The course aims to introduce the Bible to the beginning student. Through this course the student will learn about the literary and historical context of the Bible and related material. The student will also learn about the composition, authorship, and canonization of the biblical books. The course allows the student to explore the world of the Bible by reading the Bible, reading extra biblical material, and responding to the course material through questions. The course is intended to be a survey of the biblical material highlighting important issues within the text and within the historical context.

Objectives:
-To provide an understanding of the Biblical text and the world which they emerged to the beginning student.
-To give students a start to more advanced study of the biblical material.
-To help students develop scholarly method within the field of Biblical Studies.
-To help students develop an appreciation for the biblical texts regardless of religious preference or belief.

Required Textbooks:

Hauer, Christian E. and William A. Young. An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into Three Worlds. Sixth Edition. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2005 (Paperback).

Bible (suggested versions):

The New Oxford Annotated Bible (with the Apocrypha). New Revised Standard Version. Third Edition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001 (Paperback).

HarperCollins Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version

New American Standard Version (NASB)

The student will be evaluated on the lectures and required reading in a Mid-term and final examination. These examinations will consist of multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions. In addition to the exams students are required to write 3 short papers each between 2 and 3 pages in length. All three papers are based upon selected readings and are each discussed in detail by the attached handout.

Mid-Term Exam Final Exam Paper #1 Old Testament Paper #2 New Testament Paper #3 Journal Article

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Assignment Schedule:

TBA