REL 311 Paper Topics

All papers should be 5-6 pages (typewritten, double-spaced) in length. Refer to biblical texts simply by book, chapter and verse. Cite the translation only if quoting. The papers may not require outside research beyond close examination of biblical texts, but if you do use other sources, ALL quotations must appear inside quotation marks and be followed by citation of the source. ALL ideas gathered from other sources and presented in your own words (i.e. "paraphrased") must also cite their sources.

Paper #1: Choose a story not longer than one chapter that has not yet been addressed in class readings or discussion, from the biblical book of 1 Samuel. Provide a detailed literary analysis (close reading) of the story, being sure to include considerations of (a) the story’s boundaries, (b) how it shapes the reader’s feelings towards its main characters, (c) why it gives attention and space to some scenes and not others, and (d) its meaning by itself and in a larger literary context.

Paper #2: Choose a story not longer than two chapters from the biblical books of Genesis or Exodus that has not yet been addressed in class readings or discussion (that is, not Gen 1-3, 11-12, 22-23, 28, 36-50 or Exod 3, 25-26, 35-36). Provide a detailed literary analysis (close reading) of the story, including where appropriate the elements required for the first paper (above) and also considerations of the story’s (a) plot and/or structure, (b) it’s use of time and place, and (c) the role of the narrator.

Paper #3: Provide a detailed literary analysis (close reading) of the book of Ruth, including where appropriate the elements required for the previous two papers (above) and also considerations of the story from the perspective of either social-scientific, deconstructionist, or feminist approach, as modeled in the relevant chapters of Yee’s Judges & Method. Evaluate the relative usefulness of the chosen method compared to your formal literary analysis.

Paper #4: Provide a literary analysis (close reading) of either the book of Esther or the book of Job, including where appropriate the elements required for the previous three papers (above). In addition to a formal literary analysis, analyze the book from either a social-scientific, deconstructionist, feminist approach, or ideological approach as modeled in the assigned readings, and justify the appropriateness of your choice of method for the book under consideration.