Psalms
Theodore W. Burgh, PhD
Department of Philosophy and Religion
MW 2-3:15
Bear 261
Spring 2008
Office Hours: T 11-12; W 11-12; also by appointment
Ph 910-962-7660
CLICK HERE FOR AN ELECTRONIC COPY OF THE SYLLABUS
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR KEEPING UP WITH ANY CHANGES, ASSIGNMENTS, ADDITIONAL READINGS, ETC THAT MAY BE PLACED ON THE SYLLABUS. CHANGES WILL BE REFLECTED IN THE ONLINE SYLLABUS
SEMINAR GROUPS AND ASSIGNMENT DATE
WORKING QUICK AND DIRTY GUIDE OF TERMS, ETC FOR PSALM STUDY
THIS IS NOT A BASIC STUDIES COURSE!!
Course Description
Music and poetry have and continue to serve as means of expression through which people share how they interpret and navigate the world around them. The Book of Psalms is a collection of poetic, and in many instances musical constructions that have shaped and guided the liturgies of ancient cultural practices, the synagogue and church for millennia. Psalms from the Hebrew Bible express emotions ranging from high praise of a deity to gut wrenching laments, and even reveal periods of bewilderment and anger. To begin to comprehend the experiences of the authors, a basic understanding of the characteristic features of Hebrew poetry must be established. This seminar takes an interdisciplinary approach in examining these and other characteristic features and focuses on both the literary development of these writings as well as their function in the Israelite cult. Examples of (“sacred” and “secular”) poetry and music outside of the book of Psalms will also be considered.
Attention will be focused on:
(1) exploration of basic terminology used in the psalms
(2) the ways in which historical critical, theological, socio-cultural, and other approaches to the Psalms illumine their various genres and themes;
(2) the Psalms as a discrete literary sub-canon within the Hebrew Bible;
(3) the use of poetry and music as theological, socio-cultural, and other types of language in both the ancient and modern worlds;
(4) the impact of global issues - e.g., poverty, hunger, health care, international conflict, etc. - on the interpretation of the Bible generally and the Psalter in particular
Books for Course
Alter, R. The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic Books.
Bible. Almost any version of the Bible is appropriate. However, the instructor advises that students not use translations such as the Living Bible or Good News for Modern Man. If you have any questions, please contact the instructor.
Housekeeping
Technology. Computers are encouraged. However, if a student is found surfing the Internet, downloading non-class related info, etc. he or she will be asked to leave the class. Cell phones must be turned off as soon as class begins. Don’t let your phone ring during class, and please don’t answer it. Failure to adhere to this will result in the student being asked to leave the class. Moreover, more than one incident will affect the student’s grade.
Class Attendance
While attendance will not be taken on a daily basis, please understand that it will be strongly considered in the calculation of the student’s participation grade. In other words, you need to be present in class in order to participate. Excessive absences (3-5) will result in a reduction of the participation grade.
Some Bibliographic Info (The instructor and students will add information to this list)
Bellinger, W.
1998 The Testimony of Poets and Sages: the Psalms and Wisdom Literature. Macon:
Smyth & Helwys.
Chavis, B.
1983 Psalms from Prison. New York: Pilgrim.
Dahood, M.
1966 Psalms. Garden City: Doubleday.
Gunkel, H.
1975 The Psalms: a Form-critical Introduction. Philadelphia: Fortress.
Keel, O.
1978 The Symbolism of the Biblical World: Ancient Near Eastern Iconography and
the Book of Psalms. New York: Seabury.
Levine, H.
1995 Sing Unto God a New Song: A Contemporary Reading of the Psalms.
Bloomington: Indiana University.
Weiser, A.
1962 The Psalms: A Commentary. Philadelphia: Westminster.
1994 The New Interpreter’s Bible. Nashville: Abingdon.