REL 2040 Great Books: The Bible and Western Culture (Semester Conversion Syllabus)

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1 REL 2040 Great Books: The Bible and Western Culture (Semester Conversion Syllabus) The Bible comprises a diverse library of Jewish texts, composed over more than 1,000 years. Its parts constitute the core scriptures of both Judaism and Christianity. Insofar as the Bible is the most widely disseminated and frequently consulted book, it is certainly the world's most significant body of literature. Our task is to explore this rich heritage from both the Jewish and Christian perspectives, as well as its impact on Western culture and society, through selected readings and discussion. Instructor: Prof. Mark Verman Office: 377 Millett; Telephone: (937) ; mark.verman@wright.edu Office Hours: T 4-5pm & Th 11am-12pm; or by appointment. Required Texts: 1. The Jewish Study Bible 2. The New Testament of the New American Bible: St. Joseph Edition 3. S. Harris, Understanding the Bible, 7th edition. Evaluation Criteria: Attendance 10% Instructor/Class Contribution 10% Journals 15% Mid-Term Test 15% Biblical Analysis 25% Second Test 25% 100% This course will entail mini-lectures, class discussions and analysis of texts; therefore, preparedness, regular attendance and class participation are all mandatory and expected. For each class you must bring your Bibles, Harris and any other assigned readings! Attendance Policy: You are expected to attend every class, in order to maximize your educational experience. Attendance will be taken at the start of the session. One point will be deducted from the attendance grade for each class missed, beyond one excused absence. In evaluating class contribution, attendance will also be considered. There will also be one extra-curricular lecture on Jan. 26, as indicated in the syllabus. Journals: Prior to each class you must write at least six sentences in response to the reading assignment for that session. These discussions should demonstrate that you have read and reflected on the assignment. Journals must be typed and submitted at the start of each class. You must be in attendance to hand in your journal. Submissions will only be accepted on the day that they are due, unless you have a documented excuse. Journals constitute 15 points. 10 points are assigned to your total journal portfolio, which will be graded at the end of the course. One point will be deducted for each missing journal entry, beyond one excused omission. You will also be graded on the thoughtfulness and insight of your comments. 5 points are in lieu of quizzes and are for three individually graded journals, chosen arbitrarily by the instructor during the course. Writing Assignment: There is also a formal essay assignment referred to as a Biblical Analysis. The journals and essay fulfill the Integrated Writing requirement of the course. Your essay will be graded on: Your understanding of course content in thinking and writing critically about the Bible Your ability to use standard writing conventions in Biblical Studies. Your demonstration of competency in standard edited American English

2 The first draft of your essay is due the 12 th week of the course and the final revised version is due on the last class day. This writing constitutes 25% of your final grade. Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: Quoting or paraphrasing someone else s work, without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism. Plagiarism is intellectual theft and a severe violation of academic conduct. Punishment can include course failure and even expulsion, according to university policy. Goals of the Course: a. Critically analyze significant creative, literary, philosophical or religious works b. Understand and discuss the complex blend of imaginative vision, socio-cultural context, ethical values, and aesthetic judgment in creative, philosophical or religious works c. Recognize, evaluate and respond to creative, philosophical or religious works d. Develop appropriate and ethical applications of knowledge in the humanities or the arts Tentative Schedule of Topics and Readings Week 1 a) Tues. Introduction, Syllabus, Testaments and Canon b) Thurs. Biblical Background Readings: Harris, 1-24; skim 25-41; Week 2 a) Tues. God, Creation and Michelangelo Readings: Gen. chapters 1-5; Harris, 70-83; b) Thurs. The Flood and the Documentary Hypothesis Readings: Gen Harris, ; Week 3 a) Tues. Israelite Ancestors and Gender Issues Readings: Gen ; 17-18; Harris, Verman and Adler, "Matriarchs and Self-Efficacy" (pdf file). b) Thurs. Exodus and Biblical Commandments Readings: Ex. 2-4; 19-20; Ex. 23:19; Lev.11, 17:13-14; 19, 23; Num. 6, 16, 22-25; Deut.5-6. Harris, ; Week 4 a) Tues. Judges and Kings Readings: Judges 4;19-21;1 Samuel 8-10; 15-16; 28; 2 Samuel 6-7; 1 Kings 1-2:12; 3. Harris,

3 b) Thurs. Psalms and Song of Songs Readings from Psalms: Hymns---19; 24; 150. Wisdom Psalms---1. Royal Psalms---2. Individual Laments Communal Laments Songs of Trust and Faith Individual Psalms of Thanksgiving Song of Songs/Song of Solomon: 1-4. Harris, ; Week 5 a) Tues. Divided Kingdom and Early Prophets: Ahijah, Elijah and Elisha Readings: I K ; , 2 K 2-9. Harris, b) Thurs. Amos and Hosea Readings: I K. 12; , 2 K 2; Amos, 1; 3; 7; 9 Hosea, 1; 2; 11. Harris, Week 6 a) Tues. Isaiah of Jerusalem Readings: Isaiah 6; 1:1-2:4; 7-9; 11; 20. Harris, b) Thurs. Jeremiah Jeremiah, 1-2; 7; 20; Harris, Week 7 a) Tues. Mid-term Test b) Thurs. Ezekiel Readings: Ezekiel, 1-4; 16; Harris, Week 8 a) Tues. Second and Third Isaiah Readings: Isaiah 40; 49; 52-53; 56; 66. Harris, ;

4 b) Thurs. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi Readings: Haggai 1 and 2; Zechariah 3-6, and 14; Malachi 3. Harris, ; 226. Week 9 a) Tues. Biblical Analysis due b) Historical Background to New Testament Readings: Harris, ; 321; Week 10 a) Tues. Mark Readings: Gospel of Mark Harris, ; b) Thurs. Matthew Readings: Matthew 1-5; Harris, Week 11 a) Tues. Luke and Q Readings: Luke 1-4; 10; Harris, ; b) Thurs. John Readings: John 1-4; Harris, Week 12 a) Tues. Gospel of Thomas and the Quest for Historical Jesus Readings: Gospel of Thomas & Gospel of Judas (pdf files). Harris, ; b) Thurs. Tues. 3/2 Acts, Pentecostalism and the Council in Jerusalem Excerpts from The Holy Ghost People documentary Readings: Acts 2, 10 and 15; Galatians 2:1-10. Harris, Week 13 a) Tues. Paul, pt. 1 Readings: Acts 9; Acts 21:15-26; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11; 1 Corinthians 1 Cor. 9:19-23; 11:23-26; 15:3-11; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. Harris, b) Thurs. Paul, pt. 2

5 Galatians 1-6; Romans 11. Harris, Week 14 a) Tues. James and Hebrews Readings: James 1-2; Hebrews 1-2; 7-8; 11. Harris, ; b) Thurs. Revelation Readings: Revelation 1; 4-7; 12-14; 16:12-16; 17; 19:11-end of 22. Harris, Week 15 Final Exam