Date:
6/27/2006
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
PORTALES—The advice never to judge a book by its cover applies to students taking a "Bible as Literature" course offered July 3–28 at Eastern New Mexico University.
Antony Oldknow, an English professor, says open-minded students can see the scriptures with a new perspective and gain an appreciation for the Bible's literary merits and cultural influence.
"I expect most students to leave the class having looked at the Bible with a refreshingly new light, and to have discovered that, looked at objectively, the work can tell them a great deal about themselves and their society."
The class, ENG 430P/530P, counts as an upper-division elective for English majors and minors but is open to all students. "This class will—without ideological strings attached—be looking at the Bible as a book," he said.
Oldknow enjoys informing students about the forgotten parts of holidays, such as Good Friday and discussing how the Bible has been used as a political force.
"I like particularly well the fact that students find themselves able to actually enjoy the literature involved in the work, instead of being vaguely afraid of it," he said.
Oldknow will also be tackling what he calls sequel works, such as The Book of Mormon and The Koran. Oldknow added that he will show how these other works tie in with the Bible, both religiously and in literature.
The class, held on Eastern's campus, will also be offered at several remote sites through instructional television.
For more information, call Oldknow at 505.562.2688.