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BA2/3/9004S

Psalms: Community, Spirituality and Prayer

A study of the Psalms in the life and worship of Israel, with particular attention given to the literary types of psalms and the shaping of the Psalter. Introduction to Hebrew poetry and detailed exegetical study of selected psalms. Exploration of the psalms in personal and communal spiritual practice will include: psalms in the use of ritual in pastoral care (individual and corporate); psalms as a reflective and creative resource in forming responses to life’s challenges and celebrations.

Lecturer:
Offered: Refer to Timetable

Undergraduate: Level 2 and 3
Postgraduate: Level 9 elective unit 

Prerequisites:
Second Level: BA1/8001S (in-class) or BA1/8701S(online) Introducing the Hebrew Bible (or equivalent)
Third Level: three units in Biblical Studies including BA1/8001S (in-class) or BA1/8701S(online) Introducing the Hebrew Bible (or equivalent
Postgraduate: BA1/8001S (in-class) or BA1/8701S(online) Introducing the Hebrew Bible (or equivalent)

Learning Outcomes: 

Upon successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

Undergraduates:

  1. Describe the different literary genres in the Psalms
  2. Use exegetical methodology in analysing selected texts
  3. Articulate how liturgy is shaped by interaction with historical context
  4. Describe a variety of theological, liturgical and pastoral approaches to studying the Psalms
  5. (third level) Articulate and support application of the Psalms within Christian worship and ministry.

Postgraduates:

  1. Describe the different literary genres in the Psalms
  2. Articulate how liturgy is shaped by interaction with historical context
  3. Discuss a variety of theological, liturgical and pastoral approaches to studying the Psalms
  4. Display a capacity to pastorally engage a specific topic relating to Psalms in a critically rigorous, sustained, and practice-integrated manner
  5. Articulate and illustrate a personal theology of the Psalms for use in current church and communal discourse.

Assessment:

Level 2 (undergraduate)
One 2,000 word essay   50%
One 1000 word critical reflection on set reading   20%
One 1,500 word tutorial paper   30%

Level 3 (undergraduate)
One 2,500 word essay   50%
One 1,000 word critical reflection on set reading   20%
One 1,500 word tutorial paper   30%

Level 9 (postgraduate)
One 3.000 word essay   50%
One 3,000 word case study   50%

Select Bibliography:

Alter, R. The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic, 1985.
Alter, R. The Book of Psalms. New York/London: W.W. Norton & Co, 2007.
Anderson, B.W. Out of the Depths. 3rd ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000.
Broyles, C.C. Psalms. NIV Commentary. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1999.
Craigie, P.C. Psalms 1-50. Waco, TX: Word, 1983.
Craven, T. The Book of Psalms. Message of Biblical Spirituality 6; Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1992.
Goldingay, J. Psalms. 3 Vols; Grand Rapids: Baker, 2006, 2008.
Jacobson, R. A. (ed.) Soundings in the Theology of the Psalms: perspectives and methods in         contemporary scholarship. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2011.
Mays, J. The Lord Reigns. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1994.
Mays, J. Preaching and Teaching the Psalms. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
Pemberton, Glenn. Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with God. Abilene: Abilene Christian University Press, 2010.
Reid, S.B. (ed.) Psalms and Practice: worship, virtue and authority. Collegeville MI: Liturgical  Press, 2001.
Waltke, Bruce, Houston, James and Moore, Erica. The Psalms as Christian Lament: A Historical Commentary, Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2014.