Theology I – Old Testament & Ancient Cultures Study Notes

Respect:
- To yourself, classmates, teachers, substitutes, administrators, school property, and supplies.
Responsibility:
- Arrive prepared and on time for class.
Safety:
- A reminder that actions have consequences.
- Not following class rules results in a demerit.

Mandatory Items (Daily Usage):
- New American Bible (preferred hardcover for personal use)
- Colored pens/highlighters (for use in the Bible)
- One composition notebook/journal (without a spiral)
- One 1-inch binder with a clear cover (dedicated to Theology)
- Loose-leaf paper (to be placed in the binder)
Optional Items:
- Bible tabs (ensure they are Catholic)
- Tab dividers (for better organization)

Tissues Donation:
- 5 points for the donation of one box of tissues, due by Monday, January 12.

Semester Grade Composition:
- 90% from work completed during the semester
- 10% from the final exam
Work from Semester Breakdown:
- 30% Quizzes
- 25% Unit Tests
- 25% Projects
- 20% Classwork
Important Notes About Grading:
- Late classwork will incur a deduction of 15%.
- Quizzes taken almost weekly; opportunities to retake quizzes are available, and the average score of both attempts will contribute to the grade.
- All retakes must be completed before the unit test.

Unit Tests:
- Typically, each unit concludes with a test that cannot be retaken.
- The Bible will be required for every test, and students are allowed one 4x6 index card of handwritten notes for each unit test.
Final Exam:
- Cumulative; cannot be retaken.

Pass Allocation:
- At the semester's start, students receive five hall passes for restroom or locker visits.
- Upon exhausting these passes, demerits will be required to leave the room.
- Unused passes are worth 2 extra credit points on the final exam.
- If a pass is lost, replacements will not be issued; students should keep it secured with ID.

Tardiness:
- Late arrivals result in demerits. Students may choose to use a hall pass instead.
Canvas Usage:
- Weekly agendas posted on Canvas; students responsible for daily checks.
Absences:
- Check Canvas for missed material before talking to the instructor.
Classroom Conduct:
- Students must remain seated until the dismissal bell rings.
- Uniforms, including IDs, must be worn at all times.
- No gum, food, or drinks allowed (water is an exception).

Chapel Etiquette:
- Show reverence and respect during prayers.
- Absolutely no gum in chapel.
- Misbehavior in chapel will result in detention.

Expectations for Substitutes:
- Respect substitutes and adhere to their instructions.
- Misbehavior may lead to detention.
- All assigned work must be completed.

Cheating Policy:
- Any incident of cheating results in a score of zero. Possible notifications to parents may occur.

Prohibition During School Hours:
- Cell phones and personal electronic devices are banned during all school periods (1st through 8th).
- Devices must be kept in backpacks or lockers, including smartwatches, with exceptions for time-telling purposes.
- Violation results in confiscation of the device to the office.

Items Confiscation:
- Prohibited items observed in the classroom will be confiscated and held until "bail" is paid.
- Examples of Prohibited Items:
- Non-uniform sweatshirts
- Sweatpants
- Outside food and drinks, except for water
- Materials left in the classroom (not iPads or school materials)
- Bail Amount:
- Set at $1, with funds contributing to Christmas gifts for families in need.
- Bail cannot be paid during school hours (except for iPads and school materials).

Class Mission:
- Emphasizes God’s love and purpose for each individual.
- Encourages students to engage with the material and feel free to ask questions about their faith.
Reflection on Genesis:
- Discusses how sin can derail God’s plan but also speaks of the promise of a savior.
- Jesus Christ came to redeem humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.
- Emphasizes the ongoing nature of this love and the importance of personal acceptance of this invitation.
Encouragement for Students:
- Remembering exploration of faith is a personal journey and the instructor is there to support growth, questioning, and understanding.