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HIST/RELI 381
History of Christianity: The Early
Church
Spring Session 15-54
Monday, March 21, 2016 Saturday, May 14, 2016
Course Description
The development of Christianity from its origins in 1st century Judaism to the eve of the
Reformation. Specific subjects include the development of the Tanakh, Jewish
eschatology, Hellenism, the quest of the historical Jesus, Gnosticism and other so-called
heresies, Nicaea, the Trinity, and Augustine. Cross-listed as RELI 381.
Prerequisite: HIST 101
Proctored Exams: Final

Instructor Information
Douglas L. Sexton, M.Div., Church History & Theological Studies, The Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary
dlsexton@cougars.ccis.edu
Cell (315) 741-8479

Textbooks
Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity, Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of
the
Reformation. Harper Collins, 2010. ISBN-13: 978-0-06-185588-7, Paperback.
White, L. Michael. From Jesus to Christianity Harper Collins, 2005, ISBN- 13: 978-0-06081610-0,
Paperback.
Pagels, Elaine. The Gnostic Gospels. Vintage Books, A Division of Random House, New
York, NY, 1989. ISBN: 978-0-679-72453-7, Paperback.
Rampolla, Mary Lynn. A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, 8th Edition, Bedford/St.
Martins, 2015, ISBN 13: 978-1-4576-9088-4, Paperback.
Textbooks for the course may be ordered from MBS Direct. You can order
online at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/columbia.htm (be sure to select Online
Education rather than your home campus before selecting your class)
by phone at 800-325-3252
For additional information about the bookstore, visit http://www.mbsbooks.com.

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Course Overview
Welcome to History of Christianity - The Early Church (HIST 381)! The material in this
course is presented from a non-biased, non-judgmental position toward any religious
creed, particular denominational belief or the lack thereof. As a course in history, the
mark of success is that each student is provided a learning environment in which to
experience historical events and compare those happenings with the results, allowing
the individual to draw his or her own conclusions. The value of this course is that it
addresses not only the WHO, WHAT, WHERE and WHEN but goes deeply into the HOW
and WHY the Church and its people performed and developed as they did. Therefore,
any student wishing to really grasp the underlying socio-political, military and
philosophical world of the Early Church will benefit from the challenges of eight weeks of
thinking and learning history from this internet venue.
Each week we'll focus on different situations, issues, or problems encountered by the
Early Church through our discussions; these are reinforced and expanded through the
readings.

Technology Requirements
Participation in this course will require the basic technology for all online classes at
Columbia College:

A computer with reliable Internet access

A web browser
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Microsoft Office or another word processor such as Open Office

You can find more details about standard technical requirements for our courses on our
site.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain and differentiate the three basic quests for the historical Jesus.
2. Describe the historical origins of Judaism and Christianity.
3. Analyze and compare ancient sources such as the Torah, the New Testament, Qumran
Scriptures, and Nag Hammadi scriptures with modern scholarly interpretations.
4. Explain the influence of Hellenistic thought, Persian dualism, and Hebrew eschatology
on the formation of early Christianity.
5. Analyze the archeology of Roman Palestine in the first century.
6. Analyze the role of heresy in the formation of Christian orthodox doctrines.
7. Describe the Council of Nicaea and the doctrine of the Trinity.

Grading
Grading Scale
Grad
e
A
B

Points
900
1000
800 899

Percen
t
90 -100
80 - 89

Grad
e
C
D
F

Points
700 799
600 699
0 - 599

Percen
t
70 - 79
60 - 69
0 - 59

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Grade Weights
Assignment Category
Discussions (9)
Gnostic Gospels Reading Review
Research Paper

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Assignment Category
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Total

Points
250
250
1000

Percent
25
25
100

Schedule of Due Dates

Week

Assignment

Points
5
20

Due
Friday/Sunday
Friday/Sunday

Discussion 1
Discussion 2

Discussion 3
Proctor Information

25
--

Friday/Sunday
Sunday

Discussion 4
Gnostic Gospels Reading Review
Research Paper Topic *

25
50
--

Friday/Sunday
Sunday
Sunday

Discussion 5
Midterm Exam

25
250

Friday/Sunday
Sunday

Discussion 6

25

Friday/Sunday

Discussion 7

25

Friday/Sunday

Discussion 8
Research Paper

25
250

Friday/Sunday
Sunday

Discussion 9
Final Exam

25
250

Friday/Saturday
Saturday

* The Research Paper Dropbox folder will not open for submission until you have submitted
your Research Paper Topic for review.

