Course Catalogue

Bible, Literature and Culture Non Honours TRS3025

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will focus on two key questions: first, how has the Judeo-Christian Bible influenced modern and contemporary literature, art and film? Second, how can the Bible be read as literature, and what does this mean for its status as a sacred text?

Timetable

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

 

This is one of the Level 3 options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D3 or above in any TRS level 2 course or at the discretion of the Head of Theology and Religious Studies.

Excluded Courses

TRS4013 TRS : The Bible, Literature And Culture

TRS4060  Bible, Literature & Culture 

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2,000 words) - 50%

■ Essay (1,500 words) - 40%

■ Presentation of 5 minutes - 10%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Recorded presentation or one-to-one presentation with staff as alternative to presentation.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore various aspects of biblical and literary texts and their relationships in light of historical criticism and modern literary theory;

■ assess critically approaches to the Bible as literature;

■ explore the relationship between cultural analysis and biblical interpretation.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ present their understanding of how biblical texts have functioned and continue to function within confessing communities;

■ identify and reflect on the assumptions and methods of both historical criticism and modern literary approaches to biblical texts;

■ describe the role that specific passages have played within the Jewish and Christian faiths;

■ determine the continuing influence of particular biblical texts in poetry, literature, film, art, and wider culture;

■ present complex arguments in written and oral form.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions