Humanities Arts Cultural Stu 0161 - The English Bible

The English Romantic, William Blake, characterized the Bible as "the Great Code of Art," an observation that finds repeated illustration throughout the Western literary tradition from medieval mystery plays to the latest fiction of Toni Morrison. By the same token, biblical stories form the bedrock of the scriptural traditions of Christians, Muslims, and Jews the world over. What are these stories that have so captivated readers for over 2000 years? Why has the Bible had such an immense religious and imaginative appeal? This course introduces students to the full range of biblical literature from the stories of Genesis to the life and times of Jesus of Nazareth. While the course emphasizes literary features of the Bible as it has been rendered in English, we will also consider important religious, moral, and theological implications. Among the biblical texts considered will be the foundational stories of Genesis and Exodus; the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth; the stories of David and Kings; the Book of Job and the Song of Solomon; the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel; New Testament gospels; Acts of the Apostles; and the Book of Revelation.

Culture, Humanities, and Languages Writing and Research Multiple Cultural Perspectives Independent Work In this course, students are expected to spend 6 hours a week in preparaton and work outside of class time.