The Bible as Literature (220-0-01)

Instructors

Kasey Evans

Meeting Info

Harris Hall 107: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

This course will familiarize students of literature with the most influential text in Western culture from the perspective of secular literary studies. No prior knowledge of the Bible is presupposed. Among other topics, the course will explore the range of literary genres in the Bible; its narrative techniques; the historical circumstances of its composition; recurrent themes and motifs; the "typology" framing the New Testament as a reinterpretation of the Hebrew Bible; and the overall narrative as a plot with beginning, middle, and end. Since we lack time to read the Bible in full, we we will concentrate on books with the most concentrated literary influence from the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, and parts of Deuteronomy); the Prophets (Amos, Jonah, Second Isaiah, and Daniel); and the Writings (Judges, Ruth, Psalms, Song of Songs, and the saga of King David). In the New Testament, we will read selections from the Gospels and the book of Revelation.

Teaching Method

Lecture, discussion.

Evaluation Method

Participation, reading quizzes, in-class presentation, in-class midterm and final essay.

Class Materials (Required)

Harper-Collins Study Bible NRSV, ISBN 0062969420.

Other readings will be posted on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
SoC Humanities and Fine Arts Distro

Associated Classes

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

DIS - University Library 4770: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L05: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Hall 318: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Hall 318: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - University Hall 418: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - Harris Hall L05: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - University Library 5322: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - University Hall 418: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Hall 318: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

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

DIS - Parkes Hall 223: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM