as this should be part of the core curriculum at Xavier?

Yes, definitely. I have attended Catholic school since pre-kindergarten. Not every student at my school was Catholic. I learned a lot for these other students about their faiths. Students may vary in faith, but I feel that all of these different opinions should be discussed and opened up to all students.

Faith and beliefs are essential to everyone.

What does this course have to do with your major field of study?

My major field of study is pharmacy. I currently work at Walgreens as a pharmacy tech. I deal with all types of people and people with many different faiths. Although I have chosen the Christian faith as my faith, I need to have the knowledge of other faiths in order to relate to my customers daily. Even though I may not agree with their decision or faith, I must respect it. This class has taught me many things about the Bible and the different interpretations of situations in the Bible. This openness and diversity will definitely help me deal and respect my patients.

“After writing 16,437 words in this blog, I now believe that I have successfully completed this course. Thank You.

This entry was posted on Saturday, April 25th, 2009 at 11:43 am and is filed under Week 15: Reflection. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.