The Bible as Literature

Spring 2026, Mondays and Wednesdays, 3.30 – 4.45 p.m.

The Bible has it all: love poetry, war, family history, wisdom. Though many people read the Bible for its theological content, this course considers it as a work of literature. Beginning with Genesis, we will explore the fundamental categories of literary analysis—narrative and character, poetry and form—as these bear on the single most influential work in human history. Through close reading, we will deepen our understanding of ancient West Asian civilization and tackle the major questions of biblical interpretation: Where does this text come from? How does it construct national identity, persuade skeptical readers, and represent human existence? How do we deal with contradictions and obscurity? We will read and analyze books from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian New Testament; at intervals we will also look at biblical echoes, adaptations, and reinterpretations in the Qur’an.

No prior coursework in literature or in religion is assumed, but an open mind and good will are essential. Weekly short response papers, two exams, and a participation grade.