ME510/610: Christian Communication through Music (4 units)
Roberta R. King, Associate
Professor of Communication and Ethnomusicology
Spring 2008
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:
1.
Broaden knowledge and awareness of the world’s musics in cultural
context.
2. Gain an understanding of the dynamic
intersection between theology, communication, and ethnomusicology.
3. Develop a working ministry philosophy
for effectively employing the musics of any people group in Christian mission
and ministry.
4. 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
1. Corbitt, J.
Nathan. The Sound of the Harvest: Music’s
2. Hawn, C. Michael. Gather into ONE: Praying and Singing
Globally.
3. King, Roberta R. ME510: A Reader in Christian Music Communication[Ethnomusicology]. Fuller
Theological Seminary:
4. King, Roberta R. et al Music
in the Life of the
5. Kraft, Charles H. Communicating Jesus’ Way. Revised
Edition. William Carey Library:
6. Nettl, Bruno, et al. Excursions in World Music 3rd.
7.
Scott, Joyce. Tuning in to
a different Song: Using a
RECOMMENDED
1. King, Roberta R. A Time to Sing: A Manual for the
2. King, Roberta R. Readings in Christian Music Communication.
3. Merriam, Alan. The Anthropology of Music.
4. Nettl, Bruno et al. CD for Excursions in World Music 3rd.
5. Nettl, Bruno The Study of
Ethnomusicology: Twenty-Nine Issues and Concepts.
6. Palmer-Quay, Dianne. Developing Indigenous Hymnody: Key Resources
for Cross-Cultural Workers.
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.