THE BIBLE AND CLASSICAL LITERATURE

Fall 2015

HONR 1214-02
12:40 - 1:30 MWF

Lynn McMillon, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor of Bible
Chris Rosser, M.L.I.S., M.Div.
Associate Professor of Library Science

Oklahoma Christian University is a higher learning community that

transforms lives for Christian faith, scholarship and service.
HONR 1214-02 The Bible and Classical Literature offers a careful study of key biblical texts
and the worldview they teach juxtaposed with a study of classical texts from the ancient
Greek and Roman civilizations. Students study the similarities of theme and artistic form
between the two types of text and analyze the different responses they offer to our human
condition and needs.
SCHEDULE
Date

Class Topic

8/31 M

Encountering Various Worldviews (McMillon)

9/2

Sampling of Worldviews around the Globe (McMillon and Rosser)

9/4

Ancient Worldviews; Enuma Elish (Rosser); Faith Story papers due

9/7

Enuma Elish

9/9

The Epic of Gilgamesh

9/11 F

The Epic of Gilgamesh

9/14 M

How We Got the Bible (McMillon)

9/16 W

Special event: Tour of the Sacra Pagina exhibit

9/18 F

Introduction to Types Biblical Literature (McMillon)

9/21 M

Gen 1-4; Mesopotamian worldview papers due

9/23 W

Gen 5-11

9/25 F

Genesis 12-17 The Call of Abraham (39-45, 50 The Joseph Story)

9/28 M

Job 1-7

9/30 W

Job 8-17

10/2 F

Job 29-42

10/5 M

Job 38-41

10/7 W

Job 38 and 41

10/9 F

1 Kings 2-3 The Period of Monarchy

10/12 M

Ezra 1-6 Later Hebrew Worldview Second Temple Period

10/14 W

Neh. 1-2, 5-6, 9 Later Hebrew Worldview Second Temple Period

10/16 F

FALL BREAK Oct. 15-16

10/19 M

Research Strategies Workshop (Rosser)

10/21 W

The Greeks: Aristotle and Plato

10/23 F

The Greeks: Introducing Homer; Hebrew worldview papers due

10/26 M

Odyssey: Justice and Hubris (Scrolls VII and VIII)

10/28 W

Odyssey: Hospitality and Domestic Order (Scrolls IX and XIV)

10/30 F

Odyssey: Temperance (Scrolls XVI, XVII, XVIII)

11/2 M

Odyssey: Courage (Scrolls X and XI)

11/4 W

Odyssey: Wisdom (Scrolls XXI and XXII)

11/6 F

Research Strategies Workshop

11/9 M

The Romans: Pietas and Pax Romana; Collaboration Project due

11/11 W

Virgils Aeneid (readings from books 1-6)

11/13 F

Virgils Aeneid (readings from books 7-12)

11/16 M

Virgils Aeneid: Iconography and ekphrasis

11/18 W

Luke 1-6

11/20 F

Luke 7-13; Greek worldview papers due

11/23 M

Luke 14-19

11/25 W

THANKSGIVING

11/27 F

THANKSGIVING

11/30 M

Luke 20-24

12/2 W

Acts 1-4

12/4 F

Acts 5-9

12/7 M

Acts 10-15

12/9 W

Colossians 2-3; 1 John 3-5

12/11 F

1 Corinthians 15; 1Thess. 4:13- 5:1; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; Christian worldview papers due

12/14 M

FINAL EXAM: 1:00 to 2:50 (Capstone Discussion/Project)

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Assignment Values
Faith Story
Paper 1
Mesopotamian Worldview
Paper 2
Hebrew Worldview
Paper 3
Greek Worldview
Paper 4
Christian Worldview
Collaboration Project
Class Participation
Final Capstone Discussion
Grade Scale:
A
B
C
D
F