Assignment Overview
Readings
All readings should be completed before submitting weekly assignments. Some of the
assigned readings include full chapters; others only portions of a particular chapter:
therefore please pay close attention to the assigned readings and the corresponding
page numbers. Be sure to see the assigned readings listed in the Content area under
each weeks Assignments and in the Course Schedule listed below.
The following reading plan is recommended. First, read the weekly Overview found in the
Content Area. Second, read the Gonzalez assigned readings. Third, read the White

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assigned readings. On some occasions White will provide additional insights on material
covered by Gonzalez; on other occasions you will find new material not covered in the
Gonzalez readings. Fourth, watch the assigned videos. Although this reading plan is
purely a suggestion, your instructor believes this plan offers the essential material
relevant to your weekly topics and discussions.
As noted, there will also be videos during the week to watch that will assist you with
comprehending some of the topics and concepts we will be discussing in class.
Each week in the Content area of the course you will find additional resources such as
flow charts, timelines, charts, and additional readings. These additional resources will be
listed as Instructive Supplements. Most of these supplements will augment your
discussions and/or exams.

Discussions
There will be nine (9) Discussions in the course. Discussion 1 is a personal introduction
discussion and will be worth five (5) points. Beginning with Discussion 2 all
discussions will have two (2) parts and you must answer both parts. Discussion
2 will be worth twenty (20) points and all subsequent discussions will be worth twentyfive (25) points.
Writing history is an exercise in discernment and will be practiced in this course.
Although there is no word limit per se, you are should write posts that are detailed yet
germane to the topics. Do not attach files to be opened as part of your posts. Do not cut
and paste your responses from outside sources. All posts should be written in your own
words. If outside sources are used they must be cited. In order to simulate a class
discussion, you are expected to interact with one another and respond to your
classmates posts and responses.
Effective participation includes answering all aspects of the question(s) posed (this is
regarded as your main post), responding to at least three (3) of your classmates posts,
and reading the majority of your classmates main posts and responses for each topic.
Student interaction with other discussion posts is a principal part of the class and will be
considered in evaluation.
Begin posting early in the week, even if it is not your main post. Check in each day to
see what other students are saying. Your main post must be posted by Friday at
11:59 pm Central Time (CT). Do your best to complete the weekly assignments by
Friday or Saturday evenings. The grading rubric for discussions may be found in the
Content Area and at the end of this syllabus.

Reading Review
You are required to write one reading review, three to four (3-4) pages in length and
formatted according to an accepted collegiate manual of writing. Please provide a title
page and a works cited page for your review. Your reading review will focus on Pagels
The Gnostic Gospels. This review will be valued at fifty (50) points. This review will be
due by Sunday at 11:59 pm CT at the end of Week 3. Late reviews will receive a
one-time 20% deduction. Late Reading Reviews must be submitted to the Late Drop Box.
The rubric for your reading review may be found in the Content area and at the end of
this syllabus.
You will select two of the following three chapters and review them according to the
guidelines provided. Before selecting your two (2) chapters read both the Introduction
and the Conclusion sections of the book. Doing so will be of enormous value to you.
The three chapters you must select from are:

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1. Chapter I The Controversy over Christs Resurrection: Historical Event or

Symbol?
2. Chapter II One God, One Bishop? The Politics of Monotheism
3. Chapter V Whos Church Is the True Church?
Review Guidelines: Do not provide full summaries or overviews of the two (2) chapters
you have selected; instead, your review should focus on the following questions:
1. What do the chapters you have selected tell us about Gnostic beliefs?
2. What insights as to the evolution and/or nature of early Christianity can be
gleaned from the chapters you selected?
3. In the chapters you are discussing, what does the author suggest about conflicts
between proponents of orthodox beliefs and ideas and those deemed to be
advocates of heretical beliefs and ideas?
4. Does the author seem to have a particular audience in mind?
5. Why did you select the two (2) chapters you selected?

Research Paper
By the end of Week 7, you will be required to submit a Research Paper. For your Research
Paper, you are free to choose any topic you desire as long as your choice is relevant to
the course time-frame and is approved by your instructor. Your topic must be submitted
to the Research Paper Topic Dropbox for instructor approval.
This assignment presents an opportunity to take an in-depth look at a particular topic
and develop your research and writing skills.
Your 10 12 page paper should include the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

A well-constructed thesis statement.

