Orientation Session:
last revised: 12/28/00
1. What computer materials will be used in the course?
a. Cranfordville (http://Cranfordville.cjb.net)
b. Blackboard.com
c. Word processing software: one of the following three is a course requirement-- (1) Microsoft Word, (2) Corel Word Perfect, or (3) Lotus Word Pro. The official GWU software is the Corel Perfect Office Suite which can be purchased by GWU students at the Campus Shop for $22.10 with current student ID card. Assignments done in other formats will not be accepted for grading!
d. Internet browser. The preferred one is Netscape Communicator version 4.7x or 6.0, although the MS Internet Explorer 5x will work. AOL users are restricted to the AOL version of IE.
e. Also, some of the course materials will require the download and installation of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader (at http://www.Adobe.com); these are the PDF extention files.
2. Where do I find the needed materials?
a. Syllabus (Cranfordville at R305O >Syllabus)
b. Assignments (Cranfordville at R305O >Schedule)
c. Discussion Forum (Blackboard >Discussion Board
d. Answers to discussion questions:internet, NOSB, Harris, printed materials
e. Group Assignments:(Cranfordville at R305O >Schedule)
f. Chat Room (Blackboard >Virtual Chat
3. How will the weekly assignments flow?
a. Mon-Wed: answer assigned questions in Discussion Board Thread
b. Thurs-Sun: react to other threads in Discussion Board
c. Each student will be graded weekly on the basis of answering assigned questions (in topic thread) and reaction to the answers of other students in their assigned topic threads.
4. How do I do the Analysis Paper?
a. Note VERY CAREFULLY the three phases of the Analysis Paper assignment (Cranfordville at R305O  >Paper) with due dates (Cranfordville at R305O  >Schedule).
b. Begin with request of scripture passage this first week. For instructions see Cranfordville at R305O  > Schedule hyperlinks for paper.
c. This assignment will primarily involve the use of printed text sources, rather than internet materials. Very little material on the internet is of sufficient quality to qualify for the assignment. Local libraries, and especially your minister's / priest's personal library, will be primary sources of research information. If you work on the assignment each week it can be completed without undue difficulty. Waiting until the last minute to complete each phase is academic suicide!
5. What about tests and exams?
a. The Major Exams will be 'take-home' essay exams on the prescribed dates (Cranfordville at R305O  > Schedule)
b. Pre-Test: to be taken online at the conclusion of this Orientation Session at Professor's instructions.
c. Post-Test: will be taken online during the final exam week. Professor will provide appropriate instructions at proper time.
6. How will I know about my grades?
a. The grading structure is defined in the Course Syllabus in the Course Room at Cranfordville.
b. Periodic individualized Grade Reports will be sent via e-mail to each class member updating progress in the course.
c. The Blackboard Grade Book will not be used in the course except for the Pre-Test grade.