ME510/610:
Christian Communication through Music (4 units)
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 will
meet once per week for 10 weeks. 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.
Viswanathan, T. and Matthew Harp Allen,
Music in South India. Oxford
University Press, 2004.
Wade, Bonnie C. Thinking Musically, Oxford
University Press, 2004.
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. Required course for Global Christian Worship
Concentration. Elective course in M.A. Worship, Theology and the Arts program.
An option to meet Specialized Requirements in the Master of Arts in Worship,
Theology and the Arts. An option to meet WTA Concentration units in the Master
of Divinity-Worship Theology and the Arts.
FINAL EXAM: None.