112b NTLit Syllabus

Schedule | Assignments | Tronclass | NRSV Online

The Bible as Literature: The New Testament

Tuesdays 10:10-12:00, Room H108

Texts

  • Full English text of the Bible in any version. New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is recommended. Bring this to class each week. E-Bibles on tablet computers and cell phones are also acceptable. (I recommend the YouVersion Bible App)
  • You will need a notebook in which you can insert A4 pages and keep your own notes.
  • Supplementary reading is available through Tronclass.
  • Download and print out the packet of handouts and lecture outlines.

Class Goals

This course introduces the literature of the English New Testament in the Bible. The goals of the class are to

  • Understand the range and diversity of the books within the New Testament: genres, forms, & motifs
  • Know some of the most important narratives, personalities, and passages that have been influential in English and American literature and culture.
  • Understand important themes and concepts; and the history of the Biblical texts, including canonization and translation
  • Become familiar with the principles of interpreting and understanding the Christian Bible.
  • Gain sufficient understanding of the background of the Bible and methods of interpretation so that you will be able to continue to find meaning in the Bible on your own, outside of class.

Class Requirements

  • Group Presentation with 2-3 members
  • Quizzes: There will be frequent quizzes, sometimes at the beginning of class covering the reading for that week and ideas from the previous week, and sometimes at the end of class covering the lecture.
    • Some of the quizzes will be done using Tronclass on your cell phone.
  • Be on time and prepared for every class, presentation, and assignment with or without reminders.
  • READ THE ASSIGNED SELECTION BEFORE COMING TO CLASS. Prepare to discuss ideas from the passages.
  • Group Presentations with 2-3 members
    • Act out a New Testament story or passage
    • Presentation critique. Each group provides a critiques of another group presentation.
  • 2 Papers (See website for assignment details)
    • Each paper should be around 500 words (around 2 pages).  
    • Paper 1: A Depiction of Jesus
    • Paper 2: Interview a New Testament character
    • Papers are due at the beginning of class. Late papers will be accepted with the following penalties: -5 if late on the same day or within the first week, -10 for each week late.
    • Plagiarism is taken very seriously. Papers with copied, uncited ideas will receive a grade of 0.

Class Schedule and Policies

  • Use the class website for class policies, reading schedule, assignments, homework, class topics, and exam times.
  • Check the Tronclass for handouts, supplementary reading, and student presentations.
  • Note: The official schedule is posted on-line and is subject to change, so be sure you check it regularly.

Grading

Participation 15% Attendance, discussion, presentations, reading responses, etc.
Quizzes 15% Frequent quizzes cover the reading and previous class lecture.
Papers 25% Two 3-page papers
Midterm 20% This covers key terms and ideas as well as content of Bible passages.
Final 25% Same as midterm but focuses on information after the midterm.