Syllabus 124.31

Biblical Poetry 1: Psalms

 


I.          Course Description

An introduction to the characteristics of Hebrew poetry, viewed within the context of other ancient near Eastern literary works. Selection from the Psalms will be considered, with an introduction to the Song of Solomon. 
(Prerequisite 121.10) 3 credits 


 
 

II.        Course Objectives

·  At the end of the course students should be able to:

A.      identify and interpret Hebrew poetry

B.       locate Hebrew poetry within Near Eastern cultic literature

C.       locate Hebrew psalms sociologically, historically and theologically.

D.      write expressively using Hebrew poetry as a template.

E.       use Hebrew poetry as a prayer language.

III.       Course Texts

A. Required Text

Brueggemann, Walter. The Psalms: The Life of Faith. Fortress Press: Minneapolis. 1995.

B. Recommended Texts

Brueggemann, Walter. The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary. Fortress Press. Minneapolis. 1984.

Peterson, Eugene H. The Message: Psalms. Colorado Springs: Navpress.

IV. Course Requirements

A. Attendance

Student class participation and preparation are vital. Students are advised to attend all classes. Missed notes and information because of absenteeism are the responsibility of the student. Any student missing a total of six classes will be assigned an “F” grade.
 

B. Creative Arts 30%

1. Memorization

The Psalms have been instrumental in the liturgical practice in both Temple and church worship. Using the NIV Students shall rewrite a Psalm of not less than 20 verses by memory. Each verse will be graded as 1/2 mark. Incorrect punctuation or spelling will result in the loss of 1/4 mark. A missing word will result in the loss of 1/2 a mark. This assignment will take place on September 16.

 

Grade: 10%

2. Interpretative Collage

The Psalms are visual wonders. Their discursive power is found in their ability to shape our imaginations. Students shall select a Psalm other than the one for their reading. Students will then choose a translation of their choice and prepare a collage of images in association with each verse. Students may wish to use their own photographs or find appropriate pictures from other published sources.

Students may substitute the visual collage with video or power point presentation.

Grading will be based on the clarity of delivery, the creativity of their interpretation and the defence of their interpretation. The interpretive Psalms will all be presented in the class on the same day and 50% of the grade will be determined by peer evaluation. This assignment is due for presentation on October 3rd.

Grade10%

3. Interpretive Reflection

Following the lament format and using what they have learned about the basic theories and features of parallelism students are to write their own lament of not less than 15 verses.

Grading will be based on the clarity of delivery, the creativity of their interpretation and the defence of their interpretation. The interpretive Psalms will all be read in the class on the same day and 50% of the grade will be determined by peer evaluation. This assignment is due for presentation on December 2.

Grade 10% 

C. Midterm

The Midterm is based on notes and readings up to and including October 24th.

Grade 20% 

D. Research Assignment 30%

An 8 - 10 page term paper on some aspect of the relevance of the Psalms to the contemporary Christian. (Some possible suggestions could include, The place of praise and lament as found in the Psalter; and The place of prayer; Love, Justice and Mercy as found in the Psalms.)  Turabian, SBL or MLA style: Bibliography with a minimum of 15 items.

E. Final Examination

The final exam is based on notes and readings from November 4th through to December 5th.

Grade 20%

 F. Evaluation

Creative Arts

30%

Midterm 

20 %

Research

30 %

Final Exam

20%

G. Grading

A+

Awarded Exceptional

C

60-64

A

85-100

D+

55-59

B+

75-84

D

50-54

B

70-74

F

0-49

C+

65-69

 

 


 

V. Course Outline

Dates

Assignments and Readings

Readings

 

 

Sept 12, 15

Introduction to Cultic Poetry

 "The Poetry of the Psalms" by Dr. Gerald Wilson Professor of Old Testament at Azusa Pacific University

Sept 19

Ancient Near Eastern Poetic Books

 

Sept 22

Shape of the Psalter
Memorization of a Psalm

G. Wilson. Shape of the Psalter

Sept 26, 29

Forms of Hebrew Poetry

G. Wilson "Types of Psalms"

Oct 3rd

History of Interpreting Hebrew Poetry

 

Oct. 6th 

Function of Hebrew Poetry I

Brueggemann Ch. 1

Oct 13th

Collage Presentation

 

