Writing a paper in this class can be a very interesting task provided that you do not start too late. One of the most detrimental mistakes that students often make is that they count on their productiveness during the last hours before the paper is due. Yet the texts and topics discussed in this class require time. To ultimately be able to produce a good paper you should allow plenty of time for:

• understanding or beginning to understand the primary text (Bible, Qur'an, Gnostic Sources)
• visiting the library to acquire and read secondary sources that discuss the primary text material
• studying methods of interpretation
• discussing the ideas with friends, fellow students, the teacher
• writing the paper and revising it repeatedly.

You are required to read one primary source and at least three secondary sources in relation to your topic and document these diligently in your paper (MLA style). Note that an initial introduction to various methods of interpretation is offered in the following sources:

• Barry Bandstra. Reading the Old Testament . 09/12/03.
  http://www.hope.edu/academic/religion/bandstra/RTOT/RTOT.HTM
• Gerald A. Larue. Old Testament Life and Literature . Part I. The Bible and How We Study It. 07/08/05 http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gerald_larue/otll/index.shtml
• John J. O'Keefe & R.R. Reno. Sanctified Vision: An Introduction to Early Christian Interpretation of the Bible. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press, 2005.

In performing your research, work methodically. Nothing can be more frustrating than a sloppy or non existent documentation of your sources when you finally come to write your paper. Do not spend hours of detective recovery work for a quotation that you did not mark in the first place.
Before starting your writing process please think about the way your paper should be structured. An outline should serve as a strategic plan for the writing process. Such an outline can be very creative. It certainly does not have to follow a linear structure and should be adaptable to a work in progress. Do not forget to discuss the outline with your instructor. Overall, a good paper should include the following elements:

• a thesis, which clearly states your own position with regard to the text in one or two sentences
• an interpretation of an ancient writer (e.g. Church Father) may be included but is not required
• an outline
• explanation of your method of interpretation
• brief discussion of the religious, cultural, and historical context from which your text originates

Your term paper should be between 7-10 pages long. The standards that will be applied to your paper are those, which are relevant for any scholarly writing including proper documentation of your sources. I will particularly review the fairness in representing the primary sources, the depth of research and representation, evidence of creative and critical thinking, and clarity of style.

Good Luck!