TRST 310: Christology
Spring Quarter 2003 - Dr. Stephen T. Chan - Seattle University

Core Phase III core Phase III introduces to us the theme of "Responsibility and Service," and its learning goal is to develop the "ability to deliberate, evaluate, and decide in a way that will lead to a responsible way of action." The central questions of this stage are: What differences can I make? What relevance does my liberal education have to my major field and plans for future work and life? This course seeks to relate to these pertinent questions of our lives in its study of the life and message of Jesus Christ, who constitutes the fundamental reality of Christian faith. This course will continue to enhance our ability of critical thinking, reading, and writing by crafting term papers, reflective reading materials, and critical discussions in the class. The basic questions posed in the Core Phase Three are: What difference can I make? What values are worth pursuing in the future?

Objective of the Course is to study the person and work of Jesus Christ, who constitutes the central belief of the Christian religion. The course will introduce the basic themes and issues of Jesus' life, and seeks to develop a critical reflection and appreciative attitude in our understanding of the significance of Jesus in today's world. As a course of the Core Phase Three, it is expected that the students will carry on the basic study skills that they have learned in Core Phase Two courses towards a synthesis of one's personal faith through a deeper understanding of the issues and problems of the historical and theological study of Jesus Christ outlined in this course. Special emphasis will be put on the analytical and critical reflective ability of the students as demonstrated in class participation and presentation, critical and reflective writings, and exam.

Course Description: TRST 310 is the "Exploration of Jesus Christ's continuing redemptive significance for today's world. Sources and methods for addressing questions about who Jesus is and what he does. Investigation of the Christian community's deepening understanding of and response to the mystery of Jesus' person, presence, and power." (From the 1998-1999 Undergraduate Bulletin of Information)

Goal of the Course is to develop and engage the students in the following skills and understandings:
THE ABILITY to interpret a biblical passage, esp. of the Gospels, in its historical setting and narrative context; to think critically and un-exclusively of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, to explain a modern understanding of the enduring significance of Jesus as Christ, to integrate academic study of Christian faith with one's personal view of faith, To conduct bibliographical and informational research of religious subject in the internet.
The course seeks to engage and enhance students' UNDERSTANDING of the themes and issues of the historical study of Jesus' life, the similarities-in-difference of the four Gospels, the differences between narrative description and doctrinal formulation of Jesus Christ, the significance of the central events of Jesus' life in the formation of Christian faith.

Requirements:
1. Attendance (10%): Full class attendance is expected. If an absence is unavoidable due to medical and family circumstances, notification and explanation should be given prior to, or in special situations, after the absence. More than 3 absences for any reasons will automatically result in dropping 1 half letter in the total course grade.
2. Class Participation (10%): Active class participation is essential to the success of our learning experience in the class. In order to enhance the sense of mutual participation, class members will conduct a mutual assessment at the end of the quarter of each other regarding our contribution to the class. The evaluation score will be combined with that given by the instructor to become the total grade of this section.
3. Readings and Informal Written Assignments (20%): This course consists of a vast scope of materials and is conducted on an intensive schedule. A detail class schedule is designed in order for students to prepare and study on a daily base. Each student is expected to complete an assigned portion of reading materials according to the schedule before attending the class. Short written assignments will be given to assist in focusing and reflecting on our readings of course materials and to better prepare ourselves for discussion and reflection,
4. Term Papers (30%): Two short papers will be given on major topics of the course. The first short essay is to study the role of Jesus in the Muslim tradition. The second paper will be a study of a central event of Jesus' life, e.g. birth, preaching, miracles, death, resurrection. Special handouts of standard format and grading criteria will be given in class.
5. Midterm and Final Exams (30%): Essay type questions that cover whole course. There will be in-class review and other assistance provided.

Sophomore standing is required for taking TRST courses in the core curriculum at Seattle University. 300 level TRST courses may be taken for core credit only after the student has successfully completed a 200 level TRST core course.
Transfer Students with 90 credit hours must take one 200 level TRST course at Seattle University in order to fulfil their core requirement in Theology and Religious Studies.
Grading is based strictly on merit and no system of quota nor curve will be used. All grades will be quantified and the computation of marks will be distributed in the middle and before the end of the course. Students can measure their achievements and make further effort to improve their performance.
Changes of the Schedule and procedures can be made in the event of extenuating circumstances and the class will be consulted to make the changes together.

Plagiarism is not acceptable in any ways. To borrow other people's ideas or expressions without explicit acknowledgment is unethical and unacceptable conduct of scholarship. It violates the "Academic Honesty Code" in the Student Handbook and will automatically result in a failure for the whole course.