A critical investigation and use of at least three (3) primary sources.
A discerning use of at least three (3) secondary sources.
Well-constructed paragraphs.
Proper use of language, spelling, punctuation, etc.
Double spaced with one inch margins.
An introduction, body, and conclusion.
Use of the Chicago Manual of Style for documentation.
Both a Title Page and a Bibliography page listing primary and secondary sources.

Please be vigilant in using internet sources. Many internet sources are not reputable
sources. Many historical journals are now online. A significant number of sources are
available in JSTOR through the Columbia College Stafford Library.
You must submit your topic to the Research Paper Topic Dropbox folder during Week 3.
The Research Paper Dropbox folder will not be released to you until you have
submitted your topic for review.
The value of the Research Paper is two-hundred fifty (250) points and must be turned in
to the Research Paper Dropbox by Sunday, 11:59 pm CT at the end of Week 7. All
late papers will receive a twenty (20) percent grade reduction. The grading rubric for this
paper can be found in the Content area and at the end of this syllabus.

Exams
There will be a Midterm and a Final Exam, each valued at two-hundred fifty (250) points.

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The Midterm Exam is an open book, computerized exam, and will be available through
the Quizzes area of the course. The Midterm Exam will have twenty-five (25) Multiple
Choice questions valued at two (2) points each and two (2) essay questions, each worth
one-hundred (100) points. You must complete the Midterm Exam no later than
Sunday of Week 4 at 11:59 pm CT.
The Final Exam is a closed book, computerized, and proctored exam, and will be
available through the Quizzes area of the course. The Final Exam will have twenty-five
(25) Multiple Choice questions valued at two (2) points each and two (2) essay questions,
each worth one-hundred (100) points. The use of books, notes, the Internet and/or flash
drives during the Final Exam are not allowed. You will need to make arrangements
with your proctor to complete the Final Exam no later than Saturday of Week 8
at 11:59 pm CT.
The rubric for the exam essays can be found in the Content area and at the end of this
syllabus.
Study guides for both the Midterm and Final exams will be provided the Sunday prior to
the exam.

Course Schedule
Week 1: Christian Origins
Topics for the Week

Palestine Judaism
Diaspora Judaism
Alexander the Great & Hellenism
The Roman Empire

Readings

Week 1 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapter: 2 (pp. 13-23)
White: Chapters: 2 Religion & Society in the Roman World (pp. 40-66) & 3 Judaism
at Home and Abroad (pp. 67-92)
From Jesus to Christ Part I Backgrounds 0:00:00 0:20:00 (Video)

Recommended Class Activities

Tour the colleges' Web site - http://www.ccis.edu/. Take a look at your reference page.
Become comfortable with techniques of e-mail management (using your browsers' email capability), and diagnostic tools available. Begin to build a "portfolio" of
resources of your own including your bookmarks, proprietary and open access
databases. This will come in handy for future web-based history courses.
Discussion 1
In this discussion introduce yourself to the class. Please give us more than your
name. Include your profession, hobbies, interest in history, and any other
information that can help us get to know you.
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday. This Discussion is worth five (5)
points.

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Discussion 2
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. In light of your readings and the videos review the religious, political, and
intellectual climate created and influenced by Hellenism and the Pax Romana.
In what ways did Hellenism & the Pax Romana enable the evolution and
expansion of the early church?
B. One church historian suggests by the first century CE, Judaism was a religion
of extraordinary diversity. In light of this statement discuss Judaism in the
Diaspora regions, Judaism in Palestine, and the role of various Jewish political
parties. Describe how this diversity shaped the early church.
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.

Week 2: Jesus & the Apostle Paul

Topics for the Week

The Jesus of History

The Quests for the Historical Jesus
The Apostle Paul

Readings

Week 2 Overview
White: Chapters: 5 The Historical Figure of Jesus (pp. 95-116) & 7 Paul: His Life &
Significance (pp. 143-168)
Read this article concerning the Quests for the Historical Jesus
http://www.mycrandall.ca/courses/ntintro/lifej/HistoryQuest.htm#HQ3
Go to the Content Area and under Week 2 read The Mystery Religions
From Jesus to Christ Part I Jesus 28:00 51:00 (Video)

Discussion 3
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Describe some of the challenges a historian faces in detailing the life of Jesus.
From your viewpoint, have the quests for the historical Jesus made these
challenges easier or more difficult?
B. Describe the life and legacy of the Apostle Paul. In what ways did he influence
the Early Church?
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.
Proctoring Information
Submit your proctor information to the Proctor Dropbox by the end of Week 2.

