English 51B: The Bible and Literature

a learning guide (one half unit)

Course designed by Karen Thomas, A.M.

Revised by Daniel S. Bopp

Edited by Joan Parsons Wang, Ph.D.

Indiana University School of Continuing Studies Division of Extended Studies

Introduction English 51B: The Bible and Literature Introduction and Objectives This course assumes two things: 1) that the Bible can be evaluated in the same manner as any great work of literature, and 2) that Bible references are found throughout non-religious, or secular, writings. (We are studying the Bible as literature and the Bible in literature.) This course does not follow any particular set of religious beliefs. It deals with the form and con tent of the texts themselves. Therefore, it might be necessary to suspend judgment or to keep an open mind if there are differences of interpreta tion. I hope the course will not only give you a better knowledge of litera ture and composition, but will also offer a better understanding of the Bible. Remember that time and space limitations keep us from doing any thing but a basic survey of the material. There is much, much more to be studied, and I hope you’ll be inspired and prepared to do more later, inde pendently. The reading selections include historical narrative, poetry and the short story; they deal with both comedy and tragedy, ancient history and more contemporary ideas. Many of the historical selections contain vocabulary seldom used today. This vocabulary has been footnoted in the text along with other difficult words, persons, places and events. Another objective of the course will be to use these helps to increase vocabulary and per haps to expand your notions of history. Finally, it is hoped that the course will teach writing skills and give you a chance to exercise some creativity in the written assignments. Caution:

v

Introduction English 51B

your own insights should be balanced with demonstrated knowledge of the texts, and then your written work may include pertinent references to any other books, systems of religious beliefs, films, poetry, music lyrics, scientific theories, art, etc.

Qualifications Literature and the Bible is a course for high school juniors and seniors. Normally, two years of high school literature are required. Sophomores who feel they have special qualifications in English may also take the course.

Textbooks The Bible as/in Literature, edited by James S. Ackerman and Thayer S. Warshaw, is the only required text for the course. There are additional readings in the learning guide which also are required. Some sections of the learning guide are summarized from 1) Teaching the Old Testament in English Classes, James S. Ackerman and Alan Wilkin Jenks and Edward B. Jenkinson with Jan Blough; and 2) An Introduction to New Testament Literature, Donald Juel with James S. Ackerman and Thayer S. Warshaw. Since the Bible selections in the text are from the Revised Standard Bible, a King James Bible or other translation might be helpful for comparison, as a second source for your own information, or for the written work. The readings in the learning guide are from the King James Bible, a more po etic if more difficult to understand translation. There will be eight lessons selected from The Bible as/in Literature. Any readings not assigned are suggested for additional depth. They are not re quired but you might want to draw from them on assignments or exams.

Requirements and Grading Procedures You are expected to spend a minimum of five hours on each lesson. Each lesson should be read at least twice. A written assignment is required for each lesson and should be typed double-spaced or neatly written in long hand (also double-spaced). Please leave a two-inch margin on the left for comments. The written assignments make up one half of your grade; a fi nal examination is equal to the other half. You should get into the habit of doing close readings and then trying to complete the written assignments

vi

Introduction English 51B

with book closed. However, any direct quotes should be checked for ac curacy on assignments. No books are allowed for the final exam, and you must pass the final examination in order to pass the course. Remember: You will be graded on assignments and exam not only for con tent, but for form, clarity, grammar, spelling and punctuation. In some cases you might be asked to rewrite a previous assignment to be returned with the next lesson.

Plagiarism As stated in Independent Study brochures, “A student must not adopt or reproduce ideas, words, or statements of another person without an appro priate acknowledgment. A student must give due credit to the originality of others and acknowledge an indebtedness whenever he or she does any of the following: 1. quotes another person’s actual words, either oral or written; 2. paraphrases another person’s words, either oral or written; 3. uses another person’s idea, opinion, or theory; or 4. borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative material, unless the infor mation is common knowledge.”

Contacting Your Instructor With each lesson you are required to submit an assignment cover sheet. Every assignment cover sheet has a space for your questions and com ments; you are strongly encouraged to use this space. If problems arise be tween assignments, you can write to your instructor at the Division of Extended Studies. You can also reach most instructors by calling our toll-free numbers be tween 8 a.m. and noon or between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. on working days. (Bloomington is on Eastern Standard Time all year.) Our business office is open until 5 p.m. and is reached through these same toll-free numbers. Bloomington and outside the toll-free area

(812)855-3693

Other Indiana locations

(800)822-4762

Nationwide

(800)457-4434

vii

Table of Contents: English 51B

Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Study Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Required Study Materials Order Form

Lessons

1 Stories from the Beginning Ancestors of Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 From Slavery to Freedom Israel’s Youthful Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 3 Anointed Kings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 4 Varieties of Biblical Poetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 5 Why Do The Righteous Suffer? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 6 Jesus: Birth and Early Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 7 Jesus: Teachings, Death and Resurrection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 8 In the End of Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 9 Tips for the Final Examination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Application for the Final Examination

Bulletin Request Form Selling Your Textbooks