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Syllabus for BIBL 6263-I1
BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES ON HEALTH AND HEALING
Spring 2018 Online (17/S2) 3 Credit Hours
North Park Theological Seminary
©James Bruckner 2017. All rights reserved.
Do not duplicate any course materials without permission.
Professor: James Bruckner, Ph.D., Professor of Biblical Interpretation
E-mail: jbruckner@northpark.edu (most effective method of contact)
Phone: 773-244-5233
Office Hours: I will be active in the course, mornings, Monday-Thursday
Office Location: Chicago, NPTS, Nyvall Hall N-24
Web link: About James Bruckner, Ph.D.
Canvas Log in: https://northpark.instructure.com/
WELCOME TO THE COURSE!
I look forward to meeting each of you and to exploring Health and Healing from a biblical perspective with you.
Please read the syllabus thoroughly. It is your roadmap to the course.
Shalom Umarpe Aleykem (Health and Healing be upon you).
Cordially, James Bruckner, Professor of Biblical Interpretation
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This interdisciplinary course will examine the dominant themes and perspectives on health and healing found in
the Bible. We will study an understanding of health, healing, and disease within the cultural, historical, and
linguistic context of scripture, as well as biblical perspectives on individual and community dimensions of health.
Our contemporary understandings and practice of health and healing will be examined in light of these biblical
perspectives.
TEXTBOOKS
The books listed in this syllabus can be found at many online bookseller sites (e.g., amazon.com, buy.com,
half.com).
Additional articles will be provided in Canvas: Some of the required reading comes from these articles.
Required
Bruckner, James K. Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Witness. Eugene, OR: Wipf&Stock, 2012. (Readings from this
book will serve as our course lectures. It is available on amazon.com or from wipfandstock.com)
ISBN: 978 1 61097 947 4
Pilch, John. Healing in the New Testament: Insights from Medical and Mediterranean Anthropology,
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2000. ISBN: 0 8006 3178 1
Wilkinson, John R. The Bible and Healing: A Medical and Theological Commentary, Grand Rapids, Eerdmans,
1998. Paperback ISBN-13: 978-0802838261 Hardcover ISBN: 0 802848 76 1
Recommended Books
Gaiser, Fredrick. Healing in the Bible: Theological Insight for the Christian Ministry. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2010.
Twelftree, Graham H. Jesus the Miracle Worker. Downers Grove, IL: IVP, 1999.
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Kelsey, Morton. Healing and Christianity, Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1995.
Warrington, Keith. Jesus the Healer: Paradigm or Unique Phenomenon? Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster Press,
2000.
Note: If you have a limited background in the study of the Bible you may want to consult the following 100 page
paperbacks: Diane Jacobson and Robert Kysar, A Beginner’s Guide to the Books of the Bible, Minneapolis:
Augsburg Fortress Press, 1991, and Craig Koester, A Beginner’s Guide to Reading the Bible, Minneapolis:
Augsburg Fortress Press, 1991.
Course Outline
Every week the assigned readings, student forum responses, and other writing assignments will be posted in the
weekly modules. Officially, the “Week” runs from Monday (Sunday at midnight) to the next Sunday at midnight.
Please begin your reading at the beginning of the week so that you have time to write well before Sunday night.
It is expected that students in this three (3) hour master’s level seminary course will spend nine (9) hours each
week to accomplish the reading and the writing. Forum responses and written assignments are due before
Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
Students in the past have often requested that the module content be made available a few days earlier (Some
students work ahead of schedule!). Because of these requests, the week module will be made available on the
Friday mornings before they “officially” begin (on Monday).
Course Teaching and Learning Methods
It is very important for students to keep up with readings, writing assignments, and student forum posting.
Assignments will be posted by the course facilitator on the course site on a weekly basis. Forum discussions will
center on the weekly readings and the professor’s book/lectures. Responses can be in response to the thoughts
and ideas of other students as well as to the assigned reading.