Week 3: Defining the Early Churchs Identity

Topics for the Week

The Apologists
The Gnostics
Marcion
Montanus

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Readings

Week 3 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapters 7-8 (pp. 59-82)
White: Chapters: 14 Legitimacy & Order (pp. 373-380) & 16 The Dilemma of
Diversity (pp. 407-414; pp. 433-438)
From Jesus to Christ Part II Marcion, the Gnostics, Traits of the Christians 1:17:00
-1:35:00 (Video)

Discussion 4
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Define the role of the apologists. Detail some of the challenges they faced and
how they responded to those challenges. Be sure to note some of the key
apologists.
B. Marcion, Montanus, and the Gnostics generated threats to the early church.
Describe these threats and detail how the church responded to them.
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.
Gnostic Gospels Reading Review
You are required to write one reading review, three to four (3-4) pages in length
and formatted according to an accepted collegiate manual of writing. Please provide
a title page and a works cited page for your review. Your reading review will focus on
Pagels The Gnostic Gospels.
You will select two of the following three chapters and review them according to the
guidelines provided below. Before selecting your two (2) chapters read both the
Introduction and the Conclusion sections of the book.
The three chapters you must select from are:
1. Chapter I The Controversy over Christs Resurrection: Historical Event or
Symbol?
2. Chapter II One God, One Bishop? The Politics of Monotheism
3. Chapter V Whos Church Is the True Church?
Your review is due by Sunday at 11:59 pm CT.
Research Paper Topic
Submit your topic to the Research Paper Topic Dropbox by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.
Midterm Exam Study Guide
The study guide for the Midterm Exam will be available on Sunday of this week.

Week 4: Teachers of the Church & the Christian Life

Topics for the Week

Ignatius & Polycarp

Irenaeus of Lyon
Clement of Alexandria
Tertullian of Carthage
Origen of Alexandria
The Christian Life

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Readings

Week 4 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapter 6 (pp. 49-58), Chapter 9 (pp. 83-96) & Chapter 11 (pp. 105118)
White: Chapter 13 With the Voice of an Apostle (pp. 344-354)

Discussion 5
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Select three (3) individuals from the following list: Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp,
Irenaeus of Lyon, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian of Carthage, and Origen of
Alexandria. Discuss their main writings and ideas. In what ways did the individuals
you selected effect the development and expansion of the early church?
B. Evaluate some of the characteristics of the Christian Life Gonzalez discusses in
Chapter 11. Describe which of these you found most interesting and how these
characteristics are noticeable in todays churches.
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.
Mid-term Exam
You will need to complete your mid-term exam by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday. Study
hard and good luck!

Week 5: Rise of the Imperial Church

Topics for the Week

Persecutions
Institutionalization of the Church
The Question of the Lapsed
The Great Persecution
Constantine

Readings

Week 5 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapters 10 (pp. 97-104); Chapter 12 (pp. 119-126); Chapter 13-14
(pp. 131-156)
White: Chapter 14 Legitimacy & Order (pp. 355-373)
From Jesus to Christ Part II Constantine the Great 1:35:00 -1:53:06 (Video)

Discussion 6
You respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Describe and evaluate how Constantine the Great transformed the churchs
organization, practices, and beliefs.
B. Discuss the issues of the Lapsed and review the ways the church responded.
Why were these issues important to the Early Church?
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.

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Week 6: Monasticism & Donatism

Topics for the Week

The Monastics
The Monastic Ideal
The Question of the Lapsed Resurfaces
Donatism & the Schism

Readings

Week 6 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapters 15-16 (pp. 157-180)

Discussion 7
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Monasticism was one of the ways some Christians reacted to Constantines
reign. Detail the origins and initiators of monasticism, the evolution of
communal monasticism, and what Gonzalez calls the spread of the monastic
ideal.
B. Gonzalez notes the political, theological, and economic roots of the Donatist
Schism. Discuss the individuals involved and the consequences of the schism.
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.
Course Evaluations
You will have an opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. A link
will be sent to your CougarMail that will allow you to access the evaluation. Be
assured that the evaluations are anonymous and that your instructor will not be able
to see them until after final grades are submitted.

