Fuller Online
WS514: Spring 2010
Willmington

WS514: MUSIC IN WORSHIP: HISTORY AND PRACTICE (4 units).
Edwin M. Willmington.


DESCRIPTION: This course is intended to be a survey of the manner in which music has been used in the church as a means of declaring the message of God in the world and an expression of faith. Students will be guided through historical periods, trends, styles, controversies, and varieties of musical media from past to present. The course will aid the student to consider the theological issues relating to the use of music in worship. Students will be asked to examine not only their traditions of music in worship, but also those of other parts of the worship spectrum.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Music has long been a primary means for faith expression throughout church history, even predating the church. Music has also been a misunderstood and controversial art in the life of the church that deserves attention by those involved in ministry. Every minister will likely be called upon to assess the role of music in the life of the church at some level, either individually or for corporate purposes. The course will attempt to create a backdrop from the past that allows for a balanced theology of music ministry in the present, with attention given to the particular tradition of each student.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will

  1. learn of the rich musical heritage of the Christian church at worship;

  2. acquire evaluation skills (musical and theological) for determining appropriate use of music in worship; and

  3. be spiritually prepared for ministries relating to the use of music in worship.

COURSE FORMAT: Conducted online, the ten weekly lessons align with Fuller's academic calendar. Each week students will interact with the course materials and one another by way of journaling, participation in group discussions, web-based research, worship observations, musical listening, and applying concepts to worship services.

REQUIRED READING:
Best, Harold M. Music through the Eyes of Faith. HarperSanFrancisco, 1993.

Johansson, Calvin M. Music and Ministry: A Biblical Counterpoint. Hendrickson, 1984.

Westermeyer, Paul. Te Deum: The Church and Music. Augsburg Fortress, 1998.

Mitchell, Robert H. Ministry and Music. Westminster Press, 1978.

Course reader, available online.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
  1. Weekly journaling assignments based on reading and worship reflection (1-2 pages)

  2. Weekly small group discussions related to reading, lecture material, and observation of music in worship

  3. Research related to web-based resources for worship music

  4. Three short reflection papers on (1) the student's music/worship journey (4-5 pages), (2) differing styles of sacred music (4-5 pages), (3) the representation of the attributes of God in music selections (4-5 pages)

  5. Multimedia report on a person who has made a significant contribution to worship music

  6. Final paper related to the students' conclusions regarding their philosophy of worship music (6-10 pages)

  7. Midterm and Final Examination

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Required for the MA or MDiv concentration in Worship and Music Ministry (prior to Winter 2010). Option for the Worship, Theology, and the Arts emphasis. Recommended to be taken simultaneously with WS515 Musical Worship Leadership Practicum.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Midterm and Final Exam.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (February 9, 2010)