Brigham Young University-IdahoFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Fall Semester 2010

Instructor: Shawn DormanE-Mail: dormans@byui.eduOffice Phone: (208) 496-3940Office Location: Taylor 250Office Hours: M-W-F 2:00-3:00 p.m.

T-Th 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Class Sections: 8 – W-F / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / Taylor 14611 – W-F / 12:45-1:45 p.m. / Taylor 146

Learning Outcomes:

This course is intended to help students:

learn, teach, and live—by study and by faith—the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, with emphasis given to the teachings contained in the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants;

discover, ponder, and apply eternal truths from the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants that will foster personal conversion and facilitate efforts to become more like the Savior Jesus Christ;

develop a deeper appreciation for and testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his role in the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days;

receive personal revelation and divine guidance while seeking to build up the Kingdom of God and establish the cause of Zion;

lay hold upon the word of God and become more devoted disciple-leaders.

Teaching Philosophy:

BYU-Idaho’s vision is to “foster faith-building and life-changing learning. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the gifts of the Holy Ghost, our commitment to the restored gospel, and our effort to build a Zion learning community motivate us to learn and teach by study and by faith” (Learning Model , BYU-Idaho, September 2007, p. 1). At BYU-Idaho, everyone is considered a learner and a teacher, and learners and teachers are at different levels in their individual progress toward learning by study and also by faith. Learners and teachers enhance their educational experience by:

exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a principle of power; understanding that true teaching is done by and with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost; laying hold upon the word of God as found in the holy scriptures and in the words of the

prophets in all disciplines; acting for themselves and accepting responsibility for learning and teaching; loving, serving, and teaching one another.

To benefit most from the BYU-I Learning Model as applied to this course, students will need to prepare themselves spiritually to be taught and guided by the Holy Ghost, observe the Honor Code, complete all assigned readings and course requirements, attend class faithfully and on time, apply gospel truths in real-life situations, and contribute to class discussions with inspired comments, questions, and insights, “that all may be edified of all” (D&C 88:122).

Required Text: The LDS Standard Works

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

Grading Criteria:

Grades will be determined by points earned through class attendance, preparation assessments, class participation, study group discussions, application assignments, a syllabus quiz, an in-class teaching exercise, a semester project, and a final exam.

1) CLASS ATTENDANCE: Students may earn up to 50 points during the semester by faithfully attending class and avoiding unexcused absences. Attendance points will be awarded at the end of the semester as follows: 0 unexcused absences = 50 points; 1 unexcused absence = 40 points; 2 unexcused absences = 30 points; 3 unexcused absences = 20 points; 4 unexcused absences = 10 points; 5 unexcused absences = 0 points. Students who incur an unexcused absence will not be allowed to make up missed attendance points. Students who leave class before it ends without prior approval from the instructor will be marked absent and will forfeit their attendance points for that day. In most cases, an absence will be considered “excused” only if it is a university-authorized absence or an absence resulting from a medical emergency or serious illness. (Note: Absences caused by important family functions—i.e., weddings, funerals, reunions, missionary farewells, etc.—do not qualify as excused absences.) To evidence an excused absence, students will be required to provide appropriate documentation, such as a signed copy of the BYU-Idaho Authorized Absence form or a doctor’s note. If an absence is deemed “excused,” no attendance points for the missed class will be deducted from the student’s grade. (Note: An absence caused by illness that does not warrant a doctor’s visit is not considered “excused.” However, only 5 attendance points will be deducted from the student’s grade for such absences if the student notifies the instructor of the illness prior to the missed class.)

2) PREPARATION ASSESSMENTS: Students are expected to come to class prepared and primed for gospel discussion, having completed the reading assignment for that day. (See “Reading and Assignment Schedule” below.) In preparation for most classes, students will be asked to fill out an assessment form which will help them evaluate their level of spiritual and academic readiness for meaningful discussion of gospel truths found in their assigned readings. (See “Preparation Assessment Form” below.) Each preparation assessment is worth 10 points. Students who come to class prepared and on time may receive up to 10 points for their assessment. Students who come to class late or unprepared may receive up to 5 points for their assessment. Students who leave class before it ends without prior approval from the instructor will be marked absent and will forfeit their assessment points for that day.