Week 7: Councils & Creeds

Topics for the Week

The Arian Controversy & the Council of Nicea (325)

The Great Cappadocians & the Council of Constantinople ( 381)
The Council of Ephesus (431)
The Council of Chalcedon (451)
Augustine

Readings

Week 7 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapters 17 (pp. 181-192); 20 (pp. 209-217); 24 (pp. 241-252) and 28
(pp. 295-302)
Nicea (Video)

Discussion 8
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Discuss the issues raised and the decisions made at the Council of Nicea
(325), the Council of Constantinople (381) and the Council of Chalcedon (451).

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Why were these councils important to the development and growth of the
Early Church?
B. Detail the major writings and beliefs of Augustine. In what ways did he
influence the ideas, practices, and authority of the Early Church?
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Saturday.
Biographical Research Paper
Submit your paper in the Research Paper Dropbox folder by 11:59 pm CT on Sunday.
Final Exam Study Guide
The study guide for the Final Exam will be available on Sunday of this week.

Week 8: The Medieval Church: Unity and Continuity

Topics for the Week

Benedictine Monasticism
Rise of the Papacy
Charlemagne
The Crusades

Readings

Week 8 Overview
Gonzalez: Chapters 27 (pp. 277-289); and 29 (pp. 315-325); 31 (pp. 345-356)
Charlemagne (Video)

Discussion 9
You must respond to both Part A and Part B.
A. Discuss and evaluate the various causes and consequences of the Crusades.
B. Describe and assess how Leo the Great, Gregory the Great, and Charlemagne
transformed the papacys power and status.
Your initial post is due by 11:59 pm CT on Friday. Your responses to at least three
classmates are due by 11:59 pm CT on Saturday.

Final Exam
You will need to complete your final exam by 11:59 pm CT on Saturday. Your
proctor will receive a password that will provide you with access to the test.

Course Policies
Student Conduct
All Columbia College students, whether enrolled in a land-based or online course, are
responsible for behaving in a manner consistent with Columbia College's Student
Conduct Code and Acceptable Use Policy. Students violating these policies will be
referred to the office of Student Affairs and/or the office of Academic Affairs for possible
disciplinary action. The Student Code of Conduct and the Computer Use Policy for
students can be found in the Columbia College Student Handbook. The Handbook is

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available online; you can also obtain a copy by calling the Student Affairs office (Campus
Life) at 573-875-7400. The teacher maintains the right to manage a positive learning
environment, and all students must adhere to the conventions of online etiquette.

Plagiarism
Your grade will be based in large part on the originality of your ideas and your written
presentation of these ideas. Presenting the words, ideas, or expression of another in any
form as your own is plagiarism. Students who fail to properly give credit for information
contained in their written work (papers, journals, exams, etc.) are violating the
intellectual property rights of the original author. For proper citation of the original
authors, you should reference the appropriate publication manual for your degree
program or course (APA, MLA, etc.). Violations are taken seriously in higher education
and may result in a failing grade on the assignment, a grade of "F" for the course, or
dismissal from the College.
Collaboration conducted between students without prior permission from the instructor is
considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Spouses and roommates taking the
same course should be particularly careful.
All required papers may be submitted for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the
detection of plagiarism. All submitted papers may be included in the Turnitin.com
reference database for the purpose of detecting plagiarism. This service is subject to the
Terms and Conditions of Use posted on the Turnitin.com site.

Non-Discrimination
There will be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual
orientation, religion, ideology, political affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap,
or marital status.

Disability Services

Students with documented disabilities who may need academic services for this course
are required to register with the Coordinator for Disability Services at (573) 875-7626.
Until the student has been cleared through the disability services office,
accommodations do not have to be granted. If you are a student who has a documented
disability, it is important for you to read the entire syllabus before enrolling in the course.
The structure or the content of the course may make an accommodation not feasible.

Online Participation
You are expected to read the assigned texts and participate in the discussions and other
course activities each week. Assignments should be posted by the due dates stated on
the grading schedule in your syllabus. If an emergency arises that prevents you from
participating in class, please let your instructor know as soon as possible.

