RELI 201-2 Bible and
Western Culture
Parish Episcopal
Term: Spring 2008
Room: 4025
Instructor: Dr. Stuart
Chepey
Course Description:
Religion 201 Bible and Western
Culture (1/3 Credit)
Prerequisite: None.
This course introduces the literature of the Bible and examines its influence
on the heritage of western civilization.
The primary emphasis will be to familiarize students with the Old and
New Testaments; however topics such as the formation of the biblical canon,
textual criticism, Bible translation and methods of interpretation also will be
discussed. Secondary emphasis will
include discussion of the biblical worldview and its impact on the history,
art, literature, architecture, jurisprudence, and other aspects of western
culture.
Required
Dyas, D. and E. Hughes. The Bible in Western Culture.
ISBN 0-415-32618-4
*Coogan, M. D., et al. eds. The New
University Press, 2001. *Classroom copy provided
Course Objectives and
Methodology:
The objective of this course is to introduce you, the student, to the general history, content, and different methods of interpreting the Christian sacred text. Moreover, it is to prepare you to better understand and appreciate historical and contemporary allusions to the Bible in those aspects of western culture you engage with, many times unawares, on a routine basis (especially within your broader academic studies). In order to facilitate this objective, classes will typically consist of lectures given by the instructor and in-class examinations of key biblical texts, themes, and relevant samples of western culture.
Note: This course progresses under the opinion that without a thorough understanding of the Bible, together with its transmission and interpretation among Christians in the West, one cannot participate effectively within western society, and for all practical purposes, American society in particular. Your present experience, in other words, as well as your future as a college student and voting citizen genuinely will be more productive as the result of the efforts you put into this class.
Recommended Supplies:
In addition to the course text, a folder should be purchased (if you haven’t purchased one already) in which to organize supplemental reading material.
Course Policies:
No credit will be given on assignments handed in after due dates.
Quizzes, tests, or written
assignments missed due to absence may be made up only by arrangement with the
instructor. YOU must initiate this
arrangement; I will not approach you, as this is a waste of my time.
No food and /or drinks
are allowed in the classroom. For all
other matters relating to my expectations of student conduct, I refer you to
the student handbook and the
Additional Notes:
It is imperative that assigned readings be completed on schedule, as class sessions will involve relevant quizzes and group discussions in addition to lectures provided by the instructor.
Class activities will typically comprise the following: (1) lectures; (2) discussions on key biblical texts and themes; (3) quizzes over assigned reading material; (4) one break if needed (five minutes).
Course Credit: 1/3 Religion Credit
Grade Type: Whole Letter Grade (A-F)
A=90-100
B=80-89
C=70-79
D=60-69
F=59 and below
(For further particulars see the Parent and Student Handbook)
Skills and Other
Emphases:
Textual analysis,
critical thinking, and cultural awareness are skills emphasized and developed
in this course.
Student Assessment:
Student grades are based on tests over
classroom discussions and quizzes over assigned readings. 60% percent of the student’s final average is
comprised of test scores and 40% percent of quiz scores.
Special note on quiz and test formats:
Quizzes are multiple-choice and/or
True-False.
Tests are multiple-choice (20%), short
answer (10%), and essay (70%). Short answers: There will be one short
answer question on each test; it must be written in one paragraph of good
quality. The question will typically
involve your analysis of a work of western art that I will provide. Essays:
Two essays will be written in class in a Blue Book that I will provide for
you during the test. Essays are to be
four Blue Book pages each. I will give
you a number of essay questions to choose from in advance of the test. Each essay must consist of the following
(without exception): an introductory paragraph with a clear thesis statement;
well well-reasoned support paragraphs; a conclusion. NOTE:
YOU must take the responsibility in meeting with me before each test date to
discuss your progress on your essays.
The essays are short, but they must be of high quality.
Section One:
Text and Transmission of the Bible
The
Testaments and the Apocrypha (Quiz, Dyas, 1-10) – 3/6
|
|
Canonicity; Manuscripts – 3/10 |
|
*Test
– 3/14 |
Section Two: Old
Testament
Prehistory:
Genesis 1-11
Creation
– Genesis 1:1-2:3; 2:4-25 (Quiz, Dyas, 11-17; Genesis and Exodus) – 3/26
|
|
The Fall – Genesis 3:1-24 (Quiz, Days, 18-21; Discussion:
Western Literature - J. Milton, |
History of
|
|
Section Three: New Testament Gospels (Quiz, Dyas, 152-159) – 5/5
|
Passion
Narratives (Quiz, Matthew and Luke [KJV])
– 5/9
|