Some student work will be posted online for class member review and comments. The professor expects that
each student will provide constructive and timely feedback to other class members on assignments as required.
While the professor may also provide online feedback on assignments, grades for each course assignment will
be given privately.
Course Schedule
Basic weekly tasks include the following:
1. Read Professor’s Bruckner’s textbook (provided) and Post your response in the “Lecture” Forum.
2. Read the other assigned textbook portions and Post your response in the “Journal” Forum.
3. Work on/Write short papers as assigned each week and Post them as documents for your
classmates to read and respond.
Week 1: January 15—28 (Monday to Sunday)
This first “week” is actually two weeks long to accommodate the ECC Midwinter Conference.
Required Readings
Professor Bruckner’s writing: Healthy Human Life: A Biblical Witness
pp. ix-xvii; 3-26: “What is a Healthy Human Being? Claims from the Book of Genesis”
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Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight. See grading rubrics
in this syllabus. If you have questions, you can e-mail the instructor.
2. Write “Telling Our Stories” and post it as a “new discussion topic” to the Journal Forum by Sunday at
midnight.
“Telling our Stories”
A. What personally brings you to this course?
B. What are your course expectations?
C. Relate a personal decisive spiritual or healing experience.
D. What challenge, problem, or question do you bring to this course?
3. Read through the Syllabus and mark your calendars for the time (nine hours per week) that you will need to
successfully complete this course. Look ahead to Week 2. Be sure to purchase all your textbooks.
Week 2: January 29—February 4 (Monday to Sunday)
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 27-47 (chapter 2a) “What is a Healthy Community? God Shapes His People in Exodus—
Deuteronomy”
B. Read your textbook: J. Wilkinson, The Bible and Healing : chapters 1-5.
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight. See grading rubrics
in this syllabus. If you have questions, you can e-mail the instructor.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (400 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum. See grading rubrics in this syllabus.
3. Begin to write a short paper on the assigned topic below. Be sure to read and understand the instructions.
Due next week.
Begin to write a "theoretical” paper. Select, summarize, and reflect on one or more chapters from your
textbooks by Pilch or Wilkinson. If you choose very short chapters, please work on two or more. You
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may choose any chapter(s) excluding Wilkinson, chapters 1-2 and Pilch chapter 1. Write about 1000
words.
Prepare your theoretical paper as follows:
a. Summarize the content, describing the author’s interest, thesis and warrants (supporting data and
arguments). This should constitute about 700 words of your paper. Quote only key phrases and
concepts.
b. From your vocational background, disciplinary expertise, experience, theological perspective, and/or
cultural background, interact with (critique and comment on) the material. Is the author’s “interest” a
helpful approach? What did you learn? What questions remain?
c. Why did you choose this reading?
d. Be sure to include a full bibliographic citation of your selection (author, title, publisher, date, page
numbers) and cite any quotations or paraphrases of paragraphs.
Week 3: February 5—11
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 47-57 (chapter 2b) “What is a Healthy Community? God Shapes His People in Exodus—
Deuteronomy”
B. Read the pdf file: K. Warrington, Jesus the Healer (Preface and chapter 1).
This reading is posted in Canvas as a document under “Resources.”
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight. See grading rubrics
in this syllabus. If you have questions, you can e-mail the instructor.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Finish writing and upload your theoretical paper to Canvas. Be sure to read and understand the instructions.
Due by Sunday at midnight.
Write a "theoretical” paper. Select, summarize, and reflect on one or more chapters from your
textbooks by Pilch or Wilkinson. If you choose short chapters, please work on two or more. You may
choose any chapter(s) excluding Wilkinson chapters 1-2 and Pilch chapter 1.. Write about 1000 words.
Prepare your theoretical paper as follows:
a. Summarize the content, describing the author’s interest, thesis and warrants (supporting data and
arguments). This should constitute about 700 words of your paper. Quote only key phrases and
concepts.
