ENGLISH  3630.001  THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE

Seodial Deena                                                                                                              Spring 01

Classroom: GCB 2021                                                                                        TTh 1400-1515

Office: GCB  2130                          Tel.  328-6683                      Email: Deenas@mail.ecu.edu 

Office hours: MW 9:30-10:30, 1:30-2:30, T 5:00-6:00and by appointment.  Scheduled conferences with students.

 

Required  Texts:

Metzger, Bruce M. and Roland E. Murphy, eds.  The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books.  New Revised Standard Version.   New York:  Oxford University Press, 1991.

Harris, Stephen L.  Understanding the Bible.  5th ed.  Mountain View, CA:  Mayfield Publishing Co., 2000.

Supplemental Texts:

Gabel, John B., Charles B. Wheeler, and Anthony D. York, eds.  The Bible as Literature: An             Introduction. 3rd ed.  New York: Oxford UP, 1996.

Fee, Gordon D. and Douglass Stuart.  How to Read the Bible.  2^nd Edition.  Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981.

 

Catalogue Description: 

The various literary genres in the Bible.

 

Objectives:

To help students understand the ways in which studying the Bible as literature expands their awareness of themselves and of their relations to the world around them.

 

To help students read, interpret, and respond individually and collectively to imaginative literature more thoughtfully and meaningfully through an examination of the elements (characterization, setting, theme, style, etc.) of biblical literature.

 

To familiarize students with the major literary forms (genres or types) of, and approaches to, the Bible.

 

To help students express their thinking and feeling about biblical characters, themes, concepts, and culture through class discussion, journal entries, class presentations, examinations, and paper.

 

Focus:

Although the Bible is validly studied as theology, history, and literature, our objective in this course focuses on and emphasizes the various literary genres of the Bible through the exploration of key literary passages, which will also lead us into various kinds of studiesBcharacter, book, narrative, and technique.  It focuses on the thematic connectionBthat many writers, from different periods, using various styles and characters, tell one simple story.  There will also be a certain emphasis on the influence of the Bible on world, English, and American literature.

 

Writing-Intensive: 

This course has been designated as writing-intensive.  Students write a minimum of 20 to 25 pages of edited academic writing in a writing-intensive course.  See Research Paper under Requirements in section VI immediately below and in section VII for more detail. 

 

Note:

This is a general education, humanities, and world literature course concerned with the history of ideas in literature.  It might be reassuring, especially at the beginning of this course, to know that “reading the Bible as literature should not be uncomfortable for persons who hold the religious view (though it may seem a little strange at first), and it places no demands upon the many persons who, for reasons of their own, take a skeptical or noncommittal view of the Bible” (Gabel 3).

 

Evaluation:

Class presentation                                                                                                                - 20%

 

Short unannounced quizzes on assigned passages, in-class assignments, and participation

in assigned presentations/readings which are related to class                                                 - 10%

 

Journal entries responding to the readings.  Two other assigned topics                                 - 10%

(no less than 1 typed page per entry)                                                                                 

 

Mid-term exam                                                                                                                    - 20%

 

Final exam                                                                                                                            - 20%

 

Research paper (MLA style)                                                                                                 - 20%

 

Attendance and class participation                                                                                        - 10%

Late and Class Attendance: 

This is a participation course; therefore, regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students.  Roll will be taken at each class.  If class sessions are missed, and the student does not present an official university excuse or equivalent, the decision as to whether the work may be made up or not will be determined by the instructor.  Missing more than five of the forty-five sessions for reasons other than official university excuses or equivalent will result in failure in the attendance and participation grade of the course.  (Late work not related to an official university excuse or equivalent will result in the loss of five points per day.)

GENERALLY, THERE WILL BE NO MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENT FOR THE QUIZ, EXAM, JOURNAL, PRESENTATION, OR PAPER.

 

Groups:

Discussion will be done in small and large groups.

 

READING ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE DONE ON TIME.  YOU ARE EXPECTED TO SHOW EVIDENCES OF YOUR READINGS e. g. BRIEF OUTLINES OR NOTES ON THE CHAPTERS IN A NOTE BOOK OR ON TYPED PAGES.  EACH ASSIGNMENT SHOULD BE DATED AND TITLED.  FURTHER, UNANNOUNCED QUIZZES WILL BE BASED ON SOME OF THESE PASSAGES.

 

Course Outline:         

WEEK 1: (JAN. 8, 10, 12) INTRODUCTION: THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE

8 Journal 1

Introduction to course:  Discussion of syllabus and policies.  Sample writingBJournal 1 AWhat is my relationship with the Bible?  What do I know/think about the Bible?  What do I want to know/learn about the Bible?@  Filling cards.  Brief overview of the Bible.

10        Introduction to the Bible: How the Bible came into being?  What Great Personalities have said about the Bible?  Books of the Bible.

12        The Bible as literature (Gabel, Chapter 1): Authorship.  Anthology.  What is the Bible?  What is Literature?  Literary forms and strategies in the Bible (Gabel, Chapter 2). 

            Assignment: Each student will select a bible character according to the letter given by the instructor, copy information on the character, and prepare five clue-questions for the rest of the class.  The idea is that the rest of the class will try to identify your character.  Only five answers will be allowed by the designated five studentsBone answer per student.  If the class fails, you will gain three points for your presentation grade.  If the class succeeds, the first correct answer will be rewarded with one point.  No student will be allowed to give more than three correct answers during the semester.  I need to approve these questions by Jan. 26.    

SIGN UP FOR PRESENTATION

 

WEEK 2: (17, 19) THE SETTING OF THE BIBLE AND THE FORMATION OF THE CANON

15 State Holiday

17 Journal 2 on any piece

The physical setting of the Bible (Gabel, Chapter 5).  The formation of the canon (Gabel, Chapter 6) 

19        Text of the Bible and Translating the Bible (Gabel, Chapters 15-16)     

 

WEEK 3: (22, 24, 26) CHARACTER STUDY I: JACOB

22 Journal 3 on Jacob

Jacob (Gen. 25-37.  Consult any other source)

24        Continuation of Jacob.  Types, Shadows, and Names

26                                            Harris, Chapter 1, all   

 

WEEK 4: (29, 31, FEB. 2) BOOK STUDY I: ESTHER

29 Journal 4 on the book of Esther

The book of Esther.  Consult any other source 

31        Continuation of Esther.  Types, Shadows, and Names

2                                              Harris, Chapter 2, all   

 

WEEK 5: (5, 7, 9) BOOK STUDY II: JONAH

5 Journal 5 on Jonah

The book of Jonah.  Consult any other source

7          Continuation of Jonah.  Types, Shadows, and Names

9          Harris, Chapter 3, all

 

WEEK 6: (12, 14, 16) INTRODUCTION TO THE OLD TESTAMENT

12 Journal 6 any aspect (book, character, event) of the Old Testament

12, 14  Introduction to the Old TestamentBProf. Bello 

16        Harris, Chapter 4, all

POSSIBLE RESEARCH PAPER TOPIC DUE 2/16

 

WEEK 7: (19, 21, 23) WAYS TO READ THE BIBLE.  SYMBOLS OF THE BIBLE

19 Journal 7 on any major symbol of the Bible

19        Ways to Read the Bible

21        Symbols of the Bible

23        Harris, Chapter 5, all

 

WEEK 8: (26, 28, MAR. 2) CHARACTER STUDY II: JOSEPH

26 Journal 8 on Joseph

Joseph (Gen. 36-50.  Consult any other source)           

28        Continuation of Joseph

2          Harris, Chapter 6, all

OUTLINE OF RESEARCH PAPER DUE 3/2

 

WEEK 9: (MAR. 5, 7, 9) CONFERENCE!  REVIEW FOR MIDTERM!!  MIDTERM EXAM!!!

5, 7      Harris, Chapter 6, all.  Review for Midterm Exam

9                                  Midterm Exam 

 

WEEK 10: (11-18)     SPRING BREAK!      SPRING BREAK!!      SPRING BREAK!!!

 

WEEK 11: (19, 21, 23) NARRATIVES FROM THE EXODUS STAGE

19 Journal 9 on any piece

A bloody river, a backed up sea, and a bitter brook (Ex. 7, 14, 15)

A golden calf, a talking ass, and a bronze snake (Ex. 23; Num. 22; 21)

21        A burning bush in the desert and a bright cloud in the sky (Ex. 3, 13)

23        Harris, Chapter 7, all   

FIRST DRAFT OF PAPER DUE 3/23

(Bring two typed copies of your completed paper, works cited included, to class for        editing arrangement.  Two students will edit your paper in class and during the   weekend)

 

WEEK 12: (26, 28, 30) INTRODUCTION TO NEW TESTAMENT:  PAUL=S LITERARY TECHNIQUES: ACTS AND THE LETTERS

26 Journal 10 on any piece

Introduction to New Testament

28        Acts and the Letters (Gabel, Chapter 14)

Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians

30        Harris, Chapter 8, all

 

WEEK 13: (APRIL 2, 4, 6) CONTINUATION OF PAUL=S LITERARY TECHNIQUES: THE LETTERS

2 Journal 11 on any piece     

Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Colossians, Philemon, and possibly Hebrews

4          Continuation of the letters

6          Harris, Chapter 9, all   

 

WEEK 14: (9, 11) NARRATIVES FROM THE CONQUEST STAGE

13 State Holiday

9 Journal 12 on any piece

Salvation of a harlot from the town of Jericho (Rahab) and the condemnation of a Hebrew from the tribe of Judah (Achan) (Josh. 6:25; 7:24-26)

A prince from glory and some beggars from Gibeon (Josh. 5:13-15; 9:3-15)

11        The twin miracles of the falling walls and a standing sun (Josh. 6:20; 10:12-14)

Harris, Chapter 10, all

RESEARCH PAPER DUE 4/11 ON OR BEFORE CLASS TIME

 

WEEK 15: (16, 18, 20) NARRATIVES FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM STAGE

16 Journal 13 on any piece

A visit to the witch of En-dor (1 Sam. 28) and a visit by the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10) The death of two babies--the wages of sin (2 Sam 12) and the wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3)

18        A sister is raped (2 Sam. 13) and a son is hanged (2 Sam. 18)

A father=s son (Jonathan) protects young David from the son=s father (Saul) (2 Sam. 20)

20        Harris, Chapter 10, all

 

WEEK 16: (23, 25, 27)  NARRATIVES FROM THE CHAOTIC KINGDOM STAGE

23 Journal 14 My response to this course/the Bible after taking this course/What have I learnt about the Bible and literature/culture/history?  My reaction to any issue discussed in this course.         

Resubmit your signed copies in a file/folder on April 27, 2001

The sight of water being burned by fire (1 Kings 18)

The sight of an axe head floating on water (2 Kings 6)

Seven prayers on a mountain, seven dips in a river, and seven sneezes on a bed (1 Kings 18; 2 Kings 5; 4)

25        The uses of the Bible in and its influences on LiteratureBa brief view.

27        Harris, Chapter 11, all

 

WEEK 17: (MAY 1)

1          Harris, Chapter 11, all.  Review for Final Exam.

6          WEDNESDAY, MAY 9 (11:00-1:00 GCB 2021) FINAL EXAM AND GOOD BYE!  PLEASE BRING TWO BLUE BOOKS FOR EXAMS.

 

NB.  Additional information/definition/clarification will be given at different times during the semester.  Please do not hesitate to seek my help.  Good Luck!

 

ADDITIONAL:

1. Presentation: (10 mins)

In groups of twos (YOU CAN ALSO WORK INDIVIDUALLY), design, research, and present your project.  Basically, I want you to introduce interesting information/ideas to the class, involve students in your discussion, use teaching aids, and focus on central themes/issues/actions.  Support your points with examples from the works/critical articles.  Your project should be approached professionallyBresearch, depth, interest, creativity, education, etc.  Here are a few examples:

 

The use of biblical language, imagery, character, theme, etc. in the work (novel, play, poem, short story) of an author (Shakespeare, Milton, Morrison, Wright, Hurston, Douglass, Hawthorne, Steinbeck, Walcott, etc.)  

 

The contemporary aspect of a biblical passage, event, etc. e. g. Genesis chapter three has several current manifestations in the New Age Movement.

 

The influence of the Bible on world events, literature, politics, etc.

 

Biblical interpretation of a particular world event such as Israel=s present quest for peace.

 

The Bible=s position on slavery, racism, feminism, homosexuality, euthanasia, etc.

 

Is Jesus a misogynist?

 

Explore selected stories (Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jesus, etc.) through questions like: In what ways are the stories similar/different?  What are the social, political, or economic conditions surrounding these stories?  Would these characters be treated as heroes today?  If so, why?  If not, why not?  Compare and contrast the old and new covenants (language, etc. Exodus and Matthew).

 

Compare two writers of the gospels or two major/minor prophets and demonstrate how their personality/education/background influence their styles of writing. 

 

Brainstorm with more ideas and talk with me at any point of your preparation.  NOTE: YOUR PRESENTATION CAN SERVE AS A FOUNDATION/SPRINGBOARD FOR YOUR  RESEARCH PAPER.   

 

2. Research Paper:

Choose a topic that is of interest to you.  Narrow the topic so that you can focus on one area.  Do some research on your topic.  At a later stage I will tell you more about the paper.  Read handouts on paper.

 

Submit a typed paper no later than APRIL 11, 2001 class time.  The paper must be 6-8 pagesBincluding works cited page.  (double space, notes and works cited, MLA format, 3 secondary sources).  The graded paper and a revised copy should be clipped together and submitted no later than APRIL 27, 2001 class time, if needed.

 

Research Paper opportunities for all types of academic writing exist with literary biblical topics: expository, descriptive, narrative, comparison contrast, etc.

 

Here are some general ideas to get you thinking about possible topics.  DO NOT BEGIN WORK ON A TOPIC, HOWEVER, UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED IT WITH THE INSTRUCTOR.  Also, these can be used for presentations.

 

For just one general example, one could explore selections from the stories of Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and Jesus.  Here are just a few examples of the kinds of questions one could ask  Explore in the biblical stories and through library research, and then turn into a thesis for an excellent research paper any one of these or a combination:

!  In what ways are the stories similar? 

!  What was the social station of these persons? 

!  What were the circumstances surrounding their births? 

!  What were their relationships with their parents or parent-figures?    

!  Why do these stories resemble each other in so many ways?

!  What might the attempted infanticide, the exile, the journey, the tasks, the numinous, and the return signify?

!  Would our culture consider these persons heroic? 

!  What do we consider heroic?  Is there any pattern to the heroism                              portrayed in our popular culture? 

!  What roles do women play in each of these stories? 

!  Why are there few women in the heroic role? 

!  Does biblical literature reflect reality or create it? 

!  When things go bad for the hero what is the reason? 

!  When they go well what is the reason? 

!  Based on your reading of the stories, what are the values of the                                             ancient Hebrews/early Christians? 

!  How do they compare with the values that we hold here and now?   

!  Many of these stories attempt to teach lessons.  Who is the teacher? Who is the pupil? 

!  What is the lesson to be learned? 

!  In what ways do some of these stories parallel the rites of a seasonal                                     ritual?

!  How do events or holidays in our own lives parallel these rites? 

!  How might these stories parallel other accounts of death and                                                 resurrection? 

!  Are the religious and other beliefs in these stories similar to those                               among other peoples?  Etc., etc.

 

Or one could study the influence of the Bible on specific items of world, English, or American literature.  The use of biblical language, imagery, character, theme, etc. in the work (novel, play, poem, short story) of an author (Shakespeare, Milton, Morrison, Wright, Hurston, Douglass, Hawthorne, Steinbeck, Walcott, etc.)  

 

3. Journal:

A collection of writing pieces based on your responses to the readings.  We will share some of these in class on a voluntary and rotation basis.  These are due the first Mondays when the texts are explored.  Resubmit your signed copies in a file/folder on APRIL 27, 2001.

 

4. Attendance and participation:

Attendance and participation will be graded on a letter scale.  Poor attendance always affects grades adversely.

 

Research paper:

The research paper is a substantial work of writing and research about a text, theme, or issue--should be related to course/syllabus.  It is a semester-long project due in its final form on APRIL 11, 200.  It should be 6-8 pages in length (including works cited page, 12 point font size), and you should consult at least 3 secondary sources. 

 

At the core of the paper should be an original, viable argument of your own about the text/topic you have chosen.  You should also place your argument in the intellectual debate concerning that work by consulting and citing secondary sources.  (Come up with your own ideas first, then use secondary ideas).

 

STEPS:

As early as possible, determine which work to concentrate on, read that work, define a topic and preliminary thesis with my guidance, and consult relevant secondary sources.

 

By week 6 declare possible paper topics, from which you should present to me a narrowly defined topic the following week.  In the 8^th  week, an outline is due and in the 10^th  week a first draft is due.  Two students will edit your paper; you will make necessary revisions and submit a clean copy to me.  I will grade your paper, and point out weaknesses and strengths.  I will not correct mistakes.  You have the choice of revising or not.  If you revise, according to the extent and accuracy of the revision, you can gain additional points for your research paper.  Please submit the graded and the revised papers on time.  The following revised papers can be credited with the following range of points: A=1-3, B=1-8, C=1-10, D=1-12 points.

 

HELPFUL HINTS:

Narrow topic and use clear and well-expressed thesis.  Develop thesis.

