Summer 2017/Fuller Online

ME525

Tan

ME525: WORSHIP IN WORLD RELIGIONS (4 Units: 160 hours). Sooi Ling Tan.

DESCRIPTION: This course examines and analyzes the religious worship practices and music expressions of five major world religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism (and Chinese religions), Judaism and Christianity. Their respective belief systems and worldviews are also discussed. In addition, issues pertaining to hybridity with local and folk religious practices and musical expressions, as well as implications for appropriate contextualization of Christian worship in multi religious contexts are addressed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, Students will (1) understand the foundational beliefs of Christianity Islam, Buddhism and Chinese religions, Hinduism, Jewish and folk religions through the study of their worship rituals; (2) analyze the theological undergirdings of each world religion; (3) apply these understandings to their own theological engagement and ministry context; (4) evaluate and compare these major theological concepts and themes with Christianity; and (5) create and develop tools to contextualize Christian worship in multi-religious contexts.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 1000 total pages required. If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Beck, Guy L. Sacred Sound: Experiencing Music in World Religions. Wilfred Laurier Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0889204218. Pub. Price $44.95 [132 pp.].

Farhadian, Charles. Introducing World Religions: A Christian Engagement. Baker Academic, 2015. ISBN: 978-0801032349, Pub. Price $44.99 [400 pages assigned].

Course Reader [100 pages]

ONE text from recommended reading list below.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Ching, Julia. Chinese Religions. London: The MacMillan Press. 1993. ISBN: 978-0883448755. Pub. Price: $17.95, [250 pp.].

Harnish, David D. & Rasmussen, Anne K. Music and Islam in Indonesia. Oxford University Press, 2011.ISBN: 978-0195385427, Pub. Price: $38.95. [408 pp.].

Katyal, Anjum ed. Sacred to Profane: Writings on Worship and Performance. Calcutta, India: Seagull Books. 2006. ISBN: 978-1905422159. Pub. Price: $19.99, [296 pp.].

Summit, Jeffrey A. The Lord’s Song in a Strange Land: Music and Identity in Contemporary Jewish Worship. New York: Oxford University Press, 2003. ISBN: 978-0195161816. Pub. Price: $35.00, [203 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 1000 pp. of required reading [60 hours].

2. Weekly Lessons (video lectures, power point presentations, case studies) [20 hours].

3. Ten weekly forum discussions with assigned topics, issues and readings (40%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5] [20 hours].

4. One critical reflection paper (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1-3]. [10 hours].
5. A 2,000-word observation report of a religious worship based on two visits to the event (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [15 hours].
6. A 3,000 word academic paper in which the student will research in depth on one of the issues addressed in class. (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5]. [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the C2 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Required course in the Global Arts and World Religions Emphasis.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.