Course Description

An in-depth study of representative types of psalmic materials. Attention is given to questions of historical setting and literary form as they relate to major religious ideas and teachings

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

OBST 660 explores the message of the book of Psalms and why the Psalms are important to the Christian faith. This course demonstrates how Psalms builds Christian theology through its reflection on kingship and the promised Messiah. This course will also demonstrate how Psalms model godly worship through its historical record of Israelite songs.

Measurable Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. 1. Identify the major literary genres in the Psalms.
   2. Analyze the literary and poetic features of the Psalms.
   3. Explain the major theological themes in the Psalms.
   4. Evaluate how the Psalms contribute to Christian theology.
   5. Appraise evangelical and critical views on the authorship and formation of the Psalms.
   6. Apply sound hermeneutics in resolving interpretive issues in the Psalms.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus at liberty university, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. Get access to additional courses views Liberty University.

Discussions (2)

There will be 2 Discussions throughout the course. The purpose of Discussions is to generate interaction between students in regard to relevant current course topics. The student is required to post 1 thread of at least 750 words. The student must also post replies of at least 225 words each to 2 classmates’ threads. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, F)

Poetic Analysis Paper Assignment

The student will complete a poetic analysis of Psalms 102, 51, and 49 and answer the specific questions contained in the assignment instructions concerning figures of speech and other literary features in these psalms. (MLOs: B, F)

Book Review Assignment

The student will read the Belcher text in its entirety and then write a 1,200 – 1,500-word review/reflection on the text. This assignment will enable the student to understand how the Psalms point to Christ and His person and work. (MLOs: C, D, & F)

Devotional Reflections on the Psalms Assignment

The student will write 5 (250-word minimum for each) devotional reflections on 5 different psalms designated for this assignment. These reflections must focus on the theological and applicational principles derived from the message of each psalm. (MLOs: C, D)

Psalms Exposition Paper Assignment

The student will write a 9 – 10-page (double-spaced, not including title page, and bibliography) paper that provides a detailed analysis of a selected psalm based upon the psalms listed within the course. The paper must include footnotes and conform to the current Turabian format. The student must use at least 6–7 academic sources for this paper and include a bibliography (not part of the page count). This paper is a research paper and not a Bible study or sermon based on the passage. This assignment will enable the student to apply what he/she has learned regarding literary analysis, interpretation, and personal application of the Psalms. (MLOs: B, C, D, & F)

Quizzes (2)

The student will complete 2 quizzes providing essays on selected psalms and/or issues related to the study of the Psalms. These quizzes are open-book, but the student is to do his/her own original work on these quizzes. (MLOs: A, B, C, D, E, F)