Scriptural Interpretation Essay Guidelines TRS 100: Theological Inquiry

b. Check Matthew and Mark to see if the same story appears in either of those. Make note of any differences.

c. Find an online Bible dictionary, encyclopedia, or concordance to check for any words you do not understand.

2. Read 2 Bible commentaries on your passage.

a. Make note of the interpretation you read in each commentary. Be aware of any differences between the commentaries’ interpretations.

b. Reflect on what you have read and decide if you agree/disagree with any of the commentaries’ major points.

3. Write 3-4 page essay on your own studied interpretation of the passage.

a. Indicate which passage you have chosen and summarize it in no more than 3 sentences.

b. Introduce the reader to your argument.

c. Summarize the ways your 2 chosen Bible commentaries have interpreted the passage. One paragraph each.

d. Explain your own interpretation of the passage:

i. What hermeneutical approaches would be best to use for this passage? Why?

ii. Did you agree/disagree with the commentaries’ arguments? Why?

iii. What are your own thoughts on this passage?

e. Write a compelling conclusion.

4. Submit your essay on Blackboard by 11:59pm on the due date listed on the syllabus.

Adhere to the following formatting, source, and submission guidelines:

· Include a bibliography of all sources you use in writing this essay. The bibliography can be in MLA , Turabian, or Chicago format. You may not use Wikipedia or any online user-submitted content. If you use any online sources, you must submit them for professor’s approval at least 72 hours in advance of the deadline. Bibles, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and concordances are exceptions. You are NOT required to submit those for approval.

· This paper must be approximately 3-4 typed pages, double-spaced, standard margins, size 12 font. Accepted fonts include Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, and Cambria.

· This paper need not include a cover page or a specific type of header. Students should be sure to include name, date, class, and section somewhere at the top of the paper.

· Papers should be submitted as electronic copies before 11:59pm on the due date listed in the syllabus. Instructor will create a drop box on Blackboard for submitting papers. Hard copies will not be accepted under typical circumstances. Students who are unable to submit an electronic copy should contact the instructor.

Grading:

Papers will be graded in terms of the following areas: creativity, organization and flow of content, use of course materials, depth in addressing the chosen prompt, and adherence to format and style guidelines.

· Papers receiving a grade in the “A” range will demonstrate superiority in at least four of the five areas.

· Papers receiving a grade in the “B” range will demonstrate high achievement, but less than superior achievement, in at least four of the five areas.

· Papers receiving a grade in the “C” range will demonstrate average achievement in at least four of the five areas.

· Papers receiving the grade “D” or “F” will demonstrate below average achievement or unacceptable work in at least three of the five areas.

· Papers proven to be plagiarized or academically dishonest in any way will receive an automatic “F” and referral to the department chair and academic dean for disciplinary action.