About the Bible as Literature Course
I have taught this course for the past 15 years, on and off. Everytime I teach the class I find new and exciting things from the class. For some students, the class is more challenging than they could have possibly imagined. And I can save you some time by identifing who those students are: The Students who do not read the assigned readings. Understand that this is a Literature course. The dirty little secret about Literature courses at the college level is that you have to read some literature. So, if you feel that you just can't get yourself to read, then do youself a favor and drop the course early. For those of you who actually enjoy reading, especially when you are reading things that interest you, then you are going to have a lot of fun in this class. Feel free to ask questions, send emails, correspond, or call whenever you need. I learn as much from your questions and ideas as I do by teaching the class!
History: It is a Place to Start
If the Bible is "new" literature for you, let me welcome you to a treasure trove of discovery! I recall taking a Religion course for the first time years ago and learning the stories of the Bible in that class. The basic History and background of the Biblical accounts are the first place to start. Some of you come in knowing who Samuel, Saul, and David are. Some of you have no clue who the Patriarchs are (Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, or Joseph) nor their wives. The good news is that is doesn't matter a grat deal.
To be sure, it is going to be easier for those that understand the basic History of the Bible. If for no other reason, it allows you to "think through" the stories in logical sequence. So if you don't know the basic stories that we will be reading, start by taking notes about who the characters are and what they do or don't do. Who are their wives? Their sons and daughters? Their basic attitudes toward life and God? Jot these things down and you will develop a timeline and a short history that will be very important to your success.
Future Plans: Where are we going?
The goal is to read closely the various stories of the Bible to understand them as literary art. These books of the Bible, like any book, have an author and a meaning behind them. That meaning is discovered by reading the text of the stories and reading them closely enough to pick up literary clues as to what the author is emphasizing and what he hopes will happen. The goal is to undertand, interpret, and appreciate the stories as one would any book of great literary value. I am here for you every step of the way. Ask when you need anything.
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