Week 15
1737 words by missnay1
Write a reflective blog seriously evaluating each of the following course goals:
Give students a level of expertise in the discipline of biblical studies. - I feel that this course goal has been met. I know a lot more about the bible than I did before this class. The stories we reviewed in class were a little familiar to me because of church and Sunday school but now I have a deeper understanding of what went on in these stories. I am able to recall in some detail, the biblical passages and give summaries of most of the stories in the bible. The bible is one big narrative and we focused on the action of the stories in order to see how a why God manipulated his people.
Provide the tools to read the Bible in an academic and critical manner.
- Because I am a Christian, I like most Christians was afraid to criticize the bible in any way because I thought that meant going against God and his holy word. But the bible was documented by man and is full of contradictions. I can now analyze the bible without feeling like I am going against my religion or blaspheming God.
Improve student’s ability to effectively communicate and to write clearly matters involving critical thinking.
- Wow this one was a challenge with these 1000 word blogs. I am angry to say that I actually feel good about myself for thoroughly completing them. This was extremely hard for me. I was forced to sit down and focus long enough to write the required 1000 word blogs. I started each blog at the required time but they were all saved on my computer as unfinished documents. Convincing myself to do these blogs was the hardest persuasion I ever had to do. I tried to pay my friends, and even bargain with my parents to do some of them but nobody would help me. In the end my grade depends on me doing them so I had to pull myself together. As the date of the final neared I was forced to complete them all and post them before time. This was difficult for me but I think this course goal was met.
Improve the world!
- This course goal was implemented through our individual projects. My project involved assisting those who did not have healthcare insurance to sign up for the free insurance that is available through the state. The project made me take time out of my life to help someone else. Doing this project made me feel like I made a change is someone’s life, and by me helping someone this can help continue the cycle for the assistance to those in need. I have gained great knowledge from this project and I hope that those people that I have helped has also gained knowledge that will help them in the future.
OMG!!! This is the last blog!!! I feel RELIEVED. Even though the class was informative, writing 1000 words a week was a lot to handle. But besides the blogs, the class was great! Dr. Homan is HILARIOUS!! He made everything interesting and everything that he said caught my attention. My classmates encouraged me to complete my project. Just as my project has forced me to make a change, my classmates projects has also made a difference in the world. This is all because of Dr. Homan! In the beginning we really did not understand why he wanted us to do this knowing that we were all, Pre-Med or Pre-Pharm. Meaning that we had really hard classes this semester and doing other things that did not pertain to those classes, we felt, were a waste of time. But, in the end I see how this class in its entirety has prepared me to take on my goal of being a Pharmacist! Thanks Dr. Homan!! You did a Great JOB!!
Both Paul and James make good points because faith as well as works contribute to the accomplishments and achievements in something. I can see how Paul’s view came to dominate because many religions walk by faith and not by sight. Ultimately both Paul and James are correct in what they say.
The best part of this class had to do the project because it really made me think. It made me realize the importance of helping others and it also made me realize that we all have to depend on each other to survive in this world. Another great thing about the class was the way Dr. Homan related the bible to modern events and people. The way he puts things really make sense and I would never be able to think of examples like that on my own. The worst part about this class was having to write the 1000 word blog every week, but I must say that it was better than taking test. I do think classes such as this one should be a part of Xavier’s curriculum because this class teaches you how to think critically and it also makes you a more rounded person. Religion is a major part of each of our lives. For most of us it is the center of our beliefs. While this class does not impose any particular beliefs upon you, it does challenge you to know what you believe and understand why you believe it.
This class does not have anything in particular to do with my field of study, Chemistry/ Prepharmacy, but it has helped to shape and develop my thinking patterns. I was a little skeptical at the beginning of the class because I did not see where it fit into my life plans. But, I have realized that this is a tool that will prove to be critical in life regardless of the profession that you choose.
Finally, after doing on the word count of 15 blog entries, the total was 17,962 words!! Whoo!!! This took lots of work, but it is done. My work here is complete!! Thanks Dr. Homan! You have truly opened my eyes to an entire new world of theology.