The Bible as Literature

The Bible is a complex and fascinating anthology of ancient literature written by many different people over the course of 1400 years. The focus of this course will be on reading the Bible as literature. Students will engage the diverse literary genres in the Bible and consider the biblical writers’ creative deployment of poetic form, plot devices, narrative styles and figures of speech. The class will cover biblical narrative, wisdom poetry, lament and praise psalms, gospels, parables, epistles, satire and visionary literature. The class will also investigate a host of figures of speech with biblical examples.

Class will meet twice a week. Homework leading up to the first session will focus on content (issues of genre and figures of speech). Homework leading up to the second session will be the examination of a passage. First class meeting will be content driven. Second class meeting will be skill practice.

Students will be evaluated as follows:

• 20% - Reading Response Quizzes
• 20% - Participation in Second class meeting and online discussions
• 40% - Four Projects (one each quarter analyzing a text)
• 20% - Final Exam (study guide will be given)

Course Objectives:

Cognitive Goals

1. Identify the basic genres of literature found in scripture and the rules that interpret them
2. Identify figures of speech in a text and from its context determine its meaning
3. Better understand the nature of scripture with both divine and human authors
4. Understand Hebrew parallelism in its various forms and be able to explain the author’s meaning
5. Exhibit increasing skill in the interpretation of the literary elements in specific passages of scripture
6. Become familiar with the issues of validity and interpretation the arguments regarding locus of meaning

Affective Goals

1. Develop confidence in their ability to interpret the literary elements in scripture
2. Develop an appreciation for the wonder of scripture, its message, and the skill of its authors

Texts:

Required Texts (2)

• Bible (no particular version required; instructor will use English Standard Version)
• How to Read the Bible as Literature by Leland Ryken (Publisher: Zondervan, 1985 - ISBN-13: 978-0310390213)

Recommended Text (1)

• The Literary Study Bible: ESV – English Standard Version, Authors/Editors: Leland Ryken and Philip Graham Ryken (Publisher: Crossway, 2007 - ISBN-13: 978-1581348088)