English 4304-2045: Bible as Literature 

Fall 2001 

MW 2-3.15 

Irby 304   

Dr. Frontain

Office: Irby 421

Office Hours: MW 1-2, 3.15-4.30

                        TTh 1.30-2.30

                        F 1-3

Course Description

The Bible is a seminal text in the Judeo-Christian cultural tradition. A course on the Bible as Literature asks students to read the Bible as literature - that is, to consider its composition, circulation, and linguistic operations -- and to consider its influence upon the composition and circulation of subsequent literature. It is in many ways the most difficult course that can be taken by an English major who has been raised in a specific religious tradition, for it asks one to read the biblical text as written, unencumbered by sectarian commentary, unrefracted by a sectarian lense.
Texts

The Oxford Study Bible: Revised English Bible with the Apocrypha, ed. Suggs et al

Gabel et al, The Bible as Literature: An Introduction (4th ed.)

Schedule of Readings and Assignments

M 20 Aug. Introduction to course

W 22 Aug. 1 Samuel


M 27 Aug. 2 Samuel

W 29 Aug. Conclude discussion of basic principles


M 3 Sept. LABOR DAY HOLIDAY

W 5 Sept. Genesis 1-36


M 10 Sept. Genesis 37-50

W 12 Sept. Exodus


M 17 Sept. Judges

W 19 Sept. EXAMINATION


M 24 Sept. Ruth, Esther, and Judith

W 26 Sept. "


M 1 Oct. Job 1-31

W 3 Oct. Job 32-42 and Epilogue


M 8 Oct. Psalms (presentations)

W 10 Oct. "


M 15 Oct. Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs 

PAPER #1 DUE IN CLASS

W 17 Oct. Isaiah 1-39


M 22 Oct. Isaiah 40-66

W 24 Oct. Jeremiah 1-20


M 29 Oct. Jeremiah 21-52

W 31 Oct. EXAMINATION


M 5 Nov. Gospel of Mark

W 7 Nov. "


M 12 Nov. Gospel of John

W 14 Nov. "


M 19 Nov. PAPER DUE IN CLASS

W 21 Nov. THANKSGIVING RECESS


M 26 Nov. Acts of the Apostles

W 28 Nov. "


M 3 Dec. Book of Revelation

W 5 Dec. " GRADUATE STUDENTS' TERM PAPERS DUE


F 14 Dec. FINAL EXAMINATION (10-12 noon)

Evaluation

1. Paper #1: 3-5 page typewritten comparison of three translations of one psalm (this will be the basis of oral presentation in class week of Oct. 8)

2. Paper #2: 5-6 paper literary reading of one of the minor prophets

3. Graduate student term paper: 15-20 paper reading of any text on MA comps reading list in terms of its biblical context

NOTE: All papers must follow MLA parenthetical documentation format.

4. Final grade:

Undergraduates: 20% each 2 papers and 3 exams

Graduate students: 2 brief papers (25% each); term paper (50 %)