Top Ten Advice to New Bat Students #10

10. Knowing Dr. Mobley:
Dr. Mobley is a rather monotone lecturer. It can be difficult to stay awake during his classes at 8:00 in the morning. He has a dry sense of humor, which will help keep you up, if you have a similar sense of humor. Just take notes on his powerpoints, making special note of the lists that he gives. Knowing these lists are the biggest parts of the test.
I have never enjoyed studying in groups, but with Dr. Mobley I found it helpful. The most productive method I found for taking his tests, is to create anagrams out of his lists. Working in a group helps make these funny and memorable. If you miss questions on the test do not worry, he gives a lot of extra credit on each test, and throughout the semester.
The reading will seem boring to you, especially if you have not read scholarly work before, but the resources he gives are useful. Blomberg's Jesus and the Gospels put me to sleep multiple times, and I sold it back to the bookstore. Yet I regret the decision to sell it back. I remember so many things that Blomberg said that was greatly useful for a text I was working on, but not having it really hurt me. Keep the book it will be useful later.
Finally, he has one ten page paper in each Jesus and the Gospels and Paul and the Early Church. It is divided into three parts due at different times. It was nice in some areas, but you are probably not used to writing a two page introduction. Just remember to follow his instructions exactly, do not add more information than what he wants, and do not take away from any piece. Remember to focus on how your topic applies to the first century not our current one, especially in your introduction. The bible dictionaries and the commentaries that are in the reference section downstairs in the library will be useful to you. It is very possible to get an A in his class if you just apply yourself and used the tricks I have mentioned.