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.

Awards offering Psalter

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

• Master of Arts
• Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Graduate Diploma in Arts

Unit Content

Outcomes

1. Explain the background, content, composition and theological motifs of the Psalms and the Psalter
2. Summarise and assess the key scholarship of the Psalms/Psalter;
3. Appraise and describe a range of poetic techniques found in the Psalms;
4. Exhibit exegetical skills to provide sustained argument on the interpretation of the Psalms/Psalter
5. Critically assess how the Psalms/Psalter relate to and address contemporary issues and spiritual formation.
6. Exhibit exegetical skills to provide sustained argument on the interpretation of the Psalms and Song of Songs;
7. Explain how the Psalms and Song of Songs may address contemporary issues and spiritual formation.

Subject Content

1. Poetry in the Old Testament
2. Interpretation of the Psalms / Psalter; history, and 21st century
3. Structure and format of Psalms / Psalter
4. Literary context of the Psalms / Psalter
5. Ancient Near Eastern Background
6. Selection of Psalm types
7. Principles of Psalm interpretation
8. Poetry, liturgy, spirituality and transformation

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 College.

Assessment Methods

• Thematic Essay (25%)
• Exegetical Essay (50%)
• Exam (25%)