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THL209 Wisdom And Worship Traditions (8)

Abstract

This subject explores Israelite texts that reflect on living well and justly with one another (wisdom) and before God (worship) through life's varied circumstances. The interconnections between creation, human experience and language about God within Israel's varied wisdom and worship traditions are critically evaluated. Key texts examined include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon, focusing on their respective literary features, socio-cultural contexts and diverse philosophical, religious and moral perspectives.

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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.

Subject information

Duration Grading System School:
One sessionHD/FLSchool of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

THL105

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to interpret biblical wisdom texts in an informed and responsible way
  • be able to interpret texts reflecting practices of Israelite worship in an informed and responsible way
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the structure and central themes of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon
  • be able to demonstrate developing exegetical and interpretive skills in dealing with wisdom and worship texts, including distinctive features of Hebrew poetry
  • be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the rich theological and experiential perspectives within wisdom and worship texts
  • be able to analyse critically human experience and language about God as reflected in wisdom and worship literature
  • demonstrate self-guided learning, including research, writing and communication skills

Syllabus

The subject will cover the following topics:
  • The nature and central features of Israelite wisdom literature
  • The place and practices of worship in the Hebrew Bible
  • Prominent literary forms in wisdom and worship texts
  • The structure, core themes and contexts of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Sirach and Wisdom of Solomon
  • The exegesis and interpretation of wisdom and worship texts
  • The relationship between human experience and language to and about God
  • The multiplicity of theological and experiential perspectives within wisdom and worship traditions

Residential School

This subject contains a optional 2 day residential school. The residential school for this subject provides an orientation to Old Testament studies beyond the foundational level and also provides practical instruction in exegetical and interpretive method for intermediate and advanced Old Testament study at undergraduate level. The residential school will also be used to reinforce the experiential dimension of Old Testament worship and wisdom traditions. Students who attend the residential school will also be introduced to library resources and research tools pertinent to the study of the various Old Testament genres. Activities include lectures, group discussion, practical guidance to exegesis and library orientation.

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The information contained in the 2017 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 25 August 2017. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.