THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Theology (THEOL)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
This subject explores the literature of the Old Testament concerned with Israel's reflection on living well and faithfully with one another (wisdom) and before God (worship) in all of life's varied circumstances. The primary texts examined are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations, with attention to their various literary features. Human experience and language about God within the wisdom and worship traditions are critically analysed.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: THL209
Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Assumed Knowledge:
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
- be able to interpret the various Old Testament forms of wisdom literature such as proverbs, wisdom psalms, and the extended philosophical reflections of Job and Ecclesiastes
- be able to interpret the various Old Testament expressions of worship such as psalms of lament, praise, national crisis, enthronement, and pilgrimage
- be able to evaluate the contribution of Lamentations and Song of Songs with respect to wisdom and worship traditions
- be able to discuss the structure, core themes, and historical contexts of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations
- be able to demonstrate exegetical skills in dealing with wisdom and worship texts, particularly the distinctive features of Biblical Hebrew poetry
- be able to interpret wisdom and worship texts responsibly in contemporary contexts
- be able to recognise the multiplicity of theological and experiential perspectives within the Old Testament
- be able to analyse critically human experience and language about God reflected in wisdom and worship texts
- demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
- what is wisdom? - what is worship? - prominent literary forms in wisdom and worship texts - the structure, core themes, and historical contexts of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Lamentations - the exegesis and interpretation of wisdom and worship texts - the relationship between human experience and language about God - the multiplicity of theological and experiential perspectives within the Old Testament
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.