Biblical Narrative and Imagery

"In order to read literature well you obviously need to know the Bible in the King James Version . . . . if you're going to understand anything written before the late 19th century." - Poet Malcolm Guite

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the rich tapestry of storytelling and imagery used in the Bible to tell stories nested within an overarching narrative.

Students will engage in close readings and critical analysis of selected biblical narratives, identifying literary techniques and narrative strategies employed by the authors. Through the study of recurring metaphors, symbolism, and visual elements in the Bible, students will explore the vivid imagery used to add multi-layered and self-referencing meaning to the text. This course will also investigate how the Bible has then influenced literature, art, and culture beyond its original context.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will have gained an appreciation for the literary shape and artistic meaning throughout the Bible and an understanding of how these elements have provided an enduring relevance, shaping human culture and thought over centuries.

Texts:

• "Echoes in Exodus: Tracing Themes of Redemption through Scripture," by Alistair J. Roberts and Andrew Wilson
• "The Literary Structure of the Old Testament: A Commentary on Genesis-Malachi," by David A Dorsey
• "The Four: A Survey of the Gospels," by Peter Leithart
• "Through New Eyes: Developing a Biblical View of the World," by James B. Jordan
• "The Owl, The Raven and the Dove: The Religious Meaning of the Grimms' Magic Fairy Tales," by G. Ronald Murphy, S.J.