The Bible as Literature: The Hebrew Bible
BEN52901
Text
- Full English text of the Bible in any version. New Revised Standard Version is recommended. Bring this to class each week. On-line versions are fine (Andtoid, iPad, etc.)
- Some copies of the Harper Collins Study Bible are at the bookstore (around NTD1000)
- You will need a notebook in which you can insert A4 pages and keep your own notes.
- Supplementary reading available through the class website.
Class Goals
This course is an introduction to the Bible as literature. The goals of the class are for students to
- Understand the overarching story told in the Hebrew Bible and many individual stories
- Understand the range and diversity of the books within the Hebrew Bible: genres, forms, & motifs
- Know some of the most important narratives, personalities, and passages that have been influential in English and American literature.
- Understand basic ideas related to the history and development of the Biblical texts, including canonization and translation
- Gain sufficient background understanding of the Hebrew Bible and methods of interpretation so that you will be able to continue reading and studying the Bible on your own, outside of class.
- See the influence of the Bible in modern culture and literature.
How the class will work
- Our focus in this fall semester class is the Hebrew Bible (What Christians call the Old Testament) The Spring semester deals with the New Testament.
- Classes will involve both lecture and small group discussion. Students will work together in groups to discuss meaning, apply criticism, and make presentations to the class.
- Most of our reading involves is of the Bible itself, rather than commentary about the Bible. It is extremely important that you do the weekly Bible reading, and you will often be quizzed on this reading. Some additional readings will be available through the class website.
- Please enroll on the school moodle system. Edit your profile to include your English name and most desired email address.
Assignments
- Write one essay “What does it mean?” 4-5 pages long (about 1200-1500 words).
- “What does it mean?” Choose a passage or event. Summarize the passage or event and express two ways the significance of this passage or event can be understood.
- Present one Bible story to the class with a partner (5-10 min)
- Create a PowerPoint presentation to help you tell the importance and some interpretations of your assigned story.
- Critique one other presentation.
- Download the form from the moodle website and turn it in to me at the end of class on the day of the presentation you critique.
Grading
| Participation |
20% |
(attendance, discussion, presentations, critique, groupwork, etc.) |
| Quizzes |
10% |
(frequent unannounced quizzes covering the reading and previous class lecture.) |
| Essay |
25% |
(4-5 pages; 1200-1500 words) |
| Midterm |
20% |
(key terms, ideas related to interpretation, story content, quotations: The Torah) |
| Final |
25% |
(key terms, ideas related to interpretation, story content, quotations: The Rest) |
|
