RENG301 Bible as Literature

Transcription

1 RENG301 Bible as Literature Master Course Syllabus Course Overview (QM Standards 1.2) Course description: Because this is Literature and not Theology, we will be looking at the Bible as a whole library of literature rather than primarily as a guide for living. As part of this literary approach, we will be treating the Bible as a text, constructed by human authors through human means. Of course, it is a unique text because believers in three major world religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam) hold that it is the divinely inspired word of God. Therefore, we will not be arguing the truth or falsehood of any passage in the Bible, or the truth or falsehood of any of the theological ideas presented in the Bible. Instead, you are invited to read this important text as a literary and cultural critic. Course Goals and Objectives: Upon satisfactory completion of the course the student will be able to: retell selected stories from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament explain how basic historical, cultural and geographic facts affect Biblical interpretation find and use information from selected websites containing Biblical commentary apply at least 3 different methods of modern Biblical criticism such as reader-response, source, rhetorical, Marxist, feminist and post-colonial criticism to Biblical texts research and write papers explaining literary and cultural aspects of the text analyze differences between Jewish, Christian and Muslim Biblical interpretation compare and contrast modern authors' interpretations of Biblical themes and rhetoric with the Biblical text demonstrate the problems translation poses for interpreting the text summarize the political and social history of the formation of the Bible and its translations into English Pre-Requisites (QM Standard 1.7) In order to succeed in this class, you will need training in basic research and citing sources in an academic paper.

2 Minimum Technical Requirements and Online Resources (QM Standards 1.5 & 1.6) In addition to a web browser (preferable Firefox) that is Blackboard compatible, you will need the following software in order to complete the activities in this class: 1. Word processing package capable of reading and creating.doc,.doc x or rich text formatted (rtf) documents. Test your computer by trying to download and open the following file: RTF Document 2. Adobe Acrobat Reader: Test your computer by trying to open this file: PDF File. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it free from 3. PDF Creator Software: If you are using a MAC or do not have software capable of saving a file as a.doc or.docx file and do not have the capability on your campus to print files to PDF, you can download a free version of CutePDF at This software installs a virtual printer on your PC that allows you to print files to the PDF format. 4. Virus Protection Software: This course requires you to download and upload files from your PC. Virus protection software protects your computer and my computer. Online Resources: This course makes use of many online resources. I have made every effort to make sure the links I have are up-to-date. However, due to the changing nature of the web, you may find that a resource is temporarily unavailable or has been removed. If this should happen, please send me an and I will find an alternative resource or modify the assignment accordingly. Attendance Verification and Financial Aid (QM Standards 1.4) Federal Guidelines require colleges to verify attendance in class. Attendance in a fully online class is verified by active student engagement in an activity. You must complete the Learner Responsibilities Quiz found in the orientation in order to receive verification of attendance. If you have financial aid and/or scholarships and do not complete the activity your financial aid and scholarship checks may be withheld. In addition, you must complete this activity before the first module of your course can be accessed. Instructor Information (QM Standards 1.8 & 5.3) Individual instructors complete this information. Virtual Office Hours I am available in my virtual office by appointment only. Send me an to set up an appointment. Personal Commitment My personal commitments to you as a participant include:

3 I will reply to course mail messages within 24 hours; I will read all discussion postings and will reply where appropriate within 3 days I will acknowledge my receipt of every course mail message immediately upon reading it. If I am unable to respond to the request or concern at the time of initial reply, I will give you an estimated time for my next reply. If I am going to be away from the course space for more than a day or two, I will send a message to you indicating the length of my absence. I will regularly update information regarding due dates in the course announcements. Course Materials (QM Standards 4.1 & 4.4) You will find your required textbook information in the course catalog at All other required readings and videos are included in each of the modules. Grading Policy (QM Standard 3.2) Your final grade for the course will be based on the percentage of total points possible which you earn. Grades will be assigned according to the following percentages: A=90-100% B= % C= % D= % F=59.4% or below I round up when your grade is within 0.5% of the next highest letter. List of Course Assignments with Point Values: Assignment/Assessment Point Value MOA1: Orientation Assignment (Bonus Pts.) 5 Bonus Pts. MOA2: Orientation Discussion (Bonus Pts.) 20 Bonus Pts. M1A1: Quiz 40 M1A2: Biblical Traditions Discussion 30 M1A3: Reflection #1 20 M2A1: Quiz 40 M2A2: Literary Conventions Discussion 30 M2A3: Reflection #2 20 M3A1: Quiz 40 M3A2: Metaphor Discussion 30 M3A3: Reflection #3 20 M4A1: Quiz 40 M4A2: Genre Discussion 30