Regaining Missed Assessment Points: Students who incur an unexcused absence may regain up to 5 missed assessment points by writing a 500-word essay on significant doctrines or principles contained in the reading assignment for the missed class. (See “Cover Sheet for P.A. Make-Up Essay” below.) For an unexcused illness-related absence, students may regain up to 8 missed assessment points by writing a 500-word essay on significant doctrines or principles contained in the reading assignment for the missed class. For an excused absence, students may regain up to 10 missed assessment points by writing a 500-word essay on significant doctrines or principles contained in the reading assignment for the missed class. (Note: The only way students may regain missed assessment points is by writing and submitting a make-up essay, not by turning in a late—or even an early—preparation assessment. Early or late assessments are not accepted under any circumstances.) Any essay written for the purpose of regaining missed assessment points must be submitted when the student first returns to class following the absence that brought about the missed assessment.

3) CLASS PARTICIPATION: Students will be invited to use class time to teach true principles, ask inspired questions, share scriptural insights, and testify of the doctrines contained in their reading assignments. Students may earn up to 50 points during the semester by consistently, willingly, and actively participating in the classroom learning activities.

4) STUDY GROUP DISCUSSIONS: Students may earn up to 50 points during the semester by participating in two study group discussions wherein they ask gospel questions, share scriptural insights, and discuss the application of principles and doctrines derived from assigned readings. Study groups will consist of three to five students who gather outside of class time and engage in meaningful, scripture-based discussions. Each discussion must be held for at least 30 minutes and should involve every group member. (See “Guidelines for Study Groups” below.) Each discussion is worth 25 points. To receive credit, group members must submit a report after each discussion that identifies the truths discussed and the students who participated. (See “Study Group Report” below.) Students who miss a discussion with their study group may still receive up to 20 points either by fulfilling the assignment with another study group in their class or by writing a 500-word essay on the gospel principles contained in the readings that were to be discussed by their study group. Any essay written in lieu of study group participation is due at the same time that the report is due for those who participated in their study group.

5) APPLICATION ASSIGNMENTS: Students may earn up to 50 points during the semester by completing two application assignments. These assignments will require students to act upon key principles that are taught in the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants. Upon completing each application assignment, students will be asked to submit a report that explains how they fulfilled their assignment, what scriptures they put into action, and what they learned from their experience. (See “Application Assignment Report” below.) Each assignment is worth 25 points.

6) SYLLABUS QUIZ: Students are expected to know all of the guidelines, policies, procedures, objectives, rules, requirements, schedules, forms, criteria, and other information contained in the course syllabus. Early in the semester, a quiz worth 20 points will be administered to test student understanding of the course syllabus.

7) “TEACH YE DILIGENTLY” ACTIVITY: Students may earn up to 50 points by preparing and conducting an inspired, in-class learning activity from an assigned reading block in the Doctrine and Covenants. As study groups, students will meet together and prayerfully prepare an in-class learning activity designed to engage their classmates in the scriptures and promote true doctrines or principles found in the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants. Teaching by the Spirit—and incorporating individual talents and instructional skills—students will conduct a 10 to 15-minute in-class learning activity aimed at edifying their classmates and teaching them how key doctrines or principles can be applied to strengthen faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The teaching outline prepared by each study group should identify verses from the scriptures and commentary from Church authorities that will be used during the in-class learning activity. The outline should also identify teaching tools (i.e., PowerPoint slides, video clips, object lessons, case studies, sharing activities, role plays, scripture chains, etc.) that will be used during the activity to enhance the learning experience. (See “‘Teach Ye Diligently’ Outline” below.) Students may earn up to 25 points for their teaching outline, and up to 25 points for their in-class learning activity.

8) SEMESTER PROJECT: Students may earn up to 100 points by: identifying and proposing one way in which they would like to improve their discipleship

or gospel living during the semester; discovering and applying key principles from the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants

that will assist in bringing about the desired improvement;

submitting periodic progress reports detailing the growth experienced and the blessings received by faithfully applying the principles found in the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants. (See “Semester Project Guidelines” below.)

Points for this project may be earned as follows: semester project proposal (500 words) = 20 points; progress report #1 (500 words) = 20 points; progress report #2 (500 words) = 20 points; progress report #3 (1000 words) = 40 points.

