Maui Community College
Course Outline
1. Alpha and Number:
ENG 257R
Course Title:
The Bible as Literature
Number of credits:
3
Date of Outline:
March 30, 2004
2. Course Description:
Presents an introduction to major literary genres, styles,
techniques and themes in the Old and New Testaments.
Emphasizes poetry, short story, fiction, drama, history,
tragedy, myth, biography, legend, parable, proverb, psalm,
epic, heroic narrative, historical romance, gospel, epistle,
prophetic writing, and apocalyptic writing. Studies and
analyzes universal problems in selected literary works.
3. Contact Hours/Type:
3 Hours/Lecture
4. Prerequisites:
ENG 100 with at least a C.
Co-requisites:
Recommended Preparation:
Approved by
Date
5. General Course Objectives
In ENG 257R, students will be drawn into literary study as they read, discuss, analyze, and write about
the Bible as literature.
ENG 257R fulfills three of the 9 credits for the Humanities requirement for A.A. and three of the 12
credits for the Elective requirement for A.S. degree at Maui Community College. This course also fulfills
the requirements for the University of Hawai'i at Manoa General Education, Diversification, Arts,
Humanities, & Literatures (DL).
For detailed information on how ENG 257R focuses on the Maui Community College general education
standards, see the attached curricular grid.
6. Specific Course Competencies
For assessment purposes, these are linked to #7. Recommended Course Content.
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
a. consider the bible as literature using basic concepts and terminology of literary analysis;
b. write with an awareness of purpose and audience, using MLA style documentation when
appropriate;
c. identify, interpret, and discuss themes, metaphors, and symbols in the bible;
d. support interpretations with examples that demonstrate careful textual analysis;
e. research and organize information from various sources to formulate, develop, and support ideas in
essays and oral presentations;
f. identify major archetypal and other patterns in the bible;
g. revise, edit, and proofread essays for correctness, clarity, and effectiveness.
7. Recommended Course Content
Linked to #6. Student Learning Outcomes.
3 – 10 weeks:
Primary text study of the Bible (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
3 – 10 weeks:
Analysis of materials written about the Bible (a, b, c, d, e, f, g)
8. Text and Materials, Reference Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Content
Appropriate text(s) and materials will be chosen at the time the course is offered from those currently
available in the field. Examples include:
Text(s):
Davis’ Introduction to the Bible as Literature
NIV Bible
Handbook:
The Writer’s Reference by Diana Hacker
Other:
One (1) three-ring binder with dividers (notes, handouts, completed assignments, & journal)
Two (2)- DS/HD 360K 3 ½ “ or a zip diskette and a hard cover case
Miscellaneous:
Handouts
Guest speakers
Internet sources
9. Recommended Course Requirements and Evaluation
Specific course requirements are at the discretion of the instructor at the time the course is being
offered. Suggested requirements might include, but are not limited to:
Attendance and Participation
Class binder and Personal Journal/Notebook
Quizzes, Exercises, Daily Assignments
Portfolio Collection (including major papers)
Midterm Examination
Final Examination
10. Methods of Instruction
Instructional methods will vary considerably with instructors. Specific methods will be at the discretion of
the instructor teaching the course and might include, but are not limited to:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
large group lecture;
small group activities;
in-class exercises;
class or small-group discussion;
peer presentations;
computer, website, or video presentations and research;
audio, visual, or computer presentations;
student presentations and activities, individual or group;
other learning experiences, such as collaborative, service, and experiential;
guest lectures;
research;
one-to-one consultation and conferences;
peer editing of written work;
WebCT.