Attendance Policy
Attendance for a week will be counted as having submitted a course assignment for
which points have been earned during that week of the session or if the proctoring
information has been submitted or the plagiarism quiz taken if there is no other
assignment due that week. A class week is defined as the period of time between
Monday and Sunday (except for Week 8, when the week and the course will end on
Saturday at midnight). The course and system deadlines are all based on the Central
Time Zone.

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Cougar Email
All students are provided a CougarMail account when they enroll in classes at Columbia
College. You are responsible for monitoring email from that account for important
messages from the College and from your instructor. You may forward your Cougar email
account to another account; however, the College cannot be held responsible for
breaches in security or service interruptions with other email providers.
Students should use email for private messages to the instructor and other students. The
class discussions are for public messages so the class members can each see what
others have to say about any given topic and respond.

Late Assignment Policy

An online class requires regular participation and a commitment to your instructor and
your classmates to regularly engage in the reading, discussion and writing assignments.
Although most of the online communication for this course is asynchronous, you must be
able to commit to the schedule of work for the class for the next eight weeks. You must
keep up with the schedule of reading and writing to successfully complete the class.
All assignments are expected to be turned in by the deadlines published for all students.
Occasionally, with my prior approval, an assignment may be accepted for late full credit.
Otherwise, a onetime 20% deduction will be made for Research Papers. Late
Discussion Posts will receive a grade of zero (0).

Course Evaluation
You will have an opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. A link
will be sent to your CougarMail that will allow you to access the evaluation. Be assured
that the evaluations are anonymous and that your instructor will not be able to see them
until after final grades are submitted.

Proctor Policy
Students taking courses that require proctored exams must submit their completed
proctor request forms to their instructors by the end of the second week of the session.
Proctors located at Columbia College campuses are automatically approved. The use of
ProctorU services is also automatically approved. The instructor of each course will
consider any other choice of proctor for approval or denial. Additional proctor choices the
instructor will consider include: public librarians, high school or college instructors, high
school or college counseling services, commanding officers, education service officers,
and other proctoring services. Personal friends, family members, athletic coaches and
direct supervisors are not acceptable.

Additional Resources
Orientation for New Students
This course is offered online, using course management software provided by
Desire2Learn and Columbia College. The Student Manual provides details about taking
an online course at Columbia College. You may also want to visit the course
demonstration to view a sample course before this one opens.

Technical Support

If you have problems accessing the course or posting your assignments, contact your
instructor, the Columbia College Helpdesk, or the D2L Helpdesk for assistance. Contact
information is also available within the online course environment.

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Columbia College Helpdesk: CCHelpDesk@ccis.edu 800-231-2391 ex. 4357

D2L Helpdesk: helpdesk@desire2learn.com 877-325-7778

Online Tutoring
Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to all Columbia College students.
Smarthinking provides real-time online tutoring and homework help for Math, English,
and Writing. Smarthinking also provides access to live tutorials in writing and math, as
well as a full range of study resources, including writing manuals, sample problems, and
study skills manuals. You can access the service from wherever you have a connection to
the Internet. I encourage you to take advantage of this free service provided by the
college.
Access Smarthinking through CougarTrack under Students->Academics->Academic
Resources.

Grading Criteria
Discussion Posts
CRITERIA
Main Post

Responses

To receive maximum credit, your main post

must be original and correctly address all
aspects of the question(s)/topic(s) posed.
Main posts should be comprehensive, reflect a
detailed understanding of the central
concepts discussed in the assigned readings
and videos, and encourage additional
discussion.
Your main post should be written at the
collegiate level and should be free or by and
large be free of grammatical and spelling
errors.
Your main post is due prior to the Friday
midnight CST deadline; if not, you will
only receive 10 of the 20 points
available.
No main posts will be accepted after
Sunday midnight CST. Grade will be zero
(0)!
Responses are comprehensive and
appropriately referenced.
You are required to provide a minimum of
three (3) responses to fellow students other
posts.
Responses should provide original thought
and not simply reiterate what others have
already said.
Responses should be written in such a
manner that additional discussion will ensue.
Like your main post, your responses should be

POINTS

20

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Participation

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written at the collegiate level and should be

free or by and large be free of grammatical
and spelling errors.
Such brief statements like I agree; good
post; etc. will not be counted.
You are required to read the vast majority of
all main posts and responses.
Moreover you should be participating on a
regular basis.
Your instructor recognizes that some students
may come into the weeks discussion late on
Sunday evening and provide posts/responses.
This fact will be taken into consideration when
considering how many you have read during
the week.

