| Unit name | The Bible and/as Literature |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20196 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Paynter |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit explores both the Bible itself as a piece of classic literature and its effect upon on various literary writings in English from the early modern period to the present day. Students will be introduced to the genre, imagery, and language of a number of biblical texts and consider a selection of literary works—from the explicitly theological through to the avowedly secular that quote, echo, or allude to the English Bible.
Aims
(1) To acquaint students with the major genres, themes and language of the Bible.
(2) To grapple with the issues associated with historically and culturally contextualizing the Bible and its significance.
(3) To explore the problems associated with understanding how a literary appropriation of the Bible relates to its ‘originary’ text.
(4) To develop analytical and critical skills through discussion of specific biblical texts and their influence on specific literary works.
On successful completion of this unit students will have:
(1)Good knowledge of the major genres, themes and language of the Bible.
(2)To have attained the skills needed to grapple with the issues associated with historically and culturally contextualizing the Bible and its significance.
(3)Have gained an understanding of how a literary appropriation of the Bible relates to its 'originary' text.
(4)Have developed critical skills through discussion of specific biblical texts and their influence on specific literary works and put these into practice in written and oral presentations.
In addition 2nd year students will have
(5)developed analytical skills suitable for level I as demonstrated in their formal assessments.
1 lecture and 1 seminar per week
One summative coursework essay of 2500 words (50%) and one unseen examination of two hours comprising 2 questions out of 6 (50%). Both elements will assess ILOs (1) (2) (3). The coursework essay in particular will offer students the opportunity to demonstrate ILOs (4) and (5).
R. Alter & F. Kermode, The Literary Guide to the Bible (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1987).
J. Carruthers et al, eds, Literature and the Bible: A Reader (London: Routledge, 2013).
J.P. Fokkelman, Reading Biblical Narrative: An Introductory Guide (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005).
D. Jasper & S. Prickett, The Bible and Literature: A Reader (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 1999).
D.L. Jeffrey, ed., Dictionary of Biblical Tradition in English Literature (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2002).
D. Norton, A History of the English Bible as Literature (Rev Ed; Cambridge University Press, 2000).
