ELIT 3152
The Bible as Literature
The Bible is one book among many; the Bible is a book like no other; the Bible is not one book but many. The course will debate such positions and the different histories and practices of reading they involve. We shall read extensively in English translations of the Bible, both Jewish and Christian, with emphasis on literary form and ideas. We shall look at the Bible´s material forms, and the history of its interpretation and translation. The aim is not to adjudicate its meaning but to explore what over time it has been taken to mean, attempting to locate within the book the potential for different interpretations. The course requires, and should foster, attentive reading, vigorous yet courteous argument, and respect for the readings of others.
Instructors
Reviews
I loved this class!! Professor Thomas is an absolute sweetheart and encourages everyone to be participating and engaging. It's easy to participate in lectures and everyone naturally is brought into conversations because of how interesting the lectures are presented by the professor. Tons of reading though!
5/7/2026
Not open to opinions and interpretations that aren't her own. Also, there were times when she gave the exact same comments on myself and a peer's paper, but gave very different grades. She does most of the taking, and it is unclear which readings we actually need to do for class.
11/14/2025
2 or less hrs/week
Very biased. Not open to opinions and interpretations that aren't her own, if she doesn't agree with your interpretation (or doesn't like you) she will give you a bad grade. Also, there were a few instances when she gave the exact same comments on myself and a peer's paper, but gave very different grades. Bad :(
11/14/2025
Even though it's a discussion class she does most the talking. In class her idea is the only good one. Picks favorite students and reflects this in paper grades. Gave students who chose same paper topic the same comments with different grades. No clue why her rating is so high. I guess she's nice? But just not the best at teaching. LOTS of papers.
5/12/2025
Excellent professor. Took Bible as Literature, and she was awesome. Great conversation facilitator, and also made the class think outside of our biases and religious/non-religious frameworks. Reading the bible isn't easy, but it's better than reading a textbook.
9/12/2024
Such a kind and understanding Professor! Professor Lawton made class enjoyable. He was super flexible with due dates and very accommodating to student needs.
2/9/2021
i adore the way that professor lawton teaches and i learned so much! rly lovely classroom environment/sense of intellectual community, even in zoom lectures. this online semester has been really difficult, personally as well as academically, but prof lawton's class is still sth i can look forward to and engage in despite that. 11/10
12/1/2020
Prof. Lawton is an amazing and engaging lecturer. He is so knowledgeable about the Bible and taught me so much. He supplements his classes/discussions with really interesting anecdotes from his life. He's a fair grader, very accessible outside of class, and is very lenient about extensions on papers. He genuinely cares for all of his students.
12/9/2017
Amazing prof. He presents topics in such a great way- I learned so much! Willing to work with you on any topic, and he's brilliant. Able to speak on any topic with considerable authority. Definitely take his class!
5/10/2011
So knowledgeable about the Bible and teaches in a completely unbiased, literary way. Also always willing to meet and help with assignments. Take his class if you're at all interested in learning about the Bible as literature.
12/10/2010