PSALMS

 
Unit Weighting                       
9 credit points
 
Type of Unit                
Specialised
 
Prerequisites                
18 credit points in Biblical Studies
 
Academic Staff            
Dr Lydia Gore-Jones, MA (UNSW 2002), CertLang (Macquarie 2004), BA (Hons) (Macquarie 2012), PhD (Macquarie 2017)
 
Curriculum Objectives
This course unit studies Israel‘s poetic literature and practice of prayer and worship as represented in the Psalter. It provides an opportunity to develop exegetical skills in the analysis of Hebrew poetry
 
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of the techniques of biblical poetry and the different types of Psalms found in the Psalter
2. discuss the relevant historical, sociological and religious contexts of the Psalms
3. exegete selected Psalms from the Psalter
4. access and use the relevant secondary literature in a critical manner
5. make effective use of the Psalms in theology and worship

Content

1. The characteristic features of Hebrew Poetry
2. The historical, sociological and religious background to the Psalter
3. Examination of representative psalms
4. Aspects of the theology of the Psalms

Assessment Profile

1. A reflective essay on a key theme that is addressed in several different Psalms
2. An essay that analyses a (short) Psalm with attention to its poetic techniques and rhetorical structure.
3. An exegesis of a selected Psalm and application of its message for a collective worship setting or for the life of an individual believer.

Schedule
3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education