Old Testament

The Old Testament

Andrew Kennamer

Fox Creek High School

e-mail: akennamer@fchs.net

Telephone #: (803) 613-9435 Ext. 166

Class webpage: https://sites.google.com/a/fchs.net/amerikennamer/home

July, 2025

Welcome to the History and Literature of the Old Testament.  The Bible is the best-selling and most influential text of all time.  It is a collection of books which were written and compiled over a period of approximately 1,500 years.  Whether one views the Bible as God’s inspired word or simply a collection of fictional stories, the impact the Bible has had on human history is undeniable.  The Bible is composed of 2 main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.  In this course, we will study the content, structure, meaning, and impact of the Old Testament.

Coarse goals and objectives for students include:

• A deeper understanding of the structure, events, and teachings of the Old Testament

• Examine why and how the events and teachings of the Old Testament have impacted various civilizations throughout history, especially the nation of Israel and Western civilization

• Development of critical thinking skills

Required Materials

-School-issued Chromebook (Charge it every night; bring it to class every day)

-Something to write on and something to write with

-We will use Chromebooks to access online free digital copies of the Bible

*Optional if you prefer having a physical copy*  - Physical copy of the Bible - King James Version

(There are a multitude of translations one can choose from when reading and studying the Bible.  For the purpose of our academic study in class, we will all use the King James Version so we are all reading from the same text.  This is not an endorsement or condemnation of any translation chosen for one’s personal use)

Classroom Rules

1. Follow all Fox Creek High School rules at ALL times.

2. NO PHONES

3. No hats, hoodies, etc. on inside the building.

4. No food/drinks are allowed in class.  Water in a secure container is acceptable.

5. Be on time.  When the tardy bell rings, the door closes.  If you are late, go to the attendance office to get a tardy slip.  Students will not be admitted to class after the bell without a pass.

6. Be respectful of yourself, your classmates, and the faculty and staff of Fox Creek High School.  I will not tolerate any disrespectful language or actions.

Classroom Procedures

1. Bring materials to class EVERY DAY.

2. Use the restroom BEFORE class.

3. Be seated in your desk BEFORE the tardy bell rings.  If there is an assignment on the board, go ahead and get started as soon as you get seated.

4. At the end of the period, remain in your seat.  I dismiss you, not the bell.

Course Requirements

This class will be very reading intensive.  Students will have daily readings for homework and will have to deeply analyze the material they read.  Students will encounter unfamiliar vocabulary on a regular basis and will be expected to use the available resources to understand the text.

Students may be expected to complete assignments, quizzes, tests, essays, or projects throughout the course.

Semester exams will be given at the end of each semester.  Semester exams count as 20% of the overall grade for the semester.

Homework/Classwork Requirements

In class, students will be expected to complete daily bell ringers, pay attention during lecture, and participate in any class discussions.  For homework, students will be expected to read every night (the goal is to read all 39 books of the Old Testament over the course of the school year).

Grading Policy

Late Work

I do not accept any late work unless there are extenuating circumstances. If your assignment is late, it is a zero. 

Plagiarism

All major assignments (projects, essays, etc.) will be submitted to an online plagiarism checker, Turnitin.com. Plagiarism is when you present someone else's work as your own original work. Make sure all major written assignments are in your own words and any direct quotes are properly cited. Students will receive a zero for plagiarized assignments and will not get the opportunity to redo the assignment.

• Tests/Projects/Essays 30%

• Quizzes 20%

• Classwork/Homework 50%

To calculate semester grades:

1st Quarter Grade 40%

2nd Quarter Grade 40%

Semester Exam 20%

To calculate yearly grades:

1st Semester Grade 50%

2nd Semester Grade 50%

Ren Card Policy

I will not accept any Ren Card rewards for this class.

Pacing Plan

Quarter 1

• Structure & Overview of the Old Testament

• Cultures & Geography of the Ancient Middle East

• The Pentateuch

Quarter 2

• Joshua

• Judges

• Ruth

• 1&2 Samuel

• 1&2 Kings

• 1&2 Chronicles

Quarter 3

• Ezra

• Nehemiah

• Esther

• Job

• Psalms

• Proverbs

• Ecclesiastes

• Song of Solomon

• Isaiah

• Jeremiah

Quarter 4

• Lamentations

• Ezekiel

• Daniel

• Minor Prophets