blog 15
1028 words by smayberry
I feel that the course goals have been successfully implemented. The first goal: give students a level of expertise in the discipline of biblical studies was met through required readings and assignments that were assigned throughout the semester. I believe this goal means to place students in an environment where they can learn about the Bible without going against various cultures and religions. I believe that this goal also means to give students enough work where they putting a certain level of discipline and effort in to learning about the Bible. This particular goal has been set for the purpose of getting students open to learning about biblical studies and what they have to offer. I believe that through glass lectures, assignments, and group work, I have gained a higher level of expertise in learning about the Bible. The second goal: provide the tools to read the Bible in an academic and critical manner has been implemented through posted and assigned meetings, movies, and reading the Bible out loud in the classroom. I believe this goal means to provide the necessary tools in order to get students involved in learning. It also means that student input was also allowed as well as open ended discussions. Questions were also asked in order to get students thinking critically, and coming to terms with our own beliefs about the Bible. This goal created a healthier and fun learning environment. The third goal: Improve student’s ability to effectively communicate and to write clearly matters involving critical thinking was represented by our blogs. Coming up with a project to change the world definitely put this goal into full force because the only way to inform others about the progress being made concerning the project was to write about it. The questions that were asked for blogging each week also got students to write clearly, express their thoughts, and think critically. The fourth goal: improve the world, was definitely about the implementation and progress of the assigned project. I believe that this was a great idea because it got students involve in making a different hands on. I t also put all the course goals into motion because were able to learn, think and do. I believe that all of the course goals were completely fulfilled because students were given an opportunity to learn and take something from what we learned. I also believed that no matter what goals were set for creating a learning environment, it all depends on the students in the end. The students are responsible for blogging every week, reading materials before class and showing up to do group assignments. Students are responsible for making these goals work
I agree with the faith side of the conflict because I believe that in having faith one does not have to do a lot to prove his/her faith. I do however see how the works side of the conflict fits in because it’s good in a sense to show one’s faith. However I do not believe that much has to be done physically to prove one’s faith. If one believes he or she has faith and believe in the message of the Bible through faith, then that is all that matters. Having faith, in my opinion is far more important than doing works. I say this because I believe that in doing works one feels like they have to prove a point. I am not say that that actually is the case but simply stating my opinion.
The best part of the class were the class discussion s we attempted to have before we got into the lesson. My favorite class discussion was about the drama with K.D. not being able to step. Sadly these discussions were not class related. I feel that if there was something going on that I did not know about, I found out about it in Intro. To Biblical Studies. I found those conversations to be quite refreshing. I also like the Bible Mysteries because they taught me things I really did not know. They also got one to think and helped me meet people that I did not know before this class. I also enjoyed expressing my thoughts through a blog even though I did not have time to do them each week. I also enjoyed the overall experience of the class. The worse part of the class was not being able to choose what areas of biblical studies we wanted to cover. I also did not enjoy having to write so many words for the blog, even though I enjoyed expressing my thoughts. I really do not have any complaints because a good teacher who understands where his students are coming from and their mindsets, makes an effective learning environment no matter what is being taught. I don’t think course like these should be a part of the core curriculum because everyone is not of the same faith. I also feel this way because credits for a course like just won’t really transfer to other universities in making the decision to leave Xavier. I am planning to transfer and it seems like this class was a waste because it does not count at other universities. I did however enjoy the class, I just wish I was paying for it to actually count towards my future career. I think this course has to do with the discipline aspect of my field of study, because it has taught me a high level of discipline. I believe that this course also deals with faith in my field of study because I have to have faith to get through difficult times. After writing over 15075 words in this blog, I now believe that I can openly express my feelings. I also believe that I have learned a lot form this course, and I will take what I have learned and apply it to my life. I believe that I am a more disciplined person after all of this writing because it took discipline to take the time out and write about thoughts on a particular topic.