Content

This unit offers a study of the book of Psalms. It involves an introduction to the literary genres of the book and its various authors with special emphasis on David. The unit will study the centrality of the book of Psalms in the spiritual life and liturgical prayers of the Coptic Church. The unit also introduces students to exegetical methodologies of Hebrew poetry.

Unit code: BA2500A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Level 2

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Face to Face

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Demonstrate an understanding of the structure of Old Testament poetry and the different genres of the Psalter.

2.

Discuss the relevant historical, sociological and religious contexts of the Psalms

3.

Explain the centrality and importance of the book of Psalms in the liturgy and spirituality of the Church

4.

Analyse the structure, classification and theological contribution of particular Psalms.

Unit sequence

BA1100A/BA1109A Old Testament 1: A Patristic Approach

Pedagogy

12 weekly sessions, required reading and additional reading resources.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic Books, 1985.
  • Alter, Robert. The Book of Psalms. New York: W.W. Norton & Co, 2007.
  • Brueggemann, Walter. The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1984.
  • Bullock, C. Hassell. Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction. Encountering Biblical Studies, edited by Walter A. Elwell. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001. (recommended for purchase)
  • Futato, M.D. and D.M. Howard. Interpreting the Psalms: An Exegetical Handbook. Kregel Academic, 2007.
  • Johnston, P.S. and D.G. Firth. Interpreting the Psalms: Issues and Approaches. InterVarsity Press, 2013.
  • Mays, J. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
  • McCann, J. Clinton, Jr. A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalm: The Psalms as Torah. Nashville: Abingdon, 1993.
  • Reardon, Patrick Henry Christ in the Psalms. Conciliar Press, 2000.
  • Taft, R.F. The Liturgy of the Hours in East and West: The Origins of the Divine Office and Its Meaning for Today. Liturgical Press, 1986.
  • Tarazi, P.N. Psalms and Wisdom. St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1991.
  • Witvliet, John D. The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction & Guide to Resources. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Document Study

Document Studies 4 x 250 words total 1000 words

1000 25.0
Essay

Essay 1,000 words

1000 25.0
Essay

Essay 2,000 words

2000 50.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 30 May, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-31 18:07:26 +1100