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b. From your vocational background, disciplinary expertise, experience, theological perspective, and/or
cultural background, interact with (critique and comment on) the material. Is the author’s “interest” a
helpful approach? What did you learn? What questions remain?
c. Why did you choose this reading?
d. Be sure to include a full bibliographic citation of your selection (author, title, publisher, date, page
numbers) and cite any quotations or paraphrases of paragraphs.
Week 4: February 12—18
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 58-75 “What is Human Wholeness? Descriptive Content from Deuteronomy”
B. Read the pdf file: K. Warrington, Jesus the Healer (pp. 30-69).
This reading is posted in Canvas as a document under “Resources.”
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight. See grading rubrics
in this syllabus. If you have questions, you can e-mail the instructor.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Write a short response (100-200 words) to one other student’s theoretical paper, posted last week. Post your
response in last week’s (Week 3) module on Canvas.
Week 5: February 19—25
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 79-103, “Levav: What is a Whole Heart?”
B. Read your textbook by Wilkinson, The Bible and Healing: chapters 6-10.
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight. See grading rubrics
in this syllabus. If you have questions, you can e-mail the instructor.
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2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (400 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Writing Assignment Due: Write and upload a short reflection paper on a healing hymn. Pay close attention to
the directions below.
a. Select a hymn that concerns healing or health.
b. Write approximately 400 words describing i) primary and secondary themes/metaphors, ii) its biblical
references, iii) its emotive core.
c. Conclude with why you chose this hymn and how it promotes health and healing. Please include the
text of the hymn, its author(s) and copyright source.
Week 6: February 26—March 4
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 104-116 (ch. 5a), “Nefesh: What is a Human Soul?”
B. Read the pdf file: K. Warrington, Jesus the Healer (pp. 122-163).
This reading is posted in Canvas as a document under “Resources.”
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Begin to work on a praxis paper (due next week). Write about 1000 words. Write about your personal
experience of the use of biblical texts or themes that have been particularly significant to you (positively or
negatively) as either a caregiver or recipient as follows:
a. What biblical texts have influenced your work in health or healing? Give exact biblical references.
b. What other biblical texts have you used or heard used in health or healing ministry? Describe the care
or lack of care you have personally given or received in relation to these texts. What made it caring or
not caring?
c. What other biblical texts would you like to see used more often in health and healing ministry?
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Week 7: March 5—11
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 116-130 (ch. 5b), “Nefesh: What is a Human Soul?”
B. Read textbook: J. Pilch, Healing in the New Testament, chapters 1-3.
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Write and upload your praxis paper. Write about 1000 words. Write about your personal experience of the
use of biblical texts or themes that have been particularly significant to you (positively or negatively) as either a
caregiver or recipient as follows:
a. What biblical texts have influenced your work in health or healing? Give exact biblical references.
b. What other biblical texts have you used or heard used in health or healing ministry? Describe the care
or lack of care you have personally given or received in relation to these texts. What made it caring or
not caring?
c. What other biblical texts would you like to see used more often in health and healing ministry?
[March 12—18 is READING WEEK; NO COURSE REQUIREMENTS]
Week 8: March 19—25
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 131-153, “What are the Elements of Strength (Me’od)?”
B. Read Textbook: J. Pilch, Healing in the New Testament, chapters 4-5.
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
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2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Write a short response (100-200 words) to one other student’s praxis paper. Post your response in last week’s
(Week 7) module on Canvas.
Week 9: March 26—April 1
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 157-168 (ch. 7a), “Face to Face”
B. Read J. Pilch, Healing in the New Testament, chapters 6-7.
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Begin to work on a paper on Mark 5 (due next week) according to the following instructions:
a. Read the Gospel of Mark, chapter five closely.
b. Write 800 words describing your observations of the three healings including
i) Whose health (which people or groups) does this text concern?
ii) How does the text show it? (cite verses)
iii) What are the dimensions of “healing” represented in this text?
