OT 323 Course at a Glance

Poetry and Wisdom

Lecturing Faculty: Iain Duguid

Effective for the 2023-2024 Academic Year


Course Description

In this course, we will examine the poetry and wisdom texts from the Old Testament to form an appreciation of how God has chosen to communicate to us in His Word. Through this course, students will understand what it means to become God’s people who desire to know him personally, love him, and glorify him forever. Poetry is an ideal vehicle for this task. These love letters serve far better in praising God rather than a series of propositional statements. We will examine the serious theology underlying the poetry and wisdom texts. Throughout this course, special emphasis will be placed on the role of Gospel-centered application that allows for serious academic knowledge to find value in proper application. (2 credits)


Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

How to Read Proverbs
by Tremper Longman
IVP, 2022
ISBN: 9780877849421
The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job & Ecclesiastes
by F.D. Kidner
IVP, 1085
ISBN: 9780877844051
How to Read and Understand the Psalms
by By Bruke Waltke & Fred Zapel
Crossway, 2023
ISBN: 9781433584336

Estimated Workload

Lectures Readings Assignments
1 0-70 1-3
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • Live Class Meetings [4 - 1.5 hr mtgs]
  • Hebrew Notebook
  • Exegetical-Application Paper
  • Check-In Quizzes (4-short multiple-choice quizzes)
  • Final Exam (4-short response essays, 800-1000 words each)

Synchronous Meeting Times

Please note the synchronous sessions listed below. These sessions are live class meetings where you will meet with your instructor and fellow classmates. Though attendance is highly encouraged as these sessions are integral to the course, students may submit an alternative assignment. Please note, attendance is required during the meeting times listed. If you cannot attend regularly, then please reach out to support@wts.edu before registering for the course.

  • Live Class Meeting 1: 02/16/2024 (9:30-11:00am ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 2: 02/29/2024 (9:30-11:00am ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 3: 03/14/2024 (9:30-11:00am ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 4: 04/4/2024 (9:30-11:00am ET)