ME510:
Christian Communication through Music
(4 units)
Roberta
R. King, Associate Professor of Communication and Ethnomusicology
Winter 2004 Pasadena
DESCRIPTION:
Music accompanies and pervades all of human life. It also plays a
powerful role in the life of the Christian, the Church, and mission. This
course comprises a study of communication principles successfully at work in
the musics of various cultures. It serves as an introductory study of the
interrelationships between music and culture with specific emphasis on the use
of music in cross-cultural communication of the gospel. The course focuses on
receptor-oriented communication in relation to basic music processes within
their various contexts. "Christian Communication Through Music" seeks
to provide specific insights and tools to the work of the Church worldwide. It
thus emphasizes the role of ethnomusicology in developing effective music
communication strategies for worship, evangelism, Christian formation, and
leadership training.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Broaden knowledge and awareness of the world’s musics in cultural
context.
• Gain an understanding of the dynamic
intersection between theology, communication, and ethnomusicology.
• Develop a working ministry philosophy
for effectively employing the musics of any people group in Christian mission
and ministry.
• Acquire tools and strategies for
culturally appropriate ministry via a people’s music and related arts.
COURSE FORMAT:
The course is offered as a two-week intensive. Lectures, guest lecturers,
audio and video clips, class discussions, community music experiences, and
student presentations create a multimedia format. Participation in class
activities is critical for understanding the role of music in communicating
Christ.
REQUIRED
READING:
If you have read any of the
required texts for another course, please select an alternative text from the
recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.
Corbitt, J. Nathan. The Sound of the Harvest: Music’s Mission in Church and Culture. Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1998.
Hawn, C. Michael. Gather into ONE:
Praying and Singing Globally. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Co,
2003
King, Roberta R. ME510: A Reader in
Christian Music Communication[Ethnomusicology]. Fuller Theological Seminary:
Pasadena, 2002.
Kraft, Charles H. Communicating Jesus’
Way. Revised Edition. William Carey Library: Pasadena, CA., 1999.
Nettl, Bruno, et al. Excursions in World
Music 3rd. Ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall,
Inc., 2001.
Scott, Joyce. Tuning in to a
different Song: Using a Music Bridge to Cross Cultural Differences. Pretoria:
The Institute for Missiological and Ecumenical Research, 2000.
RECOMMENDED
READING:
King, Roberta R. A Time to Sing: A Manual for the African
Church. Nairobi, Kenya: Evangel Publishing House.
King, Roberta R. Readings in Christian
Music Communication. Pasadena: Fuller Theological Seminary, 1982.
Merriam, Alan. The Anthropology of Music.
Evanston: Northwestern University Press. 1964.
Nettl, Bruno et al. CD for Excursions in
World Music 3rd. Ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:
Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2001.
Nettl, Bruno The Study of
Ethnomusicology: Twenty-Nine Issues and Concepts. Urbana: University of
Illinois.
Palmer-Quay, Dianne. Developing
Indigenous Hymnody: Key Resources for Cross-Cultural Workers. Columbia, SC:
Dianne Palmer-Quay, 1999.
ASSIGNMENTS:
1) Five interaction papers based on the
required readings discussing issues in ethnomusicology as they relate to
mission, evangelism, spiritual formation, and worship: 500 words per each
report.
2) One music discovery report done in
groups of 2-3 people: minimum of 2,000 words.
3) One research paper or project:
minimum of 2,500 words.
Th.M.
Students: An additional
1,000-2,500 words for the final paper or project.
PREREQUISITES:
None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Relevant to anyone involved in ministry that includes music:
missionaries, pastors, worship leaders, and musicians. Optional course in M.A.
Worship, Theology and the Arts program.
FINAL EXAM: None.