Week 10: April 2—8
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 168-179 (ch. 7b), “Face to Face”
B. Read F. Gaiser, Healing in the Bible, pages 239-50.
This reading is posted in Canvas as a document under “Resources.”
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Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (200 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Finish and upload your paper on Mark 5 according to the following instructions:
a. Read the Gospel of Mark, chapter five closely.
b. Write 800 words describing your observations of the three healings including
i) Whose health (which people or groups) does this text concern?
ii) How does the text show it? (cite verses)
iii) What are the dimensions of “healing” represented in this text?
Week 11: April 9—15
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 180-204, “Telling the Truth in Suffering”
B. Read your textbook by Wilkinson, The Bible and Healing: chapters 20, 21, 23, 24.
C. Read commentaries and articles on your chosen final paper biblical texts (see the recommended resources
bibliography).
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Read the other assigned text, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the
main points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found
most engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep your responses short (400 words) and post them in the Journal
Forum.
3. Read these Final Paper Guidelines. Think about writing the proposal for your final paper. The proposal is due
next week. Your proposal should be 100-200 words, identifying your topic and research strategy.
The final paper is due at the end of the term.
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Final Paper Guidelines
The final paper will demonstrate your ability to think biblically about the practical outworking of your
caring ministry. It should be approximately 15 pages, plus a minimum of ten (10) references. These
must include commentaries and journal articles. An extensive suggested bibliography is posted in
Canvas.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Make sure that you fully engage two biblical texts in their contexts (not single
verses). You must also integrate perspectives from secondary sources. Use at least four biblical
commentaries from the bibliography provided for this class for each biblical text in your interpretation.
You must cite all sources that you consult.
1. The topic should be an aspect of your ministry that poses an inviting or intimidating biblical
challenge. Please discuss your topic with the professor during the course to determine its
appropriateness.
2. The paper should demonstrate critical thinking, synthesizing the course content, a significant review
of your reading and practical application to your own situation.
3. Content should include:
a) a strong thesis statement with a logical defense,
b) a description of the ministry situation and the challenge it poses,
c) a clear identification and substantial investigation of the biblical issues involved,
d) evidence of your research into two relevant biblical texts + four commentaries
for each text,
e) your personal synthesis of the material, and
f) practical application of your findings to your situation,
g) This paper should be an argument in support of your thesis statement, fully
supported by data. It is not merely a report of information collected about your thesis.
4. You may use any standard format for your references, including Turabian, APA, or University of
Chicago. However, all references must be complete (author, title, publisher, date and place of
publication, page number). Periodicals must have volume and issue numbers. Footnote all quotes or
borrowed ideas.
5. Format:
a) typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins
b) white background, black type
c) 12-point typeface, standard fonts (Times, Roman, Courier, Arial, etc.)
d) section headings to reflect paper outline
e) cover sheet with your name, address, phone number and e-mail address, course name and number
with instructor’s name and current date.
A valuable resource for all seminary students during seminary years and beyond is the following: Glynn, John.
Commentary and Reference Survey: a Comprehensive Guide to Biblical the Theological Resources. 10
th
edition.
Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2007.
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Week 12: April 16—22
Required Readings
A. Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 205-219 (ch. 9a), “Remembering God: Testimonies of Healing and Health”
B. Read commentaries and articles on your chosen final paper biblical texts.
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Be sure to review the “Final Paper Guidelines”.
Read commentaries and articles on your final paper biblical texts. Your paper will be about 4000 words (fifteen
pages) on an aspect of your caring vocation that poses an inviting or difficult biblical challenge for you. You may
discuss via email with the professor to design the research project. Due on the last day of the course.
3. Write and upload your final paper proposal. Your proposal should be 100-200 words, identifying your topic
and research strategy.
Week 13: April 23—29
Required Reading
Read Professor Bruckner’s Healthy Human Life:
pp. 219-228 (ch. 9b), “Remembering God: Testimonies of Healing and Health”
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
Forum responses and written assignments are due before Sunday at midnight at the end of each module-week.
