Programs by Campus
Bloomington
Institute for Biblical and Literary Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
Curriculum
Program Information
The Institute for Biblical and Literary Studies is an interdisciplinary consortium that aims to bring together the critical study of the Bible, the history of biblical interpretation, and the theory and practice of literary criticism. Depending on background and interest, students may concentrate on biblical texts and languages, literary criticism, or the history and theory of interpretation. Study of ancient languages is strongly encouraged. Students with previous training in biblical studies will be advised to devote more time to courses in literary theory and Western literature; those with a stronger background in classical or modern literature will be advised to concentrate on the biblical text and its cultural setting. The institute offers a Ph.D. minor and a certificate that may be earned concurrently. Students participate in a regular seminar (I600) which, like most institute courses, combines close reading of specific texts with larger issues of methodology. Prospective students interested in pursuing the M.A. or Ph.D. degree are urged to apply first to one of the affiliated departments, such as comparative literature (for literary theory) or religious studies (for biblical studies).
Ph.D. Minor in Biblical Literature
The Ph.D. minor in biblical literature is available to all doctoral students not specializing in biblical studies; four courses in biblical literature and in the history of biblical interpretation are required. Courses should be selected in consultation with the director of the institute.
Grades
Courses in which a student receives less than a B (3.0) will not count toward the minor.
Graduate Certificate in Biblical and Literary Criticism
The certificate is available to doctoral students in all departments and to special students from outside Indiana University who wish to do advanced interdisciplinary work in biblical and literary studies.
Course Requirements
Eight courses in biblical literature, the history of biblical interpretation, and the theory and practice of literary criticism, including I600. The selection of courses should be made in consultation with the director of the institute. In certain cases, two of the eight courses may be in a biblical language. Courses that study biblical or exegetical sources in a national literature may also be counted.
Language Requirement
Proficiency in biblical Hebrew or Greek, to be certified by the completion of N472 or G308 or their equivalent, or by an examination administered by the relevant language department.
Grades
Courses in which a student receives less than a B (3.0) will not count toward the certificate.