Psalms (BA9011Y)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This Unit will cover the history of the study of the Psalms and contemporary interpretative concerns, including poetics and the shape of the Psalter. It will also cover the ongoing role of the Psalms in nurturing the human spirit.

Unit code: BA9011Y

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Old Testament

Delivery Mode: Blended

Proposing College: Yarra Theological Union

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Learning outcomes

1.

demonstrate a knowledge of the various genres found in the Psalter and the contribution of poetics to the study of Psalms
2.

articulate a critical understanding of the various ways the Psalms have been interpreted over more than 2000 years
3.

evaluate and apply both diachronic and synchronic methods to the study of specific Psalms
4.

critically evaluate the shape of the Psalter and its impact on the meaning of the Psalms
5.

assess the influence of the Psalms in Jewish and Christian religious and spiritual life throughout the ages and today
6.

compare and evaluate contemporary insights in the study of Psalms

Unit sequence

BA1000Y or 8000Y or equivalent

Pedagogy

Weekly class: Lectures, group work.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Berlin, Adele. Psalms 120-150: The Traditional Hebrew texts with the JPS Translation. Philadelphia: The Jewish Pub Society, 2023.
  • Bodner, Keith. The Psalms. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2024.
  • Gillingham, Susan E. Psalms through the Centuries. vol 1. Blackwell Bible Commentaries. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.
  • Goldingay, John Psalms. 3 vols. Baker commentary on the Old Testament wisdom and Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI.: Baker Academic Press, 2006, 2007, 2008.
  • Howard, David M. and Andrew J. Schmutzer, Reading the Psalms Theologically. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Academic, 2023.
  • Jacobson, Rolf A., ed. Soundings in the Theology of Psalms: Perspectives and Methods in Contemporary Scholarship. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2010.
  • Pouchelle, Patrick et al. The Psalms of Solomon: Texts, Contexts, and Intertexts. Atlanta, GA: SBL, 2021.
  • Walker-Jones, Arthur. Psalms Book 2: an Earth Bible Commentary. London: Bloomsbury, T&T Clark, 2021.
  • Waltke, Bruce K. et al. How to Read and Understand the Psalms. Wheaton, Il: Crossway, 2023.
  • Zenger, Erich. The Composition of the Book of Psalms. Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium 238. Leuven: Peeters, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Exegesis 3000 35.0
Essay 4500 65.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 28 Jul, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-07-28 09:18:29 +1000