1. Read the professor’s weekly writing portion in Healthy Human Life. Then respond to it by writing 200-400
words, applying it to your present situation. Simply state what you found most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening. Post your responses in the Lecture Forum for the week by Sunday at midnight.
2. Work on writing your final paper. Due May 7
th
.
Week 14: April 30—May 6
Required Readings
Read Professor Bruckner’s sermon on 2 Kings 5: “Naaman’s Health and the Healing of Israel”
(See the pdf under “Resources.”)
Assignments Due: Forum Responses and Written Work
1. Read or listen to the professor’s sermon. Then respond to it by writing 200-400 words in the Lecture Forum.
2. Complete your final paper. See Guidelines in Week 11 above and in Canvas. Due May 7
th
.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES, OUTCOMES, AND ASSESSMENT RUBRICS
Learning outcomes for North Park Seminary degrees that are intended in this course are as follows:
• MACF: “Interpret Scripture with historical and theological integrity in relation to Christian formation.”
• MACM: “Interpret Scripture with historical and theological integrity in relation to one’s ministry.”
• MATS: “Interpret Scripture with historical and theological integrity for diverse communities and contexts.”
• MDIV: “Interpret Scripture with historical and theological integrity for diverse churches, communities, and
contexts.”
IDEA Objectives
North Park University uses the IDEA course rating system to measure student progress towards learning
objectives and to measure student satisfaction with their overall learning experience. These course evaluations
are administered at the end of the term, and you will be notified by email when they are ready for you to
complete. The results of these evaluations are very important to us and we use them for ongoing efforts to
improve the quality of our online courses.
The overarching IDEA objectives for the course are the following:
Participant Learning Objectives
• Comprehend fundamental principles, generalizations, and theories.
• Develop specific skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professionals in the field most
closely related to this course.
• Analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
Specific Course Objectives
1. Grow in appreciation of significant biblical texts on health, sickness and healing.
2. Develop a personal facility for interpreting the place of health and healing in biblical theology.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply the biblical understanding to current thinking about health and
healing in church, society and the contexts of other cultures.
4. Analyze, evaluate, and gain new perspectives on issues raised in reading difficult biblical texts.
5. Explain the significance of individual texts for health and healing today.
6. Synthesize understanding of the content of the primary and secondary source reading with personal
perspective on the subject matter.
Assignment Grading
You may take this course “pass/fail.”
Please request this option from the professor by the end of the third week of class. Late work is accepted but
may be discounted.
Assignment Grading is based on 100 percentage points.
A final grade for this course will be computed according to your successful completion of the following
assignments:
1. Lecture Forum Response to Professor’s Writing 25 percentage points maximum
2. Journal Forum Response to Required Reading 25 percentage points maximum
3. Theoretical Paper 10 percentage points maximum
4. Praxis Paper 10 percentage points maximum
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5. Hymn Reflection paper 5 percentage points maximum
6. Mark 5 Reflection paper 5 percentage points maximum
7. Final Paper 20 percentage points maximum
More Detail on Assignment Grading
1. Lecture Forum Responses for Professor’s Weekly Writing
Every week of the semester, you will respond to the Professor’s written work in a Lecture Forum. Instructions
for these responses may be found in the weekly modules and in the syllabus.
You will receive up to a maximum of twenty-five percentage points for your participation in the Lecture Forums.
Your posts will be graded on a weekly basis according to the following criteria:
Grading Rubric for Lecture Forum Response to the Professor’s Weekly Writing
CATEGORY
6-7 points - Meets Standards
5-6 points - Approaches Standards
Statements that
Further and/or
Clarify
Reply includes 2 statements that
further, apply, or clarify the
discussion such as:
-summarizing an aspect of the post
- applying the post to personal
experience
- making additional tie-ins to course
material
Reply includes 1 statement that
furthers, applies, or clarifies the
discussion such as:
- summarizing an aspect of the post
- applying the post to personal
experience
- making additional tie-ins to course
material
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2. Journal Forum Responses to Required Reading
Every week you will read and respond to required reading in your textbooks or in articles provided to you. Your
responses will be uploaded each week to the Journal Forum in Canvas. Instructions for these responses may also
be found in the weekly modules.