Two spaces after every period.

A long quote is more than four lines and should be indented 10 spaces, two tabs, or one inch.  Double space.  Generally, introduce with colon, and end with period, two spaces and source.

A short quote is four lines and less and should be incorporated in paragraph with quotation marks to indicate beginning and end.  It ends with quotation marks, space, source in parenthesis, and period. 

Introduce, integrate, and interact with quotes. 

Vary your use of quotes and the active words that introduce the quotes.

Place header at top right.  Place works cited on separate page.

Use cover page or its equivalent.

Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Review coherence, transition, and organization.

Document correctly all borrowed materials (Plagiarism).

Generally, use present tense when discussing fiction.

Avoid plot summary.

Use left justification only.

 

Good luck!

 

PRESENTATION 1 EVALUATION:

1. Interesting information:                                                                                                         /30

Copy of article for yourself and one for the professor two days before presentation. 

Handout for the class and professor (one class-day before presentation).

Complete documentation, thesis, main and subpoints, notable examples, conclusion, your evaluation of the article, and accuracy. 

Focus on central points and support of points with examples from the critical articles/text.

 

2. Presentation of findings to the class in an interesting/a creative/an enthusiastic manner.          /5

 

3. Use of teaching aids--handout, board, TV/VCR, Tape recorder, poster, books, etc.                /5

 

4. Involvement of students in your presentation/discussion; comments, questions, readings, etc./5

 

5. Preparation and Research; reference to other works and articles, textual work, etc.                 /5

 

TOTAL                                                                                                                                    /50

PERCENTAGE:                                                                                                                    .......  GRADE:                                                                                                                                ....... 

 

PRESENTATION 2 EVALUATION:

1. Interesting and enriching ideas/information                                                                           /30

Information on author: dates, works, contribution, awards, themes, style, historical and literary

context, influence, etc

 

Information on passage: background information, theme, mood and tone, imageries, language, setting, rhythm, analysis and interpretation, etc.

2. Presentation of findings to the class in an interesting/creative/enthusiastic manner.                 /5  

3. Constructive use of teaching aids handout, board, TV/VCR, Tape recorder, poster, books.    /5

                     

4. Involvement of students in your presentation/discussion; comments, questions, readings, etc./5

                                      

5. Research/preparation; reference to other works and articles, textual work, etc.                       /5                            

 

TOTAL                                                                                                                                    /50 PERCENTAGE                                                                                                                    ........

GRADE                                                                                                                                ........

 

As far as possible support your points with textual examples, and document all researched materials.

 

BOOKS TO CONSULT:

Bloch, Chana.  Spelling the Word: George Herbert and the Bible.

Buchmann, Christina, and Celina Spiegel, eds.  Out of the Garden: Women Writers on the Bible.

Fowler, David C.  The Bible in Middle English Literature.

Gottcent, John H.  The Bible: A Literary Study.

Jeffrey, David L.  Chaucer and the Scriptural Tradition.

Lowry, Shirley Park.  Familiar Mysteries: The Truth in Myth.

Roston, Murray.  Biblical Drama in England: From the Middle Ages to the Present Day.

Shaheen, Naseeb.  Biblical References in Shakespeare's Comedies.

---.  Biblical References in Shakespeare's History Plays.  

---.  Biblical References in Shakespeare's Tragedies.

Shelley, Bryan.  Shelley and Scripture.

Sims, James Hylbert.  The Bible in Milton's Epics.

Stanton, Elizabeth Cady.  The Woman's Bible.

Alter, Robert, and Frank Kermode, eds.  The Literary to the Bible. Paperback ed.  Cambridge:            Harvard UP, 1990. 

 

X.  Library List (for information and guidance):

The Bible:  Selected Bibles in English:

The Holy Bible [KJV/AV].  Joyner Ref. BS 185 1957 .C3x

The Holy Bible [Douai-Rheims].  BS 180 1971

The Holy Bible [NIV].  BS 2095 .I57 1973

The New Jerusalem Bible [NJB].  BS 195 .J4 1985

The New Oxford Annotated Bible [NRSV].

BS 191 .5 .A1 1991 .N49

The Holy Scriptures [JPS].  BS 716 1960

Alter, Robert.  The Art of Biblical Narrative.  BS 1171 .2 .A45

---.  The Art of Biblical Poetry.  DS 1405 .2 .A48 1985

Alter, Robert, and Frank Kermode, eds.  The Literary Guide to the Bible.  BS 535    .L54 1987