92-100
82-91
75-81
67-74
below 67

10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
10%
30%
10%

92 A- 96 A 99 A+
82 B- 86 B 89 B+
75 C- 78 C 80 C+

REQUIRED TEXTS
Because excellent translations of both classical and biblical literature are readily and freely
available, our course does not require the purchase of any textbooks. However, we
highly recommend that students acquire a good study Bible, like the HarperCollins Study
Bible (NRSV) or the NIV Study Bible, which will serve them throughout their studies.
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS
Faith Story Assignment.
You are to write an initial paper describing your own faith journey to this point in life. A
separate description provides the specific elements of that paper (see below). Though your
faith story is not graded you will receive a 95% for completion and on-time submission. Due
Sept. 4 at class time.
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Papers.
Four papers of 1,100 to 1,350 words each, 12 pt. Arial double-spaced, are required. Each
paper must reflect careful reading of the texts appropriate to a specific culture. The papers
should include specific details and attitudes reflected about the culture. As much as possible
you should try to enter into the spirit and values of the culture being discussed. Further
description of these papers is provided in class.
The final paper (Christian worldview, a comparison paper) must show a depth of
understanding of the values and elements of the New Testament readings. The Christian
worldview you develop from the readings must be well explained and supported from
Scripture. The worldview compared to the Christian worldview must be treated objectively
and respectfully.
In all papers appropriate references to texts and readings should be documented in MLA
format.
Collaboration Project.
Through the Collaboration Project, students will use research strategies discussed in class to
locate two scholarly articles that address topics relevant to class discussions. Students will
provide a citation for each article, a link to the article in the databases, and compose a three
sentence annotation for each article. The three sentence annotation will evaluate the article's
authority and timeliness, capture the thesis and/or content, and describe how this article
might be useful for classmates. Students will post their article citations, links, and
annotations in the assignments Google Doc. Finally, using the Comments feature, students
will respond to one classmate's citations by accessing one of their two articles and
commenting on the article's content in relation to class discussions. Through this
collaborative assignment, all citations, links, and annotations become a bibliography of
helpful resources for researching the Bible and Classical Literature. Estimated time on task:
45 minutes per article, 30 minutes responding to a classmate; 2 hours total, spread over
several class periods.
Class Participation.
Because this course is primarily a readings seminar, students are expected to contribute
thoughts and discussion at each class period. Accordingly, grades will be awarded for
participation and quality of contribution. Though a student may occasionally have a quiet
day, persistent silence will result in reduction of the participation portion of the grade. Class
attendance and punctuality are essential for maximum development. Absence from the
discussion, interaction, and exchange is irretrievable. Students must report their absence or
tardiness to the instructor prior to class. Absences may be excused for illness, family
emergency or official representation of the university, though excusing an absence or
tardiness is at the discretion of the instructor.
Capstone Final.
The final examination period will be used for a class discussion or project that brings
together the many things studied during the semester. Each student is expected to
participate in the capstone in order to receive a grade for this portion of the course.
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ELEMENTS OF A WORLDVIEW
