Biblical literature in English translation, including narratives, prophetic literature, gospels, apocalypses, and poetry. Material is studied with attention to its sociological and historical background, its literary value, and its relevance to two religions. Biblical influence on English language literature may be examined in such authors as Milton, Dryden, Smart, Blake, Byron, Melville, Dickinson, and twentieth-century and contemporary English-language poetry. Cannot be taken for credit if student has taken English 153.