The Bible in Music, Art and Literature
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| THEO1016 | Philosophy | 1 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- THEO1016
- School
- Philosophy
- Level
- 1
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The Bible is a perennial bestseller and its influence on Western culture is unparalleled. This influence is not always obvious though, nor limited to the 'religious sphere'. In the Arts - whether Bach or The Beatles, Michelangelo or Monty Python - the use of the Bible is extremely varied. This module explores the ways the Bible is drawn upon in art, music and literature ranging from ancient Jewish synagogue mosaics and early Christian iconography, to contemporary - secular – films, music and other artforms. Students are encouraged not only to engage with case studies of works of art which demonstrate the use and influence of the Bible, but also to consider critically the way in which art, music and literature (and other kinds of ‘art’) - both 'religious' and 'secular' - function as biblical interpretations, and as part of the Bible's 'reception-history'. The module is taught by a variety of theologians in the department, specialising in different areas of the Bible's reception. Introductory contributions on the influence of the Bible on, and through, a range of authors, musicians and artists can be seen in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies' Bibledex video project (www.bibledex.com).
Target Students
Available to all students including subsidiary, Liberal Arts, and exchange students
Classes
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 10 weeks
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: One essay of 2000 words (max) or project.
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
1. To introduce a variety of significant examples of the use and influence of the Bible across theArts.2. To engage in the critical assessment of these as both works of art and biblical interpretation.3. To examine the relationship between traditional biblical exegesis and biblical 'reception' in theArts.Learning Outcomes
It is expected that by the end of the module, students will have:
Knowledge and Understanding:
1. Familiarity with a range of works of art which demonstrate the use and influence of the Bible, and the ability to situate these works within their historical contexts;
2. Familiarity with the development and methods of biblical 'reception-history';
Intellectual skills:
3. The ability to assess the impact and influence of a text (in this case the Bible) on and through a variety of media;
4. Awareness of the ways in which a text and its interpretation may be disseminated;
Transferable Skills:
5. The ability to think, discuss and write in an informed, structured and coherent manner;
6. An understanding of the value of communicating through a variety of media.
Conveners
- Dr Douglas Ingram