The Bible in the Digital Age

Instructor

Pamela Eisenbaum, Professor of Biblical Studies and Christian Origins

Course Synopsis

Digital technology is transforming our world.  An increasing number of people are using Bible apps and their digital devices (phones, tablets, computers) rather than print Bibles to access “the Bible.” This change of practice has significant implications for how people think about the Bible, what it is, and how we use it. We explore a number of digital technologies impacting our engagement with the Bible and critically reflect on how these technologies are changing not just how we engage the Bible, but perhaps the very nature of "Bible."

Today, when people hear someone mention the "Bible," they conjure an image of a book--perhaps black leather with gilded pages.  "Bible" may connote many things, but, in material terms, we have always known it as a book.  Will people still conceive of the Bible as a book 100 years from now?

Course Overview

 

Course Objectives

• To gain practical knowledge of the variety of Bible apps and programs available on the internet and as software or apps in order to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and possible uses, through weekly assignments;
• To develop skills in critically examining and assessing digital Bibles and other related technologies, through readings and weekly assignments;
• To apply knowledge and insights from other Iliff courses in critically reflecting on the practical and theological implications of digital interfaces with the Bible, through readings, class discussions, and written assignments;
• To consider the ways in which digital appropriations of the Bible create and reinforce social, economic, theological, and other cultural classifications and distinctions, through readings, class discussions, and written assignments.

Books to Purchase:

Siker, Jeffrey S.. Liquid Scripture: The Bible in a Digital World . Fortress Press, 2017. ISBN: 978- 1506407869.

All other readings will be drawn from articles and essays available electronically or published on the web.

Here is an abbreviated description of the requirements for this course for your convenience.  Be sure to follow all instructions for each assignment.  Clicking on the link for each of the items listed takes you to those instructions.

• Participation in weekly discussion forums - minimal one post due by Thursday of each week @11:59 p.m.(assuming you are not responsible for one of the Summary-of-reading assignments that week. (see next item)  Please respond to one of the questions asked by those who have posted first with their summaries. You may post as times as you like.  Participation is graded; I will ask you for a self-evaluation of your participation at the end of the term.
• Short Summary-of-Reading - 2x - due Tuesday @6 p.m. of the week you signed up for.  Be sure to post your summaries in the week's discussion forum and upload it as a PDF to the assignment.
• Website (Portfolio of Work) Required elements are as follows:
  • Interface Assignment
  • Review of App or Website
  • Three other blog posts in which you write about something you've learned for the benefit of others who have not had this class.  (Alternatively, you can write two blog posts and create a list of 5-7 recommended websites with brief annotations, i.e. 100-200 words)
• Please be sure to read and follow the detailed instructions for each assignment!  You will find those instructions when you click on the highlighted items, or go to "Assignments."