Description:

This course introduces students to the literary aspects of Bible. Students will read extracts from both the Hebrew and Greek portions of the Bible in translation. They will learn to analyze these readings as representatives of the Bible's many literary forms. Students will also sample from later literary works that draw on biblical sources for their inspiration. Students will write essays demonstrating their understanding of the works studies. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): TBA

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify the important literary forms used by both the Hebrew and Greek writers of the biblical texts.
2. Describe the major events in the formation and translation of the contemporary English-language Bible.
3. Discuss some of the important thematic and formal influences of the Bible on later literature.
4. Analyze biblical writings as literary productions independent of a religious context.
5. Write essays discussing texts in terms of historical context, structure, characterization, or theme.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction
   A. Identify and define the major divisions and genres comprising the
contemporary Bible.
   B. Identify the literary forms used within the biblical genres.
   C. Explain the challenges of translation from Hebrew and Greek to
English.
   D. Describe the translation choices for an assigned passage using both
a strictly literal translation and several different idiomatic
translations.
   E. Describe the major events in the formation of the contemporary
biblical canon.
   F. Describe the major events in the translation process from the
original texts to the present English Bible.

II. Reading the Hebrew Bible
   A. Describe the chronology of the history described in the text.
   B. Explain and discuss the importance of Torah in Jewish tradition from
the earliest times to the present.
   C. Discuss the scholarly editorial theories of the Hebrew Bible texts,
including the Documentary Hypothesis.
   D. Identify and discuss the major events of the Genesis accounts of
creation.
   E. Identify and discuss the stories of the Hebrew patriarchs.
   F. Identify and discuss the major events in the Exodus narrative.
   G. Define and discuss the nature of the prophetic tradition in Hebrew
culture.
   H. Discuss the role of David as a literary figure in the Hebrew
tradition.
   I. Define and give examples of typical Hebrew tropes such as
parallelism and chiasmus.

III. Reading the Greek New Testament
   A. Identify the important differences between the four gospels,
speculating on possible explanations for those differences.
   B. Explain and discuss the scholarly editorial theories of the first
five books of the New Testament.
   C. Describe the traditional elements of first century letters.
   D. Discuss the various cultures represented in the recipients of the
New Testament epistles.
   E. Practice rhetorical analysis.
   F. Perform a rhetorical analysis on one of the shorter New Testament
epistles.
   G. Define apocalyptic literature and discuss the Revelation and Daniel
in the light of that definition.
   H. Discuss the use of Hebrew Bible texts in the New Testament.

IV. The Literary Legacy of the Bible
   A. Define and describe the genres of mystery and morality plays.
   B. Demonstrate an understanding of the hermeneutical tradition drawing
from the rabbinical tradition and patristic writings.
   C. Identify and evaluate the biblical analogies in selected writers
such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Bunyan, Hawthorne, Melville,
Morrison, or Baraka.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

2 examinations:	 30% - 40% of grade
2 short papers:	 30% - 40% of grade
1 longer paper:	 15% - 25% of grade
In-class projects: 15% - 20% of grade
100% of grade

Caveats:

1. Required Textbooks: Various translations, including Hebrew Scriptures translated by Jewish scholars, the Kings James Version of the Christian Bible, and other modern translations of both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.