CERTIFICATE IN TALES AND SONGS: LITERARY EXPRESSION IN THE BIBLE
PRESENTATION
Explore and analyze the rich literary diversity of the Bible, focusing on tales and songs, and discuss their theological, historical, and social functions within biblical narrative and contemporary life.
Objectives:
- Understand the structure, function, and impact of tales and songs in the Bible.
- Examine the interrelationship between literature, culture, and theology in biblical narratives.
- Develop analytical and critical skills that allow a deeper interpretation of texts.
- Reflect on the application of lessons learned from Scripture in current life and in the contemporary Christian context.
Target audience
Christians, religious leaders, theology students, and those interested in spiritual growth and deepening their academic understanding of the Scriptures, who seek a solid ethical and humanistic formation.
Duration
12 weeks, with weekly meetings of 2 hours.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Module 1: Introduction to Biblical Literature
Definition and Context:
– What is Bible literature? Discussion of the nature and function of literature in the transmission of the divine message.
Introduction to literary genres in the Bible: narrative, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, and apocalypse.
Literary Interpretation:
– The importance of critical reading and hermeneutics to understand biblical literature.
Introduction to the main hermeneutic methods: historical-critical, narrative and postcolonial.
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CREDITS
Module 2: Tales in the Bible – Narrative Structures and Themes
Bible Tales Study:
– Analysis of tales such as “Adam and Eve”, “Noah and the Ark”, “Joseph and his Brothers”, and “The Prodigal Son”.
– Narrative structures: introduction, development, climax and outcome.
Universal Topics:
– Exploration of themes such as redemption, forgiveness, identity, and the role of suffering.
The function of tales as a form of moral and spiritual teaching.
Historical Context:
– Analysis of the historical and cultural context in which the tales were written.
Discussion of how the social and political environment influenced the narratives.
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CREDITS
Module 3: The Poetry of the Bible – Song of Solomon and Psalms
Characteristics of Biblical Poetry:
Hebrew poetic structures, including parallelism, metaphors, and symbolism.
Study of Songs and Psalms: Their Liturgical and Devotional Functions.
Theology from Poetry:
Analysis of theological themes in songs, such as praise, lament, gratitude, and longing for justice.
How poetry expresses emotions and the relationship with God.
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CREDITS
Module 4: Narrative as a Form of Teaching and Cultural Transmission
Pedagogy of Short Stories:
– How tales teach values and shape the cultural identity of God’s people.
Analysis of Jesus’ parables: “The Good Samaritan”, “The Lost Sheep”, and their ethical and moral relevance.
Cultural Transmission:
– The role of literature in preserving the history and traditions of the people of Israel.
Comparison with other literary traditions at the time.
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CREDITS
Module 5: The Theology of Songs and Their Influence on Worship
Songs as a Theological Expression:
Study of songs such as the Song of Moses, Song of Deborah, and Psalms of David.
Discussion of the function of songs in communal and individual worship.
Interpretation and Application:
How the songs reflect the experience of faith and the relationship with God.
Application of songs in the liturgy and in contemporary Christian life.
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CREDITS
Module 6: Cultural Identity and Christian Ethics
Culture and Literature:
How the tales and songs reflect the culture and values of the biblical people.
The influence of biblical literature on the formation of Christian identity and ethics.
Intersections between Literature and Ethics:
Discussion of how biblical narratives inform contemporary ethical issues such as social justice, human rights, and care for others.
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CREDITS
Module 7: Critical Interpretation and Contemporary Application
Methods of Interpretation:
Practices of literary analysis and hermeneutics applied to tales and songs.
Discussion on the importance of textual criticism and academic research.
Application in Modern Life:
Reflection on the relevance of lessons learned from Scripture in contemporary life.
Practical examples of how to apply biblical principles in modern situations, such as conflict, work ethics, and personal relationships.
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Module 8: Personal Creation and Expression
Practical Activities:
Workshops for the creation of songs and tales inspired by biblical narratives, encouraging creativity.
Group discussions about the creation experience and the theological reflection behind the works produced.
Presentation and Final Reflection:
Students will present their songs or short stories, followed by a critical and theological reflection on what they have learned during the course.
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CREDITS
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Methodology:
Expository and Interactive Classes: Use of audiovisual resources and group discussions.
Textual and Practical Analysis: In-depth study of selected biblical passages, with an emphasis on their contemporary application.
Discussion Groups: Critical analysis of short stories and songs in cultural and ethical contexts.
Creative Workshops: Creation of new songs or tales inspired by biblical themes.
Evaluation:
Participation in Discussions: Active participation in discussions and practical activities will be an important part of the assessment.
Literary Analysis Works: Analysis of selected short stories and songs and reflection on their theological significance.
Final Project: Development of an original song or short story, accompanied by a theological reflection, to be presented at the end of the course.
Support Material:
Recommended Bibliography:
The Art of Biblical Narrative de Robert Alter.
The Literary Guide to the Bible de Robert Alter e Frank Kermode.
Introduction to the Old Testament de R. K. Harrison.
The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary de Robert Alter.
Online Resources: Access to scholarly articles, videos, and research platforms on biblical literature.
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