RELI 189 - The Bible as Book

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as MEDS 189) The Bible is one of the most influential texts in Western history, but we seldom stop to think about its own history, and in particular the variety of textual, illustrative, and physical forms it has taken throughout the centuries. Yet if we do, we see that there have been great differences in what constituted “the Bible” and this has affected how it was disseminated, read, and discussed. This course explores this history and these changes, using the Archives & Special Collections Library-where a fabulous Bible collection is housed-as a laboratory. Here we “go to the source” and look closely at various examples to learn about aspects of design such as format, lettering, writing surfaces, illustration, and binding. We also ask questions about the role and meaning of the Bible at particular times and in particular places. Through reading, conversation, and reflection, we develop responses to our questions, and then learn how to convey these responses, clearly and effectively, in written form. Ms. Bucher and Mr. Patkus.

Open only to freshmen; satisfies the college requirement for a Freshman Writing Seminar.

Two 75-minute periods.