ENG 306 8:00-9:30 MW Spring 2008
The English Bible is a literary classic that has had a great impact on the language and literature of the
western world. At its roots are ancient oral and written traditions from another culture. The study of the Bible as
literature provides a window on another world and an opportunity to examine the links between language and
literature, story and meaning.
Prerequisite: ENG 112.
Instructor: Dr. Robert B. Smith
The best way to contact me is by e-mail: smithrb(at sign)bgsu.edu
This syllabus is also available on line at: http://www.smithwrite.net/bgsufaculty.html
Office hours: Monday 9:30-10:30 and by appointment.
Class Procedure: Classes will be devoted to discussions of the readings and supplemented by lectures.
Requirements:
1. Class Attendance: Students must come prepared to participate in class discussion having completed the
relevant readings. Periodically, a brief written assignment will be completed at the end of class. The essay will be
a reflection on the material for that day, and will be given full credit when turned in at the conclusion of the class
session. In total, these account for 20% of the final grade and represent an attendance record. In this course your
Bible is the major textbook, and you are expected to have it with you for class participation.
2. Reports and Conduct: Two short essays (2-3 pages) on an approved topic are required. Each accounts
for 20% of the course grade. Papers must be typed and in proper MLA Style. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and
will result in an “F” for the term. If you are not certain as to what constitutes plagiarism, see the description at http:
//www.utoronto.ca/writing/plagsep.html. This course is conducted in accordance with the Code of Academic
Conduct and the Code of Student Conduct of Bowling Green State University.
3. Examinations: There will be two examinations. One is a quiz which will be given early in the term and will
count for 10% of the grade. The final exam will be worth 30%. Each will consist of objective questions and
possibly one essay. Your best preparation for the final will be the completion of all the study sheets and
attendance at lectures.
4. Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability, it is your responsibility to work with the
Teaching and Learning Center’s Office of Disability Services (North Building Room 230). They will work with you
on an instructional and testing plan that will help me accomplish my educational objectives for this course.
5. Grade Scale: A=90-100%, B=80-89.9, C=70-79.9, D=60-69.9, F<60.
6. Textbooks: Rob Smith, Cultural Perspectives on the Bible: A Beginner’s Guide and a study Bible which
contains the Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical Books. If you do not know what the Apocrypha is, it is probably not in
your translation of the Bible. (The Apocrypha traditionally contains fifteen books which are located between the
Old and New Testaments in the Roman Catholic Bible.)
Recommended translation:
The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha/ Deuterocanonical Books.
Not recommended:
The King James Version or the New King James Version (While the KJV is a literary masterpiece, it is based on
the Textus Receptus, a work by Desiderius Erasmus which was drawn from flawed manuscripts.)
The New International Version (NIV), The Living Bible, and paraphrases in general (The distinction between
paraphrases and translations is considerable when choosing a study Bible. While many choose a paraphrase for
devotional reading, they are less closely tied to the original languages.)
General note: You will be graded on what you know, not on what you believe (or whether you agree with the
instructor). You are expected to master the biblical data and to attain an analytical perspective on this important
literature and its influence on Western civilization. Sometimes this analytical perspective will be disconcerting to
your faith perspective (other times, it may enhance it), but the course is not designed to challenge or support your
faith. You must, however, demonstrate an awareness of historical and cultural differences which affect present
understandings of the ancient texts, and how the Bible itself has influenced Western thought.
January
7 M Looking Over a Time Gap: The Bible as ancient, oriental literature:
A brief overview of the form and structure of the Bible within various faith traditions and the making of ancient
books will be offered. An introduction to the historical/cultural approach to interpretation and discussion on
translations and the politics of power is also included.
9 W Words, Words, Words: The use of language in the structuring of thought. The Western world has
inherited an affinity for abstraction. Hebrew is a picture-language. How do these two worlds of language interact
in biblical interpretation?
Read: Psalm 42; Genesis 4:1-16.
14 M Saga vs. History: What is considered primary, the meaning or the event? In this class we shall examine
the role of storytelling in the formation of community.
Read: Genesis 6:1 - 9:17.
16 W Motifs From the Time Before Time: Genesis 1-11. In this first presentation we will approach the
creation story as a theological narrative rather than as a science. What does the text tell of the purpose of
God and the relationship of the human family to the earth? How have differing interpretations colored
attitudes toward eco-justice?
Read: Genesis 1:1 - 2:25; Psalm 8.
21 M No class (Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday observed)
23 W Motifs From the Time Before Time: Genesis 1-11 (continued). Humanity redefines itself by trying to
take what it has already been given. Is the serpent the cause or the excuse? How can you maintain the
concept of God’s sovereignty in the face of the presence of evil?