1. Does deity exist and what is its nature?
Which came first, deity or matter?
What are the characteristics of the god or gods?
What are the attitudes of gods toward each other, the material world, and humans?
2. What is the nature of the world around us?
What is in charge of the world?
What is the source of this reality?
Does this reality have any impact on human life?
3. What is a human being?
Distinguish humans from deity.
Are we as human beings determined or free?
Are we alone the makers of values?
What is the relation of body and mind?
What are the limits of human intellect?
How did we know right from wrong?
4. What is the meaning of human history?
Does history repeat itself?
Is history aimless or moving toward a culmination?
Does it have purpose?
5. Is there a life beyond this life?
Why is that important to know?
How do we find out about it?
As a Bible course, Honors 1214 will guide students through a comparative study of worldviews surrounding
the Judeo-Christian worldview of the first century. The purpose is to gain a clearer understanding of the
unique Christian worldview that is found in Scripture as the word of God. Stronger faith in God is an
intended outcome of the course.
Christian Worldview.
The fundamental assumption of this Christian worldview is that God is at work redeeming the world to
himself through his son Jesus and we can know him, his purpose and his work through the Bible which is
an inspired record of Gods revelation to the world.
When determining how one views the world, life, and his or her place in it, there are several major
categories of thought to be considered. Some of those elements are:
1.
Does deity exist and what is its nature?
2.
What is the nature of the world around us?
3.
What is a human being?
4.
What is the meaning of human history?
5.
Is there life beyond this life?
In this course each of these subjects will be addressed either directly or indirectly as the redemptive
message of God is surveyed, compared, and contrasted to other ancient worldviews.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES
Course Objectives as Related to the University Core
1. Active Faith. Students will:
reflect on and describe their own faith journey in a paper
identify genre differences in Scripture and describe how genre informs the reading of a text
Measure(s): faith story paper; worldview papers
2. Foundational Knowledge. Students will:
engage and discuss a selection of significant ancient and classical texts
compare and contrast ancient/classical texts with biblical literature
Measure(s): worldview papers
3. Information Literacy. Students will:
demonstrate an ability to find, evaluate, and share resources pertinent to the study of the Bible and
classical literature
collaborate in groups to create a virtual space for resource sharing and discussion
Measure(s): worldview papers; collaboration project
4. Structured Reasoning. Students will:
demonstrate the ability to question topic concepts, articulate a clear thesis, and outline a
compelling argument to support their thesis.
Measure(s): worldview papers.
5. Critical and Creative Thinking. Students will:
demonstrate strategies for slow-reading and critical questioning of texts
discern themes and engage complex ideas emerging from the texts encountered
Measure(s): daily contribution to class discussion; worldview papers
6. Effective Communication. Students will:
demonstrate skills in academic writing through drafting and rewriting
present ideas to classmates through class discussions and in-class projects
Measure(s): discussion participation, collaboration project, and worldview papers.
7. Personal, Social, and Global Stewardship. Students will:
identify and discuss basic questions of worldview, discern worldview(s) embedded in ancient texts,
and discuss implications of contemporary worldviews being read into ancient texts
describe resonances of Biblical material with classical literature and how these ideas provide tools
for dialogue with others who hold dissimilar perspectives
Measure(s): faith story paper; worldview papers

