RELI 200 \ HUMA 107
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Overview
The course explores the role of the Bible in the Western tradition. The first part discusses the Bible as catalyst in the major communication shifts from orality to chirography (scroll, codex), and on to the print medium. The second part views the Bible's role in fostering the artistic imagination. Visual presentations of biblical themes will illustrate the Bible's part in shaping the powers of invention and cognition. The third part deals with the Bible as source of ethical, literary, and theological creativity, and examines its role in generating attitudes in Western civilization -- for better and for worse. The Bible's diverse and sometimes contradictory influences will be taken into account, ranging from a deeply mythological, culture-supportive ideology all the way to a demythologizing consciousness and culture criticism.
This is a lecture/discussion course. In addition to selections from the primary source (The Holy Bible, new rev. standard version, American Bible Society, 1989), twenty-seven secondary sources, e.g., brief excerpts from books and articles, are required reading. The secondary sources are compiled in a Reader (course pack) available in the Campus Bookstore. It is essential to complete all primary and secondary readings by the assigned date.
Policies
Andy student with a disability requiring an accomodation in this regard is encouraged to speak with me at the earliest possible time, preferably at the first session, January 13th. Additionally, a student with disabilities should contact Disabled Student Services in the Ley Student Center.
The evaluation places a fairly high premium on class attendance and participation. In addition, there will be a two-hour take-home midterm exam (handed out February 26; due after Spring Break on March 9th), and a final self-scheduled exam to be taken during final exam week. A paper (ca. 8-10 pages) is also required that reflects on, or develops any given theme of this course, or develops a new theme not covered in the syllabus. In these papers, originality, thoughtfulness and carefully written prose are desirable.
Attendance and Participation: 20% Midterm Take-Home: 25% Research Paper: 20% Final Exam: 35%
Last updated: January 12, 2004
Maintained by: Werner H. Kelber