Read the assigned texts, evaluating it according to your perspective. Keep track (simple notes) of the main
points. In a couple of sentences summarize the focus of each reading; then simply state what you found most
engaging, troubling, or enlightening. Keep each of your responses short (400 words) and post them in the
Journal Forum.
Your responses will be graded on a weekly basis according to the following criteria:
Rubrics for Journal Entries about Required Reading
CATEGORY
10 Points --Wow
9 Points –Very Good
8 Points –O.K.
1-7 Points—Whoops.
Statements
that clarify
the
content
and/or
significance
of the
reading
Reply must include all
required reading.
Reply must include
bibliographic references.
Reply also includes 2
statements that clarifies
the content and/or
significance, such as:
-summarizes the focus of
the author
- summarizes the subject
matter of the reading
- clarifies the significance
of the reading
- states what you found
most engaging, troubling,
or enlightening
Reply must include 90% of
all required reading.
Reply must include
bibliographic references.
Reply also includes 2
statements that clarifies
the content and/or
significance, such as:
-summarizes the focus of
the author
- summarizes the subject
matter of the reading
- clarifies the significance of
the reading
- states what you found
most engaging, troubling,
or enlightening
Reply must include 80% of
all required reading.
Reply must include
bibliographic references.
Reply also includes 2
statements that clarifies the
content and/or significance,
such as:
-summarizes the focus of the
author
- summarizes the subject
matter of the reading
- clarifies the significance of
the reading
- states what you found
most engaging, troubling, or
enlightening
Reply must include 10-
70% of all required
reading.
Reply must include
bibliographic references.
Reply also includes 2
statements that clarifies
the content and/or
significance, such as:
-summarizes the focus of
the author
- summarizes the subject
matter of the reading
- clarifies the significance
of the reading
- states what you found
most engaging, troubling,
or enlightening
15
3—7. Paper Writing Assignments: theoretical, praxis, hymn, Mark 5 and final paper.
During the semester you will be asked to write four short papers on a variety of subjects as well as a
final paper. See the course schedule for the details and the due dates.
The final paper will be graded on a 100 point scale (x10).
Your writing will be graded on a weekly basis according to the following criteria:
Grading Rubric for Writing Assignments
CATEGORY
10 Points --Wow
9 Points –Very Good
8 Points –O.K.
1-7 Points—Whoops.
Key
Principles
Discussion is
substantive and
demonstrates a keen
understanding of the key
principles of the
assignment
Discussion is substantive
and relates to key principles
of the assignment
Reference made to key
principles but the paper
could be better integrated
Inadequate or no
reference to key
principles; evident that
student misunderstood
the principles. The
professor will comment.
Examples
Examples are well-
integrated effectively
into response
Examples are well-
integrated effectively into
response
Examples are either not
present or do not support
the key principles of the
assignment.
Writing
Style
Syntax is appropriate,
terminology used
accurately and
appropriately, language
is understandable and
concise, organization is
logical, sources are
properly cited
Many of these are present -
Syntax is appropriate,
terminology used accurately
and appropriately, language
is understandable and
concise, organization is
logical, sources are properly
cited
Only 2 or fewer are present:
Syntax is appropriate,
terminology used accurately
and appropriately, language
is understandable and
concise, organization is
logical, and sources are
properly cited
Course Grading
At the completion of this course, you will receive a letter grade reflecting your performance in this course. Letter
grades (from A – F) will be awarded according to the existing policies of North Park Theological Seminary. The
final course grade will be computed according to the total number of percentage points earned for all
assignments as shown in this syllabus:
Total Points Earned: Final Grade:
98-100 A+
95-97 A
93-94 A-
91-92 B+
88-90 B
86-87 B-
84-85 C+
81-83 C
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78-80 C-
76-77 D+
73-75 D
70-72 D-
Computer Requirements
In order to effectively participate in and successfully complete this course, each participant will need to have
access to a computer and a high-speed internet connection. Please visit http://www.northpark.edu/Campus-
Life-and-Services/Information-Technology/Network/Minimum-Requirements for information on computer
requirements.
