REL 222 -- Intro to the Bible

Gutenberg Bible [link]

Expanded course description

The Judeo-Christian Bible is one of the most important literary influences on Western culture and society. It is sacred text for three major world religions and up to the 19th century, fluency with the Bible could be assumed of educated persons in the Western world. Hence, deep familiarity with its images and ideas is required to appreciate much of Western art, music and literature, as well to understand history, law, and religion.

This course provides an indispensable foundation for anyone interested in the Western world and its heritage, and/or religion in general. The primary focus will be on studying the Biblical texts in their literary and historical context. Students will gain a basic knowledge of the Bible in terms of its content and function as literature, historical source, and religious text. They will also become familiar with the methods and main conclusions of modern critical scholarship on the Bible. No prior knowledge of the Bible is required, only a curiosity about this text, its origins, and its cultural and social context. This course or its equivalent is a prerequisite for several Religious Studies courses.

Group: A&L

Offered 200603.

Syllabus

Although syllabi can change from term to term, a syllabus may provide further information about typical instances of this course.