My policy on extra credit is that I will replace one low daily grade (reading quizzes, etc.) for each extra credit assignment you complete. I do not replace test grades or essay grades, though essays may always be rewritten and resubmitted. Missing journal entries may be handed in for late credit. If you want to know how many low scores you have, please email me, and I'll let you know.
Below are some possibilities for extra credit. If you have a suggestion, please let me know, and I'll list it here.
- You may type a Midrash or a Journal Entry, and email it to me. I will then post it on the website. Many of you have written terrific entries in your journals, so you can type them up and email them - though remember everyone will be able to read this, so it should be polished, correctly spelled and punctuated, and nothing private.
- You may read entries from David Plotz's Blogging the Bible, and then write him an email (his email address is listed on the website). The purpose of the email is to present him with an idea he may not have thought about, or to answer some questions he poses. If you copy me on the email as well, I will give you extra credit, and if he writes you back, I'll give you another one. I will also post your emails on this website, so again, be sure they are polished and worth having everyone be able to read.
- Examine what is required in the Ten Commandments, and then read Robert G. Ingersoll's article, "What Would You Substitute for the Bible as a Moral Guide?". After reading it, write a letter to Mr. Ingersoll addressing his argument, and email the letter to me.
- Watch the video for the Charter for Compassion, and contribute to the writing of the charter. You need to submit it online, but also make sure you email me a copy of what you write. The deadline is this week, so do it quickly. The video was originated by ideas from Karen Armstrong, who wrote A Brief History of Myth, which we read this summer. If you miss the deadline, I will be happy to give you extra credit for writing something anyway as long as you email it to me.
- Here is an intriguing sermon by Robert Krulwich to a Jewish Synagogue about the story of Abraham and Isaac, called "In Silence." (Krulwich is one of the hosts of WNYC's Radiolab,
which is an examination of scientific issues in a popular - and amazing
- format. He approaches the story historically and with a scientific
bias. It would be interesting to see if you could answer the questions
he raises.)
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