Spring 2012/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: Upon successful completion of this course students will have
demonstrated (1) knowledge of selected Psalms; (2) ability to interpret the
Psalms through reading and critical interaction (via historical, cultural,
literary, and other methods); (3) application of Hebrew language skills to
specific texts; (4) skills in reading the Psalms theologically; and (5) use of
the Psalms in devotional exercises
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions of
exegetical activities and discussions. This course includes Moodle as a part of
its design.
REQUIRED READING:
- Brown, F., S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English
Lexicon of the Old Testament, with an appendix, containing the Biblical
Aramaic. Hendrickson, 1996.** ISBN: 9781565632066. Price $17.00.
- Brueggemann, Walter. Spirituality of the Psalms. Fortress,
2002. ISBN: 9780800634506. Price $9.99.
- Craigie, Peter C. Psalms 1-50. 2nd ed. Word Biblical Commentary.
Word, 2004. ISBN: 9780785250135. Price: $29.99.
- Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
Hendrickson, 1997.** ISBN: 9781598561623. Price $24.99.
- Estes, Daniel J. Handbook on the Wisdom Books and Psalms. Baker
Academic, 2005. ISBN: 9780801038884. Price $19.49.
- Tate, Marvin. Psalms 51-100. Word Biblical Commentary. Word, 1990.
ISBN: 9780849902192. Price $29.99.
- Various articles and chapters on reserve (see Library Reserve).
- **Student may use electronic versions of the text and other lexica.
- One of the following:
- Kraus, H.-J. Theology of the Psalms. Trans.
Hilton C. Oswald. Augsburg, 1989. ISBN: 9780800695064. Price $45.49.
- Miller, Patrick D. They Cried to the Lord: The Form and Theology of
Biblical Prayer. Fortress, 1994. ISBN: 9780800627621. Price $29.00.
- Reid, Stephen Breck. Listening In: A Multicultural Reading of the
Psalms. Abingdon, 1997. ISBN: 9780687011940. Price $19.99.
- See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/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. ISBN: 9780802802552. Price
$19.99.
- Kraus, H.-J. Psalms 60-150: A Commentary. Trans. Hilton C. Oswald.
Augsburg, 1989. ISBN: 9780800695040. Price $33.99.
- Mays, James Luther. Psalms. Interpretation. John Knox Press, 2011.
ISBN: 9780664234393. Price $22.99.
- Pleins, J. David. The Psalms: Songs of Tragedy, Hope, and Justice.
Orbis, 1993. ISBN: 9780883449288. Price $14.99.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The final grade will be based on the following
components:
- Attendance and class participation (35%). Weekly preparation and
participation is essential for successful completion of this course. This
preparation and participation will include reading assignments, translation,
and exegetical analysis of assigned passages. Participation will also include
in-class devotionals and online discussions focused on the devotional use of
the Psalms.
- Course portfolio (65%) demonstrating use and application of exegetical
skills, consisting of
- * exegetical analyses of assigned passages
(35%)--demonstrating students' application of exegetical methods, use of tools,
and understanding of the Psalms; and
- * an exegetical project (30%)--demonstrating application of
exegetical practice to today's context and concerns.
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. (January 2012)