Total

25

Reading Review: Pagels Gnostic Gospels

Grade

Criteria for Papers

Paper is well thought out, organized, and meets the following
expectations:
Instead of providing traditional full summaries or overviews of the two
(2) chapters you have selected, your review concentrates on responding
to the following questions:
(1) What do the chapters you have selected tell us about Gnostic
beliefs?

A
45-50

(2) What insights as to the evolution and/or nature of early

Christianity can be gleaned from the chapters you selected?
(3) In the chapters you are discussing, what does the author suggest
about conflicts between proponents of orthodox beliefs and ideas and
those deemed to be proponents of heretical beliefs and ideas?
(4) Does the author seem to have a particular audience in mind?
(5) Why did you select the two (2) chapters you selected?

B
40-44

Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors are rare.

Paper is well written, demonstrates mastery of concepts and their
application.
Sources are cited in the proper format. Use MLA or Chicago Manual
of Style.
Paper may not address sufficient key elements of the writings, may
have poor organization, or thoughts; might be unclearly presented.
Paper has some spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors.
Paper does not flow, or is not well organized.
References are omitted.

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C
35-39

D
30-34

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Paper is too brief to address the topic

Paper does not address all elements of the question(s).
Paper demonstrates a lack of understanding of concepts and their
application.
Paper is poorly written, confusing.
Paper has numerous punctuation, grammar, or spelling errors.
Paper is incomplete, or fails to address all elements of the
question(s).
Paper fails to address the topic, fails to demonstrate adequate
knowledge of the concepts.
Poor grammar, spelling, and/or frequent misspellings.
Paper shows poor preparation

Research Paper
CRITERIA
Content

Structure

Mechanics

Topic selected is clearly within the scope of

the course.
Thesis statement is well developed and clarity
of purpose is exhibited throughout the paper.
Abundance of evidence of critical, careful
thought, and analysis and/or insight.
Evidence and examples are vivid and specific
while focus remains tight.
Ample use of primary and secondary sources.

POINTS

150

Introductions and conclusions are provided

and germane to the subject matter.
Paragraphs are unified, articulate, and
informative.
Transitions from paragraph to paragraph are
smooth, effective, and coherent.
Sentences are supportive of key points being
presented.

50

Manipulates complex sentences for

effect/impact.
Vocabulary is sophisticated and correct as are
sentences which vary in structure and length.
Spelling errors and grammatical mistakes are
avoided.
Deadline is met.
Page minimum/maximum followed (10 -12
pages) counting Title Page and Bibliography
Page.
Double spaced and one inch margins.
Consistent font size.

30

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Bibliography

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Primary and secondary sources listed.

References come from recognized academic
sources.
Use of the Chicago Manual of Style.

Total

20
250

Essay Exam Rubric

Grade

Criteria for Each Essay Question

90-100

80-89

60-79

0-59

Demonstrates an accurate and complete understanding of the

question
Answer reflects clarity of thought, depth of reflection, and solid
insight
Incorporates relevant details from discussions and assigned
readings, providing evidence for important claims when needed
Keeps focus, avoids being side-tracked
Presents information clearly and concisely, in structured manner
Does much more than briefly restate the question and offer a
brief response
Uses elements of style and grammar well
Demonstrates an adequate understanding of the question
Responses reflect basic knowledge of the issues
Incorporates some knowledge from discussions and assigned
readings but not in a thorough manner
Maintains focus
Presents information in a fairly clear and concise manner
Does more than briefly restate the question and offer a brief
response
Uses acceptable elements of style and grammar

Fails to fully address the question or demonstrates an insufficient

or limited grasp of the question

Answer lacks clarity, omits key facts, answers somewhat

incomplete

Fails to incorporate sufficient relevant information from

discussions and assigned reading

Tends to digress from central issues

Clarity issues making the information provided difficult to

comprehend

Restates the question and offers an underdeveloped response

Grammar errors make it somewhat difficult to comprehend and

follow

Fails to address the question and demonstrates an inadequate

understanding of the question

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Answer lacks any clarity, omits key facts, answers incomplete

Fails to incorporate sufficient or any pertinent information from

discussions and assigned reading

Often digresses from central issues

Clarity issues make the information provided difficult to

comprehend

Restates the question and offers an extremely feeble response

Grammar errors make it difficult to comprehend and follow