Oct 17th

Function of Hebrew Poetry II

 

Oct 20th , 24th

Psalms as the People's Prayer Book

Brueggemann Ch. 2, 7
"Praying the Psalms"  by Lawrence S. Cunningham, Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame

Oct 31st

Midterm

 

Nov 3rd, 7th

Psalms as Lament

Brueggemann Ch. 3,4,5

Nov 10th, 14th

Psalms as Praise

Brueggemann Ch. 10

Nov 17th

Historical Psalms
Term Paper

Brueggemann Ch. 9

Nov 21st

Royal Psalms

G. Wilson "Psalms and the King"

Nov 24th

Covenanting With God

Brueggemann Ch. 8;
G. Wilson "Interpreting Biblical Psalms in an Urban Context."

Nov 28th

Interpretive Reflection

 

Dec 1sth

Subversive Poetry

Ch. 11, 13

Dec 5th

Ideological Poetry

Ch 12

Dec 8th

Psalms of Solidarity

Ch 14

 

VI. Selected Bibliography

 Allen, Leslie C. Psalms 101-150. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco: Word, 1983. 

 Anderson, A. A. The Book of Psalms. Two vols. The New Century Bible Commentary. 
     Reprint ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981. 

Berlin, Adele. The Dynamics of Biblical Parallelism. Indiana Studies in Bible and Literature.
     Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1985

Bruggemann, Walter. Praying the Pslams, Winona, MN: St Mary's Press, 1982.

 Bullock, C. Hassell. Introduction to the Old Testament Poetic Books. Revised 
     and expanded ed. Chicago: Moody, 1988.

Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Book of Psalms. Reprint ed.: Calvin's Commentaries, 
     vols. 4-6. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981. 

 Craigie, Peter C. Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco: Word, 1983. 

Griggs, Donald. Praying and Teaching the Psalms, Nashvilled: Abingdon, 1984.

Gunkel, Hermann. The Psalms: A Form-Critical Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 
     1967.

 Kidner, Derek. Psalms. Two vols. The Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers 
     Grove: Inter-Varsity, 1973, 1975. 

Knight, George A. F. Psalms. Two vols. The Daily Study Bible. Philadelphia: 
     Westminster, 1983. 

Kugel, James L. The Idea of Biblical Poetry: Parallelism and Its History. New 
     Haven: Yale, 1981. 

Lewis, C.S. Reflection on the Psalms. New York: Harcourt, Brace, and Jovanovich, 1958.

Longman, Tremper III. How to Read the Psalms. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP, 1988.

Mays, James Luther. Psalms. Interpretation. Louisville, John Knox, 1994.

McCann, J. Clinton. A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms. Nashville: Abingdon, 
     1993.

Mowinckel, Sigmund. The Psalms in Israel's Worship. Trans. by D. R. Ap-Thomas. 
     New York: Abingdon, 1967. 

O'Connor, Michael P. Hebrew verse Structure. Sinona Lake, In: Eisenbrauns, 1980.

Tate, Marvin E. Psalms 51-100. Word Biblical Commentary. Waco: Word, 1990. 

Tournay, Raymond Jacques. Seeing and Hearing God with the Psalms. Sheffield: Sheffield 
     Academic Press, 1991.

Westermann, Claus. The Psalms. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1980.

___________. Praise and Lament in the Psalms. Knoxville: John Knox, 1981
 

VII. Academic Honesty


Plagiarism is a serious offence that, if caught, will result in the failure of the assignment at least and dismissal from the college at most.  Please consult the Student Handbook for a definition and a more complete listing of possible penalties and a summary of the appeals process. 
  

VIII.  Late Assignment Policy

Late assignments will be subject to penalty and accepted up to a maximum of seven days after the due date established by the professor. The following penalties apply: 
 
1. Assignments received one to seven days late will be penalized 5% per day on the value of the assignment (maximum 35% penalty).
2. Assignments received after seven days will receive a "0" grade.
3. Assignments that involve class discussion or participation must be ready on the day scheduled. Failure to do so will result in a “0” grade.

A waiver of the above penalties will only be considered in matters involving death in the family or hospitalization. Difficulties related to computer and/or printer, hardware/software shall not constitute a valid reason for waiver of penalties.