Mbci 015-2016 Grade Biblical Studies: Course Outline

MBCI 2015-2016

Grade 9 Biblical Studies: Course Outline

Teacher: Mr. Marc Neufeld

Email: [e-mail]

Web: www.mbci.mb.ca/staff/marc-neufeld/

Room: 5100

Phone: [phone], ext. 5100

Course Overview

This course is broken into three major parts. Term one involves a look at the Book of Acts and is intended to give students a sense of how the early church formed, what its issues were, and how it lived out its understanding of what Jesus wanted his church to be. Term two looks at three different ways that the church has shaped itself today. This term will feature all three grade 9 teachers rotating through the classes highlighting the visions presented by different movements in the history of the Church. Term three is a hands-on look at how the church in its various forms functions in the World today.

Each classroom teacher will present his vision to the class. There is much commonality in our core values. Students must be engaged in active learning. The primary task of the course is not rote memory or factual knowledge but the integration of critical thinking and engagement. We expect your voice to be heard in class and for an atmosphere of respect for each other to exist.

Academic Expectations

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  Attend all classes and be on time.
  

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  If you have any issues or concerns or confusion, the sooner you let me know, the better.
  

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  Bring what you need for the class.
  

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  Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, and your teacher - we are all in this together!
  

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  Plagiarism and cheating are a big deal, and will be treated as such.
  

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  Challenge yourself in your learning! You're not mediocre, so I won't accept work that is.
  

Tech-xpectations

Laptops and iPad/tablet devices may be permitted in class for taking notes, recording due dates, online research, or composing assignments during designated work time. This is a privilege and not a right, so abuse of this by accessing social media, gaming, or surfing the web will result in a loss of this privilege.

As per MBCI policy, phones are not allowed in class. I have a bin at the front of the room where you will put your phone at the beginning of each class and collect it at the end. If I see you with your phone during class I will take it and smash it. Just kidding. But it will go into my desk for the rest of the class, and to the office if it happens again. Your Insta, Snapchat, and Twitter can survive for 75 minutes without you.

Text-pectations

The textbook for this class is an excellent resource very closely linked with Manitoba curriculum. Each student will be assigned a textbook for personal use, which must have your name written in it. I will keep a record of your name, book number, and what condition the book is in. If textbook use in class is required and you don’t have it, please get it from your locker.

When you return the textbook at the end of the year, I will not check off your name unless you actually present, in-person, the correct book with your name written inside. Do not just drop it off. If I do not know you are returning the correct book I cannot check off your name.

Food/Drink Expectations

You can have a bottle of water and/or a cup of tea/coffee in my classroom. That’s it. No snacks, meals, or any kind of food is welcome in the room. It distracts the others and attracts the mice. If you show up late for my class with Starbs or Timmies (or Caf breakfast) you will be asked to leave until you finish it. If you have intramurals or co-curriculars during lunch, it’s your responsibility to make sure you find time to eat. My room is not the Caf. The Caf is the Caf. That’s why it’s called the Caf.

Break-xpectations

If you need to use the restroom, first ask me and then write your name and the time you are leaving the room on the whiteboard in the designated space. This is so if there is a fire drill or lockdown I know where everyone is. Only two at a time, and anything more than five minutes tells me you went to your locker or the cafeteria or are lingering in the halls.

Teacher Webpage and Email
My teacher website (address above) is your primary source of information about the course. On it you will find what we will cover each week, assignment information, links to resources, and a quick link to my teacher email. If you miss a day or just forget something I said, this should be your first stop.
My email address is the best way you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) can contact me outside of class time. I will do my best to respond within the day, even on weekends, but don't expect a quick response over holidays.

Assignments and Evaluation

Each term is graded in a unique way. Term one involves choosing and completing assignments of your choice, as well as a booklet covering the book of Acts, which we will be studying. Term two involves three summative evaluations of how the church thinks and operates today. Each teacher is responsible for 33.3% of your grade. Term three involves an extensive research and presentation project. You will be exploring what church life looks life today. Research, interviews, and guest speakers will be used in the gathering of research, culminating in your final presentation.

Term 1 Grade Breakdown

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  Free Choice Assignments (min. 5) – 50%
  
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  Work Booklet (in class) – 20%
  
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  Term Test – 20%
  
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  Pre-Service Placement Form – 10%
  

Each student is also expected to complete or have completed over the summer at least 15 hours of service. This is for marks – 10% in Term 1 for a Pre-service placement form and 20% in Term 3 for your completed Service Report. Service hours must be completed by the beginning of May, 2016.

You may hand in assignments without incurring late marks until I have marked the others and handed them back to the rest of the class. At that point, the best mark you can get on the assignment is 70% of the assignment’s original total value.

Office Hours

I will be in the school from 8:00-3:30. I am available in my classroom during my prep time. I have a schedule posted at the front of the room. You may not visit my room while other classes are going on, and you may not visit while you have a class going on.