The Bible as Literature (220-0-01)

Instructors

Barbara Jane Newman
847/491-5679
University Hall 215

Meeting Info

Harris Hall L07: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course is intended to familiarize students of literature with the most influential text in Western culture. No previous acquaintance with the Bible is presupposed. We will consider such questions as the variety of literary genres and strategies in the Bible; the historical situation of its writers; the representation of God as a literary character; recurrent images and themes; the Bible as a Hebrew national epic; the New Testament as a radical reinterpretation of the "Old Testament" (or Hebrew Bible); and the overall narrative as a plot with beginning, middle, and end. Since time will not permit a complete reading, we will concentrate on those books that display the greatest literary interest or influence. From the Torah we will read Genesis, Exodus, and parts of Deuteronomy; from the Prophets, Amos, Jonah, Second Isaiah, and Daniel; and from the Writings, the books of Judges, Ruth, Psalms, and the Song of Songs, along with the saga of King David and portions of the Wisdom literature. In the New Testament, we will read the Gospels according to Matthew, Luke, and John and the book of Revelation.

Teaching Method

Three interactive lectures and one discussion section per week.

Evaluation Method

Class participation, two lecture outlines, four in-class quizzes, eight online posts, one five-page paper. No midterm or final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

Bible (must be either New Revised Standard Version or New International Version); course packet at Quartet Copies. Available at Norris or online.

Class Attributes

Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - University Library 5322: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Library 4722: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-335: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Hall 412: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 213: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - NO DATA: NO DATA