9) FINAL EXAM: A comprehensive, “open-book” examination worth up to 100 points will be administered at the end of the semester. The exam will allow students to demonstrate their ability to properly identify and apply significant doctrines and principles discussed during the semester. Students may refer to their scriptures, the course student manual, course assignments, and personal class notes while taking the exam.

POINTS & GRADE SYNOPSIS

Preparation Assessments (23 x 10 points): 230 points A = 658 – 700 C = 511 – 531Semester Project: 100 points A- = 630 – 657 C- = 490 – 510 Final Exam: 100 points B+ = 602 – 629 D+ = 462 – 489“Teach Ye Diligently” Activity: 50 points B = 581 – 601 D = 441 – 461Attendance: 50 points B- = 560 – 580 D- = 420 – 440Class Participation: 50 points C+ = 532 – 559 F = below 420Study Group Discussions (2 x 25 points): 50 pointsApplication Assignments (2 x 25 points): 50 pointsSyllabus Quiz: 20 points Total: 700 points

Attendance Policy:

To receive credit for this course, students must attend at least 80% of the scheduled classes during the semester. Students who incur more than 5 unexcused absences during the semester will receive a failing grade. Given the importance of class attendance, students are advised not to miss any classes except under the most extenuating of circumstances.

Classroom Protocol:

Spiritual learning and edification require the presence of the Holy Ghost. (See D&C 42:14; 50:17-22.) Class participants must conduct themselves in a manner that would invite the Spirit of the Lord into the classroom. Given the importance of a Spirit-filled environment to religious education, the following conduct during instructional time is not permitted and will affect the grade and standing of offending students: eating, drinking (anything other than water), sleeping, chatting disruptively, doing homework, using electronic devices (i.e., laptop computers, texting devices, cell phones, iPods, Palm Pilots, etc.), cheating on assignments, wearing improper clothing, engaging in inappropriate displays of affection, using profane language, leaving the classroom without prior authorization, or behaving in any other unseemly manner that would demonstrate disrespect toward others or toward the learning process.

Late Assignments:

To receive full credit, students must submit completed course assignments at the time they are due. (See “Reading and Assignment Schedule” below.) For a grade reduction of at least 20%, students may turn in assignments late, but late work will only be accepted until the beginning of the class that follows the assignment due-date. Thereafter, absent mitigating circumstances, no late work will be accepted without prior approval from the instructor. All assignments that are allowed to be turned in late—whether they are a few minutes late or a few days late—will receive a grade reduction of at least 20%.

E-Mailed Assignments:

Students are expected to submit hard copies of all written assignments as they become due. Absent prior approval from the instructor, no e-mailed assignments will be accepted.

Honor Code:

BYU-Idaho students are expected to comply with the Church Educational System Honor Code. Two specific policies embodied in the Honor Code include:

Dress and Grooming Standards: The dress and grooming of BYU-Idaho students should always be modest, neat, clean, and consistent with the values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Students are expected to be familiar with and observe CES standards for classroom attire and appearance. Students may refer to the Student Handbook for further details regarding appropriate attire and appearance.

Academic Honesty: Students are expected to be completely honest in all of their school work. This includes honesty in completing reading assignments, submitting preparation assessments, answering quiz or exam questions, writing reports or essays, and grading course work. Students should avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all of its forms. Students may refer to the Student Handbook for further details on what constitutes academic dishonesty and misconduct.

Class Procedure:

Each class will begin with a hymn, an opening prayer, and a spiritual thought. Class announcements or assignment reminders will then be made, followed by a brief preparation assessment. Students will then be invited to share scriptural insights, teach correct principles, and testify of the truths contained in their reading assignment for that day. After students share their insights, a discussion covering the content from the assigned readings will be conducted. During the discussion, students are encouraged to ask relevant questions and share inspired comments, while remembering that not all should speak at once, “but let one speak at a time, and let all listen unto his sayings” (D&C 88:122). As the discussion comes to a close, students should kindly refrain from gathering their belongings prior to the closing prayer, as such commotion often interferes with concluding thoughts and testimony.

Students who are not LDS are invited to take this class and will not be disadvantaged if they attend class faithfully and complete the course requirements. This class is not designed to debate doctrine or contest faith. All are welcome.

Disabilities and Special Needs:

Students with special needs or diagnosed disabilities which may require accommodation on the part of BYU-Idaho are invited to contact Richard Taylor (Director of Services for Students with a Disability) at 208-496-1158. Accommodations will be considered on an individual basis and will be based upon the recommendation from the SSD Office and interactive dialogue with the student.