POLICIES
Communication & Office Policies
Email and Phone
To contact your professors, you may call, email, or come by or make an appointment.
The best way to contact your instructor is by email. Whenever possible, your instructor will
respond within 24 hrs. of receiving an email message. Do not wait until the "last minute" (e.g.
just before class time) to send an email and expect an immediate answer or that the
instructor even received the message. Clearly mark all e-mail messages to the professor on
the subject line as shown below:
Subject line: HONR 1214

Last Name, First Name

Assignment Name

Students may call the instructor on his office phone (see page 1 of syllabus). If unavailable,
you are encouraged to leave a voicemail message including your name and the reason for
your call.
Phone extensions: Lynn McMillon, 5073; Chris Rosser, 5323
We also encourage private appointments to discuss the class or anything else.
Office Hours
Students should feel free to stop by the instructors office for consultation. It is best to email
or call in advance to make an appointment to ensure that the instructor will be available. You
may visit with Dr. McMillon at class for an appointment time or email him for a time; feel free
to visit with Mr. Rosser during class, stop by the Reference Desk at the library, or email for
an appointment.
Absences and Late Work
The discipline of completing work on time is an important lesson to master. Papers and
exams are due on the date assigned. In the event of tardy work, the student must notify the
instructors of his or her impending tardiness and gain excuse prior to the due date of the
assignment or exam. For exams, it is the responsibility of the student to schedule and take a
makeup exam as soon as possible after the originally scheduled exam. Failure to schedule
and take a makeup exam in a timely manner will result in the grade of F for the exam.
Acceptance of late papers and exams is at the discretion of the instructors.
Closings and Emergencies
In the case class cancellation or campus closure for inclement weather or emergencies,
students will be notified via email and Blackboard announcement. For this course always
prepare for the assignment for the given date. The professor will later give any instructions
regarding make up of missed work. Follow the syllabus for daily class assignments.
In case of an emergency, faculty, staff, and students who have signed up for OC Campus
Messenger (oc.edu/notify) will be notified by text, email, or Twitter. If the emergency occurs
during class, the instructor will inform the students present of the appropriate procedures.
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Laptop/Handheld/Phone Policy
Laptops are not allowed in class. All other electronic devices may not be used during class
periods.
Americans with Disabilities Act
If you have a diagnosed disability and need special accommodations, please notify Ms. Katy
Roybal (425-1876) before or immediately after your first scheduled class meeting. After your
disability has been verified, your instructor will work with you, with Ms. Roybal, and with the
Office of the Vice President of Academic Affairs to provide reasonable accommodations to
ensure that you have a fair opportunity to perform in this course.
Academic Honesty
Cheating: Cheating on an examination, assignment, roll sheet or other course related work or
activities undermines the ethics of the academy and the specific Christian purposes of
Oklahoma Christian University. Accordingly, students who cheat on examinations,
assignments or other course related work or activities will face serious consequences, as
outlined in this policy.
Plagiarism: One particular form of cheating is plagiarism. Plagiarism is the transmission of
anothers ideas, words, or materials as ones own and/or the failure to credit accurately the
ideas, words, or materials of another. Plagiarism also includes passing off anothers work (a
friend, a parent, a website) as ones own. Plagiarism undermines the ethics of the academy
and the specific Christian purposes of Oklahoma Christian University. Accordingly, students
who engage in plagiarism in assignments submitted will face serious consequences, as
outlined in this policy.
Penalties for Academic Dishonesty
On the first offense, the student will receive zero (0) credit for the examination or assignment.
For forms of cheating or dishonesty other than on examinations or assignments, the
Professor shall have the discretion to impose an appropriate penalty. Professors must send
documentation of the first offense to the appropriate chair, the dean of the appropriate
college, the VPAA, and the Dean of Students.
On the second offense in the same course, the student will receive an F in the course.
Professors must send documentation of the second offense to the appropriate chair, the
dean of the appropriate college, the VPAA, and the Dean of Students.
At either the first offense or second offense, the student may appeal using the process
described in both the OC Student Handbook and the OC Academic Policy Manual covering
Grade Appeals.
If the student commits offenses in two or more courses, the Academic Appeals Committee,
described in the OC Student Handbook and in the OC Academic Policy Manual, may assign
penalties for academic dishonesty in addition to the penalties assigned by the professors in
the courses. The Academic Appeals Committee may impose penalties up to and including
suspension from the University in instances where a student has engaged in cheating or
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plagiarism in two or more courses. The Academic Appeals Committee will inform the VPAA
and the Dean of Students in writing of any penalties imposed by it and will report annually on
its activities to the Universitys Academic Affairs Committee.
Professors should maintain the highest standards of academic honesty both in and out of
the classroom. Professors must report and apply the rules regarding cheating/plagiarism to
the appropriate channels. The student should be referred to the Oklahoma Christian
University Covenant for principles which should guide conduct in these matters.
Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy (Title IX)
Oklahoma Christian University is a Christian community that has committed itself,
unequivocally, to ensuring a working and learning environment in which the dignity of every
individual is respected and a campus environment that is free of unlawful harassment, which
includes sexual assault or misconduct. OCs Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy (see
the OC Student Handbook) is compliant with Title IX, which states, No person in the United
States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of,
or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal
financial assistance. Discriminatory and sexual harassment is unchristian and uncivil
behavior. It is a breach of community, which expresses disrespect, exploits and undermines
relationships based on trusts, and interferes with learning and productive work.
Students are encouraged to immediately seek available assistance and report incidents of
harassment to either the Title IX Coordinator or one of the Title IX Deputy Coordinators listed
below:
Title IX Coordinator

Ms. Tamie Willis

405.425.5320

tamie.willis@oc.edu

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

(Student Services)