Read: Genesis 3:1-24. Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 1-45
28 M The Journey Begins: The Age of the Patriarchs. During a wave of migrations from the east, one family
sets out on a pilgrimage.
Read: Genesis 12:1-9; 15:1-20; 16:1-6; 18:1-15; 21:1-19
30 W Fathers and Mothers: The Jacob cycle.
Read: Genesis 27:1 - 28:22 Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 46-74
February
4 M Sons and Brothers: The Joseph cycle. Read: Genesis 37:1-36 41:46 - 45:15
6 W Quiz and Discussion on the use of narrative in a "picture language"
11 M Duel of the Gods: A king seals his doom.
Read: Exodus 1:15 - 2:22; 3:1-15
13 W Passover: An event beyond time. Recitation and ritual used in the formation of community.
Read: Exodus 12:21-42; Deuteronomy 26:4-11
18 M Moses and the Covenant: (First essay is due.)
Read: Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 32:1-20; Exodus 33:7 -34:10
20 W Wilderness Wandering: Two views. Is it a punishment, or the golden age? The Tabernacle
presence
Read: Exodus 16:1-30 Numbers 13:1-14:10 Hosea 11:3, 4
25 M Conquest of the Land and the Rise of the Judges: An uneasy time.
Read: Joshua 4:1-24; Judges 6:11 - 7:23; I Samuel 3:1-21
27 W Voices Nearly Mute: Two Festival Scrolls (Ruth and Esther)
Read: Ruth
March
(March3-7 Spring Break)
10 M To Be Like the Nations: A crisis in leadership or redefinition of faith?
Read: I Samuel 8:1-22; I Samuel 28:3-19
Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 75-95
12 W Saul, David, and the Institution of the Temple:
Read: I Samuel 17:17 - 18:9; II Samuel 7:1-29
17 M The Writings: Poetry, proverbs, and the teaching of the wise. Literature seeks to translate the
experience of God into the life of the people.
Read: Proverbs 1:7; 8:1-36; 11:1, 24 Psalm 46; Psalm 84
Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 96-101
19 W Divided Kingdom and the Rise of Prophesy: A people at the crossroads of world power. Reliance on
treaties and alliances endangers the covenant people. Prophets challenge the status quo, and clarify the
way of faith.
Read: I Kings 17:1-24; 18:17 - 19:18
Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 102-110
18 F Exile and Restoration: An apocalyptic vision.
Read: Psalm 137
24 M The Inter-testament: The world is conquered, but there is no peace.
31 M The Form and Structure of the New Testament: Its background, growth, and content.
Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 111-140
April
2 W The emergence of a sect of Judaism: Galilee confronts Jerusalem The proclamation of the
kerygma inaugurates a community of faith.
Read: Acts 1 & 2
7 M Meaning Overtaking Events: The Apostle Paul. Some observers of Western culture attribute the
Apostle Paul with greater influence than Jesus. In fact, the term “Pauline Christianity” is used to delineate
the teachings of this man who, in all likelihood, never met Jesus of Nazareth.
Read: Romans 8:1-39; Philippians 2:1-11; Galatians: 3:23-29
9 W The Gospels as Prophetic and Apologetic Tradition: John the Baptist and Jesus. Reading the Gospels
as Jesus in the memory of the early church.
Read: Luke 3:1-22; 4:1-37
Read: Cultural Perspectives on the Bible, 141-157 (Second essay is due.)
14 M Peasant teachings and Revolutionary Times: Jesus’ critics find fault, some give praise.
Read: Luke 15:1-32 Luke 16:19-31
16 W The Little Apocalypse: Is it the end of the world or just what it says? Before jumping to conclusions, look
at the context and the imagery. Seem familiar?
Read: Mark 13:1-37 Daniel 9:27 11:31,32 Read: Smith, 158-187
21 M Images of the Kingdom: Christianity Under Persecution
Read: Revelation 1:1-8 Revelation 21:1 - 22:21
22 W Ancient Motifs and Modern Myths: An exploration into a literary heritage. Review for final.
FINAL EXAM: Wednesday, April 30, 8:00-10:00 am
Library Resources and Electronic reserves
The following are recommended as starting places for those choosing to write a research paper. They are
available through the campus library:
Freedman, David N., ed. The Anchor Bible Dictionary. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
Harris, Stephen. Understanding the Bible. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003.
Hauer, Christian and Young, William. An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into Three Worlds. Upper Saddle
River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1998
Electronic Reserves (password: 306s08rs06) include the following articles from:
The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. ED. George Buttrick. Nashville: Abingdon, 1962.
“Anoint,” “Dualism,” “Hospitality,” “Law in the OT,” “Marriage,” “Medicine,” “Tribe,” and “Woman.”
BGSU FIrelands
ENGLISH 306: The Bible as Literature
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