Preventing Sexual Harassment:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. All who encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination at BYU-Idaho should contact the Human Resources Office at 208-496-1130.

Syllabus Adjustments:

The instructor reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to the syllabus, course assignments, class procedures, or grading criteria throughout the semester. Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

READING and ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULEFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Sections 8 & 11 (W-F)Instructor: Shawn Dorman

Fall Semester 2010

Required Text: The LDS Standard Works Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

DATE CLASS ASSIGNED READINGS ASSIGNMENTS DUE

Sept. 10 1 Explanatory Introduction(S.M., 1-2)

Sept. 15 2 D&C 1-2(S.M., 3-8)

Sept. 17 3 D&C 3, 10 P.A. #1, SEMESTER PROJECT PROPOSAL(S.M., 9-11, 22-24)

Sept. 22 4 D&C 4-7 P.A. #2, SYLLABUS QUIZ(S.M., 11-18)

Sept. 24 5 D&C 8-9, 11-12 P.A. #3(S.M., 18-21, 24-27)

Sept. 29 6 D&C 13-17 P.A. #4(S.M., 28-34)

Oct. 1 7 D&C 18-19 P.A. #5, STUDY GROUP REPORT #1(S.M., 34-39)

Oct. 6 8 D&C 20 P.A. #6(S.M., 39-43)

Oct. 8 9 D&C 21-24 P.A. #7, APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT #1(S.M., 43-50)

Oct. 13 10 D&C 25-27 P.A. #8(S.M., 50-56)

Oct. 15 11 D&C 28-29 P.A. #9, PROGRESS REPORT #1(S.M., 57-63)

Oct. 20 12 D&C 30-34 P.A. #10(S.M., 64-70)

Oct. 22 13 D&C 35-38 P.A. #11, T.Y.D. OUTLINE(S.M., 70-79)

Oct. 27 14 D&C 39-42 P.A. #12, T.Y.D. (GROUPS 1-3)(S.M., 79-86)

Oct. 29 15 D&C 43-45 P.A. #13, T.Y.D. (GROUPS 4-6)(S.M., 87-98)

Nov. 3 16 D&C 46-50 P.A. #14, T.Y.D. (GROUPS 7-9)(S.M., 98-110)

Nov. 5 17 D&C 51-56 P.A. #15, T.Y.D. (GROUPS 10-12)(S.M., 110-18)

Nov. 10 18 D&C 57-58 P.A. #16(S.M., 118-24)

Nov. 12 19 D&C 59 P.A. #17, PROGRESS REPORT #2(S.M., 124-29)

Nov. 17 20 D&C 60-63 P.A. #18(S.M., 130-35)

Nov. 19 21 D&C 64 P.A. #19, STUDY GROUP REPORT #2(S.M., 136-39)

Nov. 24 NO SCHOOL – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Nov. 26 NO SCHOOL – THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

Dec. 1 22 D&C 65-67 P.A. #20(S.M., 139-43)

Dec. 3 23 D&C 68-71 P.A. #21, APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT #2(S.M., 143-51)

Dec. 8 24 D&C 72-75 P.A. #22(S.M., 151-58)

Dec. 10 25 PROGRESS REPORT #3

Dec. 15 26 D&C 76 P.A. #23(S.M., 158-66)

Dec. 16 FINAL EXAM – Section 8 @ 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17 FINAL EXAM – Section 11 @ 7:00 a.m.

PREPARATION ASSESSMENT FORMFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Instructor: Shawn DormanFall Semester 2010

Name: Assessment #:Class Section:Reading Assignment:

1-- Yes or No “I am prepared to learn and teach by the Spirit in class today because I have done all of the following:

-- arrived at class on time and in compliance with the BYU-I dress and grooming standards;-- arrived at class having taken care of all biological, psychological, academic, communicative, or other needs so as to prevent my having to leave during class time to attend to such needs;-- arrived at class having turned off and put away all personal electronic devices (i.e., laptop computers, cell phones, texting devices, iPods, Palm Pilots, etc.);-- arrived at class with a determination to participate actively in the learning activities;-- completed the assigned readings prior to and in preparation for class today;-- identified a principle from today’s reading assignment that I can apply to my semester project;-- brought my scriptures to use in class today.”

