DESCRIPTION: The course will investigate some of the social, ethical, and psychological implications of popular music upon theology, and in turn seek a theological engagement with the diverse and varied contours of popular music. We live in an age where popular music provides a "soundtrack" to our lives; this course will explore the theological implications of this cultural artifact.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Music plays an integral role in contemporary life, it also plays a pivotal role in both congregational worship and evangelism--this class will equip those seeking to engage contemporary culture, be it in a pastoral ministry or social setting, by deepening our understanding of the nature of music and its role in our lives. The class will also be of benefit to aspiring/practicing musicians and composers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through examination and investigation of popular music, interactive discussion, and class lectures, students will (1) gain a broad understanding of both the structure and social contexts of popular music; (2) gain an understanding of the moral and philosophical drive of many areas of popular music; (3) be equipped to engage theologically with one of the most important dynamics of contemporary culture; and (4) understand the ways in which popular music influences and shapes contemporary church and worship life.

COURSE FORMAT: Classes will be divided between lecture and interactive discussion combined with multimedia approaches to listening and understanding popular music. Class will meet daily in four-hour sessions for two weeks.

REQUIRED READING:

Frith, Simon. Performing Rites. Pantheon, 1981. ISBN: 0674661966. $23.00.

Stephens, Ken. What to Listen for in Rock. Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN: 0300092393. $60.00.

Hesmondaugh, David, and Keith Negus. Popular Music Studies. Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN: 0340762489. $35.00.

Storey, John. Cultural Studies and the Study of Popular Culture. University Georgia Press, 1996. ISBN: 0820325668. $16.95.

Vanhoozer, Kevin J., ed. Everyday Theology. Baker Academic, 2007. ISBN: 0801031672. $23.99.

* Listening to a selection of popular music spanning the history of the medium will be a required part of the curriculum (guidelines for this will be presented in class).

Baker, Jonny, and Doug Gay, with Jenny Brown. Alternative Worship. SPCK, 2003. ISBN: 0801091705. $16.95.

Cone, James. The Spirituals and the Blues: An Interpretation. Orbis, 1992. ISBN: 0883448434. $16.00

Dylan, Bob. Chronicles Vol. 1. Simon & Schuster, 2004. ISBN: 0743244583. $15.00.

Kahney, Leander. The Cult of iPod. San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2005. ISBN: 1593270666. $24.95.

1. Three two-page book reviews (30%).

2. A two-page essay, typed and double-spaced, which outlines the student's music preferences, instrumental capabilities, and aspirations (20%).

3. A twelve- to fifteen-page paper rooted in field research on one of the musical genres covered in the course. Papers will forge a theological response to the research gathered. Students will study specific music genres (guidelines will be given in class) and include a plan for a theological presentation in their life and ministry (50%).

4. Schedule for papers will be given in the first class of the intensive.