Module THEO2281: THE PSALMS

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2281: THE PSALMS

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To introduce students to the content of the Psalter, to explore how the critical study of various Psalm-types opens a window on to the cultus and spirituality of Israelite society, to understand their evolution into a meditative text in the later Old Testament period, and to examine the part they have played and continue to play in the worship and spirituality of the Christian faith and in the cultural heritage of the judaeo-Christian world.

Content

• The Psalms are a core text for our understanding not only of the religious life of ancient Israel but also of the subsequent development of the Jewish and Christian spiritual traditions. The course will cover the Psalms as texts of worship and prayer in ancient Israel, and how different approaches to Psalm-study illuminate our understanding of the communities in which the Psalms originated. It will examine parallel texts from other ancient religious traditions, and explore how the Psalter has come to function as a canonical 'holy book' within Jewish thought. The course will also cover the New Testament's use of the Psalms, as well as how they have featured in public worship and personal prayer down the centuries. Several lectures will be given over to the detailed study of specific Psalms.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in the field of Psalm studies, along with an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed, and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.
• A knowledge of the content of the Psalter, and of the main Psalm-types.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Through small-group discussion, tutorials provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

One formative essay (2500 words).