Assessment

Preparatory Assignments (2,000 words in toto) 30%; In-course Seminar Presentation 20%; Final Synthesis Paper (5,000 words) 50%

Module Aims

This module, an introduction to narrative criticism, examines key concepts and tools of narrative methodology and showcases their use in the narrative analysis of a selection of biblical narratives. The module will examine, character, plot, point of view, the importance of time, order and gaps, and the levels of narration.

Learning Outcomes

• — to identify and describe the basic tools of narrative criticism
• — to employ the tools in the analysis of a wide variety of biblical texts
• — to assess the diverse approaches of scholars within the field of narrative criticism
• — to situate and integrate the tools of narrative criticism with other exegetical methodologies

Bibliography

• — Marguerat, Daniel and Yvan Bourquin. How to Read Bible Stories: An Introduction to Narrative Criticism. Translated by John Bowden. London: SCM Press, 1999.
• — Rimmon-Kenan, Shlomith. Narrative Fiction: Contemporary Poetics. London: Methuen, 1983. Repr., London: Routledge, 2002.