Extensive reading in the Bible, with some consideration of modern biblical scholarship and exploration of the more important uses of religious and biblical ideas in various periods of English and American literature. For example: Prof. K. Dauber, Bible as Philosophy One of the most influential and perennially popular books in the world, the Bible has been a fundamental pillar in the construction of Western civilization. Part history, part literature, part philosophy, part law-book, it raises still relevant questions concerning ethics, community, knowledge, the place of man in the world, and the very idea of a responsible self. We will read selections from the Bible including Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Samuel, several of the prophets, Job, Ecclesiastes, Jonah, some Psalms, and the Gospels of Matthew and John. Our concern will not, strictly speaking be theological. But we will consider religion from the point of view of philosophy, what this or that concept of God means for living a good life and under-standing the world. For example: Rick Feero, Genre and the Bible The Bible remains the most ubiquitous of books, but as such it may also be imperceptible as a text, present in cliched forms, banished to a religious realm, or hidden in popular and literary allusions. We don't know what we think we know. Hence, to borrow a phrase from Marcus J. Borg, we'll attempt to read the Bible again for the first time. This course will center on close readings of selected Biblical texts, including, Genesis/Exodus, Proverbs, Job, Jonah, Esther, Amos, Mark, Luke/Acts, Romans, and Revelations. We will focus on the literary aspects of the Bible--problems of genre, composition and authorship, historical background and setting. In short, we will begin with the perspective that the Bible produces meaning through varied and overlapping literary forms (such as narrative, prophecy, and parable) and literary strategies (such as metaphor, allegory and hyperbole). Our approach will thus be situated between two perspectives, noting the traces of multiple sources and intentions uncovered by previous forms of Biblical criticism two divergent creation stories opening and resurfacing in the stories of Genesis; older collections of saying and parables incorporated into and disrupting the narrative of Mark but using newer forms of criticism to see this disorder as inherent to and productive of a wider literary meaning. This course is the same as ENG 374 and RSP 339 and course repeat rules will apply. Students should consult with their major department regarding any restrictions on their degree requirements.
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies