THL209 Wisdom and Worship Traditions (8)

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.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Canberra Campus
United Theological College
Online
Canberra Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL209. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Assumed Knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL105.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to discuss in a critical way issues relating to the interpretation of Israel's wisdom and worship literature;
  • be able to interpret select texts in an informed and responsible way to demonstrate an appreciation of the rich theological and experiential perspectives within wisdom and worship traditions;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the structure, literary forms and central themes of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, Sirach and the Wisdom of Solomon;
  • be able to analyse critically human experience and language about God as reflected in wisdom and worship literature;
  • be able to discuss major theological and ethical themes in Israel's wisdom and worship literature and assess their contemporary relevance;
  • be able to demonstrate developing competence in the exegesis and interpretation of biblical texts and critical engagement with primary biblical sources and secondary literature; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided learning, including sound research, writing and communication skills.

Syllabus

This 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

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: October 2020. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back