Ms. Summer Lashley

405.425.5908

summer.lashley@oc.edu

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

(Housing)

Mr. John Ortiz

405.425.5932

john.ortiz@oc.edu

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

(Athletics)

Ms. Stephanie Findley

405.425.5355

stephanie.findley@oc.edu

Students have access to confidential services through the Counseling Center and the Mercy Clinic.
OC Counseling Center
Mercy Clinic

405.424.5250
405.425.6100

2810 E. Memorial Rd., Suite 140

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Copyright 2015 by Oklahoma Christian University.

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FAITH STORY ASSIGNMENT

This is a required paper. It is not graded but will counts 10% of your grade.
A hard copy is due September 4 at class time.
Email to lynn.mcmillon@oc.edu and to chris.rosser@oc.edu as an email (not as an
attachment).
On the email subject line please type: 1214
FAITH Last Name, First Name

PAPER DESCRIPTION
1.
Name and section number on the front page upper left corner.
2.
Length: 2-4 pages
3.
Margins: 1 inch (Check the page setup as default settings on margins may be
different)
4.
Font: 12 point Arial
5.
Spacing: Double spaced
ASSIGNMENT
1.
Tell what faith means to you.
2.

Tell of any spiritual heritage that you might have, e.g. the faith of your parents,
grandparents, etc.

3.

Describe your early childhood experiences with faith and God.

4.

Tell of your conversion (if applicable) or what God has done for you.
a.
What your life was like before you became a Christian.
b.
How your life was different following your conversion.

5.

Tell of significant events in your faith walk and their impact on you.

6.

Tell how your relationship is going with God at this present time.

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SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY
(See Blackboard for a more extensive list of resources)
Primary Texts
Eusebius. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church. Second Series.
Vol. I. Schaff, Philip and Wace, Henry, eds. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1961.
Heidel, Alexander. The Babylonian Genesis: The Story of Creation. Second edition. Chicago: The University of
Chicago Press, 1963.
Nagy, Gregory. The Ancient Greek Hero in 24 Hours. Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University
Press, 2013.
Pritchard, James B. ed. The Ancient Near East: An Anthology of Texts and Pictures. Princeton, NJ: Princeton
University Press, 1958.
Sandars, N.K. The Epic of Gilgamesh. New York: Penguin Books, 1972.
The Iliad. Trans. by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1998.
The Odyssey. Trans. by Robert Fagles. New York: Penguin Books, 1996.
The NIV Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Any edition 1985-2011.
Secondary and Tertiary Texts
Abusch, Tzvi. "The development and meaning of the Epic of Gilgamesh: An interpretive
essay." Journal of The American Oriental Society 121, no. 4 (October 1, 2001): 614-622.
Altes, Liesbeth Korthals. "Gilgamesh and the power of narration." Journal of the American Oriental Society 127, no.
2 (April 1, 2007): 183-193.
Armstrong, Karen. A Short History of Myth. Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2006.
Dickson, Keith M. "Looking at the other in Gilgamesh." Journal of the American Oriental
Society 127, no. 2 (April 1, 2007): 171-182.
Frye, Northrop, and Jay Macpherson. Biblical and Classical Myths: The Mythological
Framework of Western Culture. Toronto: Univ. of Toronto, 2004.
Gagarin, Michael. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome. Oxford:
Oxford Univ. Press, 2010.
Marinatos, Nanno. "The cosmic journey of Odysseus." Numen 48, no. 4 (January 1, 2001): 381-416.
Ryken, Leland, and Tremper Longman. A Complete Literary Guide to the Bible. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.
Taylor, John. Classics and the Bible: Hospitality and Recognition. London: Duckworth,
2007.
Zakovitch, Yair, Avigdor Shinan, and Valerie Zakovitch. From Gods to God How the
Bible Debunked, Suppressed, or Changed Ancient Myths and Legends. Lincoln:
University of Nebraska Press, 2012.

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