4 M4A3: Reflection #4 20 M5A1: Quiz 40 M5A2: Sub-Genres Discussion 30 M5A3: Reflection #5 20 M6A1: Quiz 40 M6A2: Characterization Discussion 30 M6A3: Reflection #6 20 M7A1: Quiz 40 M7A2: Themes/Motif Discussion 30 M7A3: Reflection #7 20 M8A1: Reflection #8 20 M8A2: Apocalyptic Analysis 100 Total Points (Excluding Bonus Points): 750 Module Objectives and Assessments (QM Standard 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.4, 3.5, 5.1) Module 1: Introductions and Biblical Pre-History Using the instructor provided directions, the student will be able to use the discussion board to introduce themselves to their classmates. (M1A1) Using an instructor provided assessment, the student will be able to assess their currently knowledge level of Biblical narratives with 100% completion rate. (M1A2) After reading and discussing the Biblical text, the student will be able to retell selected stories from the Old and New Testaments with 80% proficiency based on the instructor provided rubric. (M1A2-3) Using the Internet, the student will be able to locate three images of the same Bible passage or character with 100% accuracy. (M1A3) Using the three images of the same Bible passage or character, the student will be able compare and contrast the features of each with the actual text with 80% proficiency according to rubric criteria. (M1A3) Module 2: Abraham and his Descendants Identify examples of literary forms of etiologies, genealogies, trickster tales, birth narratives, miracle stories, theophanies, hero stories (M2A1-3) Identify examples of literary strategies hyperbole, symbolism, allegory, irony and wordplay (M2A1-3)

5 Use online Biblical commentaries to find useful background information on Bible passages (M2A1-3) Retell selected stories from Genesis in the Hebrew Bible (M2A1-3) Module 3 Module 3: Ancient Israel, Culture, History, & Exodus Describe how the documentary hypothesis can help to resolve some of the apparent contradictions in the Biblical text (M3A1-3) Explain how the documentary hypothesis can help to resolve some of the apparent contradictions in the Biblical text (M3A1-3) Retell selected stories from the Genesis and Exodus in the Hebrew Bible (M3A1-3) Compare and contrast modern authors' interpretations of Biblical themes and rhetoric with the Biblical text (M3A1-3) Identify significant places in the ancient land of Israel (M3A1, 4) Explain how basic historical and cultural facts affect Biblical interpretation (M3A1-3) Module 4: Psalms and Biblical Poetry Retell selected stories from the history books of the Hebrew Bible (M4A1-3) Identify significant places in the ancient land of Israel (M4A1-3) Explain how basic historical and cultural facts affect Biblical interpretation (M4A2-3) Module 5: Wisdom Literature, the Prophets and Job Evaluate the Book of Job as a response to theocracy (M5A1) Identify the Biblical criteria for authentic prophecy (M5A2) Use online Biblical commentaries to find useful background information on Bible passages.(m5a3) Module 6: New Testament, Literary Forms and Bible Transmission Explain how basic historical and cultural facts affect Biblical interpretation (M6A1-3) Distinguish between the four Gospels (M6A1-3) Retell selected stories from the Gospels (M6A1-3) Relate basic historical and cultural facts of Biblical interpretation (M6A1-3) Summarize the political and social history of the formation of the Bible and its translations into English (M6A1-2) Demonstrate the problems translation poses for interpreting the text (M6A1)

6 Module 7: Parables and Sayings of Jesus identify the components of the genres of parables and teachings of Jesus (M7A1-2) summarize Jesus' teachings on one issue (M7A1) find and use information from selected online Biblical commentaries (M7A1-3) Explain how basic historical and cultural facts affect Biblical interpretation (M7A1-3) Explain the difficulties of Paul's missionary success among the Gentiles for the Early Christian Church (M7A3) Module 8: Apocalyptic Literature Identify the components of the genre of apocalyptic literature (M8A1-2) Identify characteristics of apocalyptic writing in contemporary culture (M8A1-2) Demonstrate understanding of the components of the genre of apocalyptic literature (M8A2).