Technical Skills Required
The online Canvas Orientation Course should teach you the skills that you need to successfully complete this
course.
Participant Responsibilities
1. Attendance, presence, and full participation are required for this class. You cannot successfully complete
this course without completing the weekly readings and assignments. You are expected to begin your
reading early enough in the week so that you have time to write well before Sunday night. The “Week”
runs from Sunday at midnight to the next Sunday at midnight.
2. Some of your assignments will be posted on-line for others to see. You will be asked to comment and
provide feedback to one another on your work.
3. Although I suggest that all issues, questions, and problems be dealt with online, you can feel free to call
or e-mail me regarding these issues at any time, noting the office hours I am available.
4. Use proper “netiquette” (see A Guide to Netiquette in Course Information resource).
5. I advise participants to plan on spending nine to twelve hours total on course responsibilities (e.g.
reading, assignments, and online discussion).
Course Facilitator Responsibilities
1. The course is designed so that students have every opportunity to achieve the learning objectives.
2. The course facilitator will respond to all questions to clarify important ideas and concepts.
3. The course facilitator will provide updated information on relevant resources for the various topics of
interest.
4. The course facilitator will read and critically assess students’ assignments and provide feedback weekly
throughout the course.
5. The course facilitator will respond to all student e-mails within 48 hours of receipt.
Harassment Policy and Title IX
Students who believe they have been harassed, discriminated against, or involved in sexual violence should
contact the Dean of Students (773-244-6222) or Director of Human Resources (773-244-5601) for information
about campus resources and support services, including confidential counseling services. As members of the
North Park faculty, we are concerned about the well-being and development of our students, and are available
to discuss any concerns. Faculty are legally obligated to share information with the University’s Title IX
coordinator in certain situations to help ensure that the student’s safety and welfare is being addressed,
consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include but are not limited to reports of sexual
assault, relational/domestic violence, and stalking. Please refer to North Park’s Safe Community site
(http://www.northpark.edu/Campus-Life-and-Services/Safe-Community) for contact information and further
details.
17
Academic Accommodation
North Park Theological Seminary provides services for students with documented disabilities to ensure equal
access to programs, services, facilities, and activities. Students with a disability who believe that they may need
accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Seminary Academic Services as soon as possible. If
desired or necessary, discussion pertaining to documentation and accommodation can take place at another
suitable location or by telephone. Further information about the American Disabilities Act Services is found at
https://www.northpark.edu/campus-life-and-services/student-success-and-wellness/disability-resources/.
Academic Integrity
The community at North Park Theological Seminary promotes a commitment to integrity in all areas of life. In
the case of breaches of academic honesty such as plagiarism or cheating on examinations, the matter will be
reported to the Dean of Faculty. Students should be advised that normally in cases of academic dishonesty or
plagiarism the penalty can range from receiving a failing grade for the assignment to expulsion from the
Seminary. For the full policy, please see the seminary academic catalog. Our definition of cheating includes but is
not limited to:
1. Plagiarism – the use of another’s work as one’s own without giving credit to the individual. This
includes using materials from the internet.
2. Copying another’s answers on an examination.
3. Deliberately allowing another to copy one’s answers or work.
4. Signing an attendance roster for another who is not present.
For further information on this subject you may refer to the Academic Dishonesty section of the
University’s online catalog.
2017
