Welcome to our study of the Bible and literature! Because the Bible has played a central role in Western cultures and literature, basic knowledge of the Bible is necessary for students in the English Department. Therefore, this course will acquaint you with important biblical genres, stories, characters, concepts, and values. Furthermore, we will apply methods of literary analysis to biblical texts. This course will also help you to develop skills for reading, analyzing, and interpreting the Bible; and you will foster your listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills as we read, discuss, and write about the Bible. These are important and ambitious goals, but equally important is that you enjoy the texts we will read and discuss. Finally, as a result of your study, you will better understand yourself and the world around you. This term you will be expected to regularly contribute to classroom discussions, write reading journals, join a small group, make oral presentations, complete two exams, and do various other assignments related to our readings.

As you will soon find out, this class is not typical: we will be delightfully casual as we together read and discuss the biblical texts. You and your classmates will form a community of readers, writers, and speakers who will help one another. You can expect whole class and small group discussions and activities. Because of this, a friendly and comfortable environment will be important throughout this course. Don't let my use of the word "casual" confuse you, however: for a class like this to work, active and constant participation is required from everyone!

Our class will be web-assisted so that we can go beyond the walls and boundaries of the traditional classroom. By using the internet, you will have access to many helpful sites on the World Wide Web about the Bible and its relationship to literature; you will be able to discuss freely with your classmates and me the texts that we will read for class; and you will receive specific and helpful instructions and materials that relate to the texts under discussion. Our online site will also contain supplementary audio and visual materials relating to the Bible.

Attendance

As you may have guessed already, because of our basic format, I expect you to attend every class session and to come prepared. Attendance will be taken each class throughout the term. Because participation is part of your final grade, plan to attend every class and come prepared to express your ideas and opinions. Attendance will be taken throughout the term. If you miss more than three classes, your final grade for the course will be lowered. Please remember: if you are not present, you cannot participate, and participation is necessary in this class. I expect you to come on time and ready to work. Coming to class late will also lower your course grade. Quizzes will be given at the beginning of the hour only, so if you are not on time, you will not receive full credit for the quiz.

Texts

Our basic textbook is the second edition of the Good News Bible: Today's English Version (New York: American Bible Society, 1993). I also recommend W.B. Fulghum's A Dictionary of Biblical Allusions in English Literature. Besides these texts, we will also have additional reading materials available either on our class website or on handouts. In addition I may also refer to other translations of the Bible.

Reading Journals

Regularly throughout the term you will be expected to write a journal in which you respond to the reading assignment for that week. The journals are your chance to give your personal response and understanding of the texts we read. You may want to present your thoughts about the text, questions that you have, and the results of visiting relevant web sites (at least ONE entry). You are required to write at least three journal entries online. If you respond online to other students' online journals, you will receive credit. Late journals are not accepted.

Grading Policy

1.) Group presentations, journals, quizzes, and participation (33%)
2.) Midterm Exam (33%)
3.) Final exam (33%)

Plagiarism

Presenting other people's work as though it were your own is a serious mistake. Plagiarism-whether intentional or unintentional-is not acceptable and will severely lower your grade. It is essential that you do your own work for this class.