Winter 2009/Pasadena
OT507
Allen
OT507: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: PSALMS. Leslie C. Allen.
DESCRIPTION: A study of the Psalms in Hebrew. Psalms will be selected to
illustrate the different types of prayer, praise, meditation, etc. to be found
in the Psalter. Attention will be paid to exegesis, structure, setting, and
canonical value.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course has five objectives. First, for students to
apply their earlier language learning to specific texts. Second, to develop
ability in interpreting Old Testament texts. Third, to understand the
historical and cultural situations in which Psalms was written. Fourth, to
understand the literary features of the book. Fifth, to use Psalms in their
ministry.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The book of Psalms has taken a firm hold not only of
the New Testament, but also of the heart of Christian believers and worshipers
down the ages. To discern the basic spirituality of these poems will lead to an
enriched understanding of their contemporary relevance.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for two hours twice a week for lectures and
discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
- Allen, L. C. Psalms 101-150. Rev. ed. Nashville: Nelson,
2003.
- Anderson, B. W. Out of the Depths: The Psalms Speak for Us Today.
3d. ed. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2000.
- Broyles, C. C. The Conflict of Faith and Experience in the Psalms: A
Form-Critical and Theological Study. Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1989.
- Craigie, P. C. Psalms 1-50. 2d ed. Nashville: Nelson, 2004.
- Elliger, K. and Rudolph, W. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1983.
- Kraus, H.-J. Psalms 1-59. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1988.
- _________. Psalms 60-150. Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1989.
- Mays, J. L. Psalms. Louisville: Westminster/John Knox, 1994.
- Tate, M. E. Psalms 51-100. Dallas: Word Books, 1990.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical
Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://www.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/091/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Allen, L. C. Word Biblical Themes: Psalms. Waco: Word Books,
1987.
- Brueggemann, W. The Psalms and the Life of Faith. Ed. P. D. Miller.
Minneapolis: Fortress, 1995.
- Goldingay, G. Psalms. Volume 1. Psalms 1-41. Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2006.
ASSIGNMENTS: Basic study of the text, including the reading of a commentary,
should precede class work, which will contribute 10% toward the course grade.
Further reading of commentaries will be necessary. An exegetical paper will
also be required, which will contribute 30%. A midterm examination will be
worth 20%, and a final examination will contribute 40%.
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "c"
(OTCE).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. It will involve translation and exegesis of Psalm
passages previously studied.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/08)