Content

This unit will introduce the Book of Psalms, and study the formation and development of the Psalter. It will give attention to the various forms of the Psalms, their setting and their functions within the historical experience of Israel. The course also seeks to provide critical knowledge of the theology inherent in the Psalms and explore the relevance, use and functions of the Psalms in today’s context.

Unit code: BA3029P

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 3

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate knowledge of the formation and development of the Psalter

2.

Analyse the various types of Psalms: their form, content, settings and functions

3.

Critically engage the Psalms and their varied theological positions

4.

Apply the Psalms and their message to contemporary situations

Unit sequence

15 points of Old Testament Study

Pedagogy

Engagement with online Learning materials and Tutorial Discussion

Indicative Bibliography

Allen, L. C., Psalms 101–150, WBC, Waco, Texas: Word, 1987 *Brown, William P. (Ed.). The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms. OUP, 2014. *Brueggemann, W and Billinger Jr, William H. Psalms. New Cambridge Bible Commentary. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2014. Craigie, P. C., Psalms 1–50, WBC, Waco, Texas: Word. 1983. deClaisse-Walford, N. L., Introduction to the Psalms, St Louis: Chalice, 2004. Gerstenberger, E., Psalms 1–60 with an Introduction to Cultic Poetry, Part 1, FOTL, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988 _____________, Psalms and Lamentations, Part 2, FOTL, Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2001. Gillingham, S. E., The Psalms through the Centuries, Volume 1, Oxford: Blackwell, 2008. *Jacobson, Rolf A. (ed.) Soundings in the Theology of Psalms: Perspectives and Methods in Contemporary Scholarship. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2011 Tate, M., Psalms 51–1000, WBC, Waco, Texas: Word, 1990.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

3000 word essay on a theme in the Psalms

0 40.0
Exegesis

1500 word exegetical essay on a Psalm with contextual comments

0 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Jan, 2012

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-04 13:34:00 +1100