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The Bible as Literature: The Hebrew Bible

SEN52931

Schedule
This is a provisional schedule and is subject to change. The official class schedule is found on the class website where you can also find further details, explanations of assignments, and other helps.

• 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 (Android, iPad, etc.)
• You will need a notebook in which you can insert A4 pages and keep your own notes.

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.
• 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

• Classes will involve 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.
• You will work with a small group. Before each class ends, assign different questions to each group member as homework for the next class. You will have time to discuss them before discussing with the whole class.
• There will be no quizzes, but you are expected to come to each class with your homework prepared including your worksheets partially filled in (according to the assignment from your group.)

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 (5-10 min)

Present your story in as interesting a way as possible. You can use song, video, drama, ppt, as you like. Be sure to explain some ideas about the significance of the story.  Group members can help each other if you like.
Class Schedule and Policies

• Please refer to the class website for class policies, reading schedule, supplementary reading, assignments, homework, class topics, and exam times.
• Note: Since the official schedule is posted on-line, it is subject to change. Be sure you check it regularly.

Grading

Missing one 4-hour class will not affect your grade directly.
For each additional 4-hour class you miss, your grade will drop 10 points.

Writing Assignment

Analytical Essay: “What does it mean?” (Paper due in last regular class)

• Around 4-5 pages, double-spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman. 
• Purpose: to develop interpretive skills and consider different ways the same passage can be interpreted.

Choose a passage or event anywhere in the Hebrew Bible (This should be something we have not already talked about very much in class, and it should not repeat what has been presented by a student group). Summarize the passage or event and write about what makes it meaningful. Express two ways the significance of this passage or event can be understood. In other words, interpret the passage in two different ways. This is like what the presenters should be doing in their presentations each week. Some of these different ways could be,

• What could it have meant to the original audience?
• How has passage or event been interpreted in a work of literature or art or film?
• What could it mean to office workers nowadays?
• How could modern people facing hardship use this passage to better understand life?

Check teacher website for information about formatting papers, grading rubrics, and hints for writing a better paper.
Grading

• This paper is due on or before 7/26.
• This paper comprises 30% of your grade.
• I am looking for your own depth of thought and wise application the ideas we have learning about in class.
• I care about grammar, punctuation, and formatting. Proofread carefully!!
• Papers with plagiarism will be returned with a score of zero and there is not time to rewrite, so be careful to cite your sources, or just use your own ideas.

Review for Final Exam

Books you should know
You should know some key points about each of these books.

• What kind of book is it? How can it be classified: history, poetry, wisdom, prophesy?
• In which part of the TaNaK can the book be found, and why is that significant?
• What major stories and/or ideas can be found in each book?

Books you should know

Characters you should know