Fall 2009/Pasadena
OT507
Jacobs
OT507: OLD TESTAMENT EXEGESIS: PSALMS. Mignon R. Jacobs.
DESCRIPTION: The primary aim of this course is an exegetical study of the
Hebrew text of selected psalms of the book of Psalms, in light of their genres
and themes. Towards this aim, various psalms will be analyzed using the
methodological principles of concept, form, historical, redaction, and text and
literary criticism. Specific attention will be given to systematization of the
various aspects of the exegetical analysis in light of contemporary
concerns.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Exegetical skills are basic to thorough
interpretation of biblical texts in ministry and spiritual growth. Such skills
enable informed evaluation of commentaries and English translations and the use
of exegetical results as the basis of theological and hermeneutical
reflections.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable students (1) to better know and
understand the Psalms; (2) to develop ability in interpreting the Bible through
reading and critical interaction via historical, cultural, literary, and other
methods; (3) to apply Hebrew language skills to specific texts; and (4) to
become more skilled in reading the Bible theologically.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions of
exegetical activities and discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Craigie, Peter C. Psalms 1-50. Word Biblical Commentary.
Word, 1983.
- Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.
- Estes, Daniel J. Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Baker
Academic, 2005.
- Tate, Marvin. Psalms 51-100. Word Biblical Commentary. Word, 1990.
- Various articles and chapters on reserve (see Library Reserve).
- One of the following:
- Brueggemann, Walter. Spirituality of the Psalms.
Fortress, 2002.
- Kraus, H.-J. Theology of the Psalms. Trans. Hilton C. Oswald.
Augsburg, 1989.
- Miller, Patrick D. They Cried to the Lord: The Form and Theology of
Biblical Prayer. Fortress, 1994.
- See also the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical
Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://documents.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/094/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html and in the SOT Academic
Advising office.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Gerstenberger, E. S. Psalms: With an Introduction to Cultic
Poetry. Part 1. FOTL 14. Eerdmans, 1988.
- Kraus, H.-J. Psalms 60-150: A Commentary. Trans. Hilton C. Oswald.
Augsburg, 1989.
- Mays, James Luther. Psalms. Interpretation. John Knox Press, 1994.
- Pleins, J. David. The Psalms: Songs of Tragedy, Hope, and Justice.
Orbis, 1993.
- Reid, Stephen Breck. Listening In: A Multicultural Reading of the
Psalms. Abingdon, 1997
- Sarna, Nahum M. On the Book of Psalms: Exploring the Prayers of Ancient
Israel. Schocken, 1993.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Weekly preparation is essential for successful
completion of this course. This preparation will include reading assignments,
translation, and exegetical analysis of assigned passages. When announced,
exegetical analysis will be submitted as demonstration of students' application
of exegetical methods and understanding of the various psalms. The final grade
will be based on attendance (10%) and class participation (20%), exegetical
analysis of assigned passages (30%), and an exegetical paper (15-18 pages)
(40%).
PREREQUISITES: LG502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Old Testament "c"
(OTCE) and MA program requirements for Old Testament book study (OTBK).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/09)