2-- Semester Project Scripture: ___________________(reference)

Key Phrase or Sentence:

Principle Taught:

How It Relates to My Semester Project:

3-- Based on your readings for today, what is one specific thing that you will “go and do” differently so as to bring about the change or improvement in your discipleship that you are seeking this semester?

4-- Of all the scriptures from today’s reading assignment, which one most strengthens your faith in and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ? Please explain.

5-- Quiz Answers:

(NOTE: If you answered “Yes” to question #1, you may receive up to 10 points for this assessment. If you answered “No” to question #1, you may receive up to 5 points for this assessment.)

COVER SHEET for P.A. MAKE-UP ESSAYFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Instructor: Shawn DormanFall Semester 2010

Name: Make-Up for P.A. #:

Class Section:

Date of Absence:

Type of Absence: (UA) – Unexcused Absence

(UIRA) – Unexcused Illness-Related Absence (i.e., “I did not go to a doctor, but I did notify Brother Dorman of my illness prior to missing class on the above-noted date.”)

(EA) – Excused Absence (i.e., “I have attached to this form the doctor’s note, excuse form, or other documentation that shows why my absence on the above-noted date should be excused.”)

Doctrine and Covenants Reading Assignment: ______________________

Did you fully complete this reading assignment? Yes No

Student Manual Reading Assignment: ____________________________

Did you fully complete this reading assignment? Yes No

Please attach this cover sheet to your make-up essay. Your essay, which should be a minimum of 500 words in length, should address the following:

1. Which scripture from the above-noted reading assignment applies best to your semester project? (Please reference the scripture and quote the key language.) Why does this scripture apply so well to your semester project? What doctrine or principle does this scripture teach? How do you plan to apply this scripture in a specific way so as to bring about the change or improvement that you desire this semester?

2. Which scripture from the above-noted reading assignment serves most to strengthen your faith in and love for the Savior Jesus Christ? (Please reference the scripture and quote the key language.) What doctrine or principle does this scripture teach? How does this scripture help increase your faith in and love for the Savior?

3. Which commentary from the above-noted student manual readings is most meaningful to you? (Please briefly summarize the key language.) Why is this commentary helpful to you? What new insights has this commentary given you?

GUIDELINES for STUDY GROUPSFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Instructor: Shawn DormanFall Semester 2010

1-- Students may earn up to 50 points by participating in two study group discussions wherein they ask gospel questions, share scriptural insights, and discuss the application of principles and doctrines derived from assigned readings.

2-- Study groups are to consist of three to five students from the same religion class who gather on their own time to engage in meaningful scripture-based discussions.

3-- Each group discussion—which should begin and end with prayer—must be held for at least 30 minutes and should involve every group member.

4-- Participation in each group discussion is worth 25 points. To receive credit, group participants must collectively submit a “Study Group Report” after each discussion, identifying the principles discussed and the students who participated.

5-- At the first group meeting, one student should serve as the facilitator who guides the discussion and provides a sense of conversational order. A different student should serve as the facilitator at the second group meeting. It is the facilitator’s responsibility to make sure that the Study Group Report is filled out during the discussion and submitted to the instructor on the appropriate due date.

6-- To stimulate discussion, the facilitator should be prepared to ask inspired questions that relate to the assigned readings. As comments are shared, the facilitator should make sure that everyone is invited to participate, and that the discussion is not dominated completely by one or two students.

7-- As group members identify doctrines and principles gleaned from their assigned readings, they are to discuss how these doctrines and principles apply to them in specific ways. Everyone in the group should share at least one way in which they hope to improve as a result of what they have studied and pondered from their assigned readings.

8-- Study groups are welcome to spend some time reviewing previous class discussions to make sure that all group members understand the essential principles and doctrinal highlights that were discussed in class.

9-- All group members should be encouraged to ask questions about things that are not clear to them. As inspired questions are asked, group members should avoid speculation and provide answers from the scriptures and the words of the living prophets.

10-- Study groups are encouraged to examine gospel topics in depth by using scriptural cross-references, the Bible Dictionary, and General Conference talks.

