The Bible in the culture of the world DIKS-CMS-SL>TheBible

This course offers a detailed academic exploration of the Bible’s role in world culture, focusing on its influence on communication, storytelling, and symbolic discourse. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that draws from communication theory, cultural studies, theology, media studies, art history, and literature, the lectures emphasize the Bible not only as a religious text but as a cultural phenomenon that has shaped modes of expression across centuries. No prior theological knowledge is required; key biblical narratives and concepts are introduced as needed to facilitate critical analysis of their cultural reception and reinterpretation.

We investigate the Bible’s unparalleled global reach (as the most translated text, with portions available in over 3,000 languages ) and its function as a source of shared stories, metaphors, and values in diverse societies. The course discusses the enduring imprint of biblical language – for example, how early Bible translations introduced numerous everyday words and idioms (e.g. “salt of the earth,” “my brother’s keeper”) into common speech . We analyze biblical symbols and imagery (such as the cross, the apple as forbidden fruit, the Good Samaritan, etc.) and how these symbols communicate meaning in various cultural contexts from art to political rhetoric. Emphasis is placed on storytelling and narrative: students will explore how biblical plots and archetypes (the hero’s journey, parable structures, themes of exile and redemption, etc.) have been retold or echoed in literature, film, and popular media around the world. The ubiquity of biblical references in creative media is a key topic – indeed, observers note the sweeping influence of Scripture on film, television, music, theater, and even everyday sayings . Through case studies, we will see that the visual material offered by the Bible is vast; much of art history is filled with biblical themes and scenes , and literary canons from Dante to Dickens abound with biblical allusions. The course also examines how biblical ideas have contributed to shaping cultural identity and values – for instance, how concepts like the “Promised Land” or the Exodus story have informed group identities and social movements, or how biblical moral tenets (charity, justice, human dignity) have influenced global ethical frameworks.

• Language of instruction: English. All lectures, discussions, and core materials are in English. (Selective supplementary readings in Polish are provided for bilingual students interested in local scholarship, but these are not required for non-Polish speakers.)
• Students are not expected to have detailed prior knowledge of the Bible – the course will introduce essential biblical content – but a willingness to engage with historical texts and concepts is assumed.
• Additional notes: Attendance and active engagement are strongly encouraged given the interactive elements (discussions of case studies during lectures). All assessments will be explained in the first class, and students will have the opportunity to consult with the lecturer on essay/project topics. The interdisciplinary nature of the course means students are welcome to bring insights from their own cultural backgrounds into discussions, enriching the collective learning experience.