Details for Psalter

The Psalms are infused with the diverse richness of the human experience. No matter what you are feeling, whether joy or thankfulness, grief or despair, you can always find a psalm that resonates with these emotions. This is why the Psalter continues to remain a favourite book for many of us. Together in this unit, we will explore the wonder and technique of Hebrew poetry, plus the many expressions of prayer and worship within ancient Israel. We will be challenged to utilise these psalms in our own life to bring expression to all our experiences, whether the heights of praise or cries of doubt. But wait, there’s more! In this unit, we will also explore the sexually infused lyrical poetry of the Song of Songs. So all in all, settle back as we explore the poetry of the Psalms and Song of Songs.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Course code: BIB311
Credit points: 10
Subject coordinator: Adam White

Prerequisites

The following courses are prerequisites or corequisites:

BIB101—Introduction to the Bible OR BIB102 Introduction to Israel's Scriptures (Old Testament) OR BIB103 Introduction to the New Testament OR BIB104 Old Testament Foundations OR BIB105 New Testament Foundations

Awards offering Psalter

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This will provide students with hermeneutical princicples that will allow them to interpret and apply Psalms. In addition, more broadly, students will gain a facility with Hebrew poetry throughout the canon. Exegesis of selected passages will illustrate the hermeneutical principles.

Outcomes

Explain the background, content, composition and theological motifs of the Psalms / Psalter;
Summarise and assess the key scholarship of the Psalms/Psalter;
Demonstrate the ability to use a range of poetic techniques found in the Psalms;
Exhibit exegetical skills to provide sustained argument on the interpretation of the Psalms / Psalter;
Demonstrate ability to explain how the Psalms / Psalter may address contemporary issues and spiritual formation.

Subject Content

Poetry in the Old Testament
Interpretation of the Psalms; history and 21st century
Structure and format of Psalms
Literary context of the Psalms
Ancient Near Eastern background
Selection of Psalm types
Principles of Psalm interpretation
Poetry, liturgy, spirituality and tranformation

This course may be offered in the following formats

Face to Face (onsite)
Distance/E-learning (online)
Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Reading Responses (20%)
Contemporary Presentation (30%)
Major Exegesis (50%)