STUDY GROUP REPORTFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Instructor: Shawn DormanFall Semester 2010

Discussion #: Assigned Talk:Class Section:Date of Group Discussion: Begin Time: End Time:

Group members who attended the full 30-minute discussion and contributed in meaningful way:

Group members who arrived late or left early:

Group members who did not attend:

Facilitator: Opening Prayer: Closing Prayer:

Summary of the Doctrines and Principles Discussed:

Five Relevant Scriptures from the First Half of the Doctrine and Covenants:

Reference Key Phrases

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Summary of Application Ideas (i.e., “How can I apply these truths now to improve my discipleship?”):

APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT REPORTFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Instructor: Shawn DormanFall Semester 2010

Name: Assignment #:Class Section:

In at least 500 words, please do the following:

1. Explain what you did, specifically, to fulfill this assignment.2. Reference and quote two scriptures from the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants (i.e.,

sections 1-76) that you “likened” unto yourself while fulfilling this assignment.3. Identify what you learned from this application experience.

(Please type your response in the space below.)

Word Count:“TEACH YE DILIGENTLY” OUTLINE

FDREL 324 – Doctrine and CovenantsInstructor: Shawn Dorman

Fall Semester 2010

Names of Group Members:Class Section:Assigned D&C Section(s):Date of Learning Activity:

Doctrines or Principles to Be Emphasized:

Key Scriptures to Be Emphasized:

Applicable Commentary from Church Authorities to Be Used:

Teaching Tools to Be Used:

How the Class Will Participate in the Learning Activity:

Specific Responsibilities for Each Group Member:

SEMESTER PROJECT GUIDELINESFDREL 324 – Doctrine and Covenants

Instructor: Shawn DormanFall Semester 2010

This project will consist of three steps: 1) identifying an area of discipleship or gospel living that needs improvement in your life; 2) discovering and applying key principles from the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants that will assist you in making your desired improvement; and 3) assessing your progress through a series of reports that detail your growth experienced, your changes made, and your blessings received as a result of your faithfully applying truths from the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants.

Step 1 (Semester Project Proposal): Review Matthew 19:16-22 and ask yourself, “What lack I yet?” Submit a 500-word response to this question, identifying one significant way in which you would like to improve your discipleship. Without being too personal, explain the change in your life that you would like to make, why you feel the need to make this change now, and how you believe that you (and others) will benefit by your successfully making this change. Conclude your response by quoting a scripture or a line of a hymn that will serve to inspire you as you go forth to “strengthen your feeble knees.”

Step 2 (Principle Identification & Application): Throughout the semester, as you read the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants, look for key principles that will assist you in making the improvement or change that is the focus of your semester project. As you find these principles, apply them in specific ways that will help you succeed in your efforts to change for the better. Each preparation assessment that accompanies your assigned readings is designed to help you focus on principle identification and principle application. Question #1 on each assessment asks (among other things) if you have identified a principle from your assigned readings that you can apply to your semester project. Question #2 asks you to show your understanding of that principle, and question #3 prompts you to apply that principle in a specific way. If, for example, developing a habit of daily scripture study were to be your semester project, appropriate answers to questions #2 and #3 on your assessment might look something like this:

2-- Semester Project Scripture: _D&C 1:37_ (reference)

Key Phrase or Sentence: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.”

Principle Taught: God wants me to search the scriptures—not just casually read them—so that Ican know the prophecies and promises pertaining to His plan that “shall all be fulfilled.”

How It Relates to My Semester Project: My project is to develop a habit of daily scripture study.To really benefit from my time studying the scriptures, I must search the scriptures for principles that I can apply to my present circumstances.

3-- What I Will “Go and Do” Differently: As I study the scriptures every day, I will search for andkeep a journal of “doctrinal diamonds” or “priceless principles” that I can apply to my life now as a BYU-Idaho student.

Step 3 (Progress Evaluation): At three different times during the semester, you will be invited to submit a report of the progress you are making relative to the change or improvement you desire. The first two reports should be at least 500 words in length. The third report should be at least 1000 words in length. Each report should discuss three things: (1) scriptures from the first half of the Doctrine and Covenants that have been helpful to you in your efforts to change or improve; (2) specific efforts you have made to bring about the change or improvement you desire; and (3) an honest assessment of the progress you have made in achieving your desired change or improvement (i.e., How have you grown? How you have improved as a disciple of Christ? How you have been blessed as a result of your efforts to apply

eternal truths?). If desired, you may conclude your final report by testifying of how the Savior can effectuate “mighty changes” in the lives of all who exercise faith in Him and obey His teachings.