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Semester 2

The Bible in Literature (DIVI08003)

Subject

Divinity

College

CAHSS

Credits

20

Normal Year Taken

1

Delivery Session Year

2023/2024

Pre-requisites

Course Summary

This course offers an introduction to the biblical stories and themes which echo throughout literature in English. An exploration of the differences between quotation, allusion and echo, and the notion of reception criticism, will be followed by a thematic survey of key biblical narratives, and examples of their use in literary texts will be discussed. The influence of the King James Version will be assessed, and other translations considered.

Course Description

Academic Description: The course aims to enrich students' reading experience of texts in English by helping them to identify biblical themes in literary texts. In order to achieve this, the course offers an introduction to significant biblical themes and stories. The complexity and richness of the Bible, including the history of its composition and its own intertextual patterns, are explored. Biblical themes in poetry, drama and novels from a wide time perspective are considered, and their significance discussed. Theories about intertextuality are considered in relation to the Bible, and the history and influence of the King James Version of the biblical text is highlighted. Syllabus/Outline Content: The course will cover theoretical issues in the field, as well as offering an historical survey of selected biblical texts and their translations. Themes including creation and fall, exodus and exile, incarnation, the cross and the empty tomb, salvation and judgement will be covered, as will the role of characters such as women in the Bible. Literature from a wide time period will be read, and will include texts such as the poetry of Christina Rossetti, T.S. Eliot and Edwin Muir, novels by Charlotte Bronte and Margaret Atwood and drama by Arthur Miller. Student Learning Experience Information: The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, online material, a schedule of reading tasks and a one-hour tutorial each week. Each student will be required to participate in online discussion forums related to their tutorial groups and to write both a coursework essay and a final essay. In this way, they will demonstrate their achievement of the intended learning outcomes.

Assessment Information

Written Exam 0%, Coursework 80%, Practical Exam 20% 30% - Essay (1500 words) 50% - Final Essay (2500 words) 20% - Participation in the online Discussion Forum (including one 1000 word contribution)

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