RLST 3160/ENGL 2450
James E. Bowley
T/Th, 3:15PM
http://home.millsaps.edu/~bowleje/
Classroom: CC 5
bowleje@millsaps.edu
Office: CC 9; 974 1328
Office Hours: MWF: 11-12; T/Th: 1.30-2.30 & by appointment
I. Course Description
This is a poetry class, an ancient poetry class, an ancient Hebrew/Jewish
poetry class about passion. The ancient poetic passions that we will explore
are found in three classic Hebrew books of Bible: Psalms, Song of Songs, and
Lamentations, all of which appeal to deeply human emotions. In this class
we will read and discuss these classic poems carefully, listening to the workings
of Hebrew poetry, noting their literary setting, and, hopefully, enjoying
and wondering.
II. Specific Objectives
1. Learn basic content of the three poetry collections.
2. Gain familiarity with their ancient world environment.
3. Explore the poetic forms and expression of piety, sensuality, and loss.
4. Create, satisfy, and perpetuate curiosity for poetic learning.
Only you can prevent forest fires and only you can make this class valuable.
III. Our Poetic Friends' offerings.
1. Alter, Robert, The Art of Biblical Poetry. HarperCollins, 1984.
2. Bloch, Ariel and Chana, The Song of Songs. University of California, 1995.
3. Walsh, Carey, Exquisite Desire. Fortress, 2000.
4. Slavitt, David, The Book of Lamentations. Johns Hopkins, 2001.
5. Tanakh, Jewish Publication Society, 1985.
IV. Here are the multiple ways we will engage our poetic studies:
Learning Basic Information
Our final exam will consist of questions about "the basics" of our
three ancient poetry collections. Students will have a great deal of input
into the final exam.
Reading Engagements
For each of our three primary poetic texts and each of our five secondary
texts, students will write one 3-5 page reflection paper. The questions will
be distributed at least one week in advance.
Personal, Critical, Creative, Thinking Expression; Thesis paper
And what about you? What are you most interested in pursuing more deeply regarding
poetry and passions? Each student will write a 10-13 page paper regarding
one of the three poetic books covered in class. Students, in consultation
with the teacher, will choose the topics. Papers are intended to allow each
student to follow her/his curiosity for the sake of research, analysis, and
expression. Topics will be chosen by the fifth week of class.
IV. Outline and Assignments (Subject to revision)
Assignments are listed below in the boxes. EACH PAPER SHOULD INCLUDE AT THE
TOP, YOUR NAME, DATE, and NAME OF ASSIGNMENT. NO TITLE PAGES OR COVER SHEETS
Week 1 12 Jan. M: Introduction
W: Read "A Library of Tradition: the Beginnings of the Bible"
Tehelim: Psalms
Week 2 20 Jan. T: For the love of poetry
TH: Read "A Library of Tradition: The Beginnings of the Bible"
Week 3 27 Jan. T:
TH:
Week 4 3 Feb. T:
TH: Alter (Chpaters 1-3, 5,9) report due
Week 5 10 Feb. T:
TH:
Week 6 17 Feb. T:
TH: Psalms report due
Shir HaSherim: Song of Songs
Week 7 24 Feb. T:
TH:
Week 8 2 Mar. T:
TH: Walsh report due
Week 9 9 Mar. T:
TH:
: : : : : : : : : SPRING BREAK : : : : : : : : :
Week 10 23 Mar . T:
TH: Bloch/Song of Songs report due
Eika: Lamentations
Week 11 30 Mar. T:
TH:
Week 12 6 Ap. T:
TH: Lamentations report due
Week 13 13 Ap. T:
TH:
Week 14 20 Ap. T: Slavitt report due
TH: ATTENDANCE REQUIRED
Monday 26 April, 5.00 PM Final Paper due
Saturday 1 May 9.00 AM Final Exam