DESCRIPTION: This course is the introductory course for all students entering
the Worship, Theology and the Arts (WTA) concentrations in the Master's level.
This course introduces the students in the WTA concentration to the methodology
that will under gird their theological study of Christian worship, along with
narrative, performing and plastic arts. Beginning with Augustine's philosophy
of language and learning as introduced and developed in De Magistro and De
Doctrina Christina, and his assertion that all we have to communicate with
are signs words and gestures, this course will explore methods of exegeting
signs and gestures to supplement the exegesis of words. The course will be
divided into modules, each one focusing on the application of this method to
Christian worship and two art forms. One module will also focus on the topic of
the Brehm Lectures which the students will be required to attend.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: St. Francis of Assisi famously stated that one should
proclaim the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words. This course will
introduce the student to ministry resources that are non-verbal and can be seen
as complements to verbal proclamation of the Gospel. In a world which is
becoming increasingly comfortable with symbolic and indirect communication,
this course invites the student to consider the various ways the Gospel can be
proclaimed in symbolic and indirect ways, and the strengths and limits of these
forms of communication.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: A student successfully completing this course will (1)
articulate the application of Augustine's theory of communication to worship
and the arts; (2) describe in general terms the history and theology of the
arts in relation to the Christian faith; (3) describe in general terms the
history and theology of Christian worship in relation to the arts; (4) apply
the hermeneutic model of interpretation to worship and the arts in a cursory
way; (5) complete an in-depth application of this hermeneutic model to one
particular artistic expression or element of Christian worship.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions. It will have
some lectures by the professor, discussions of course material and interaction
and reflection on the experience of various art forms.. Students will be
expected to attend the events surrounding the Brehm Lectures in their entirety
and go on field trips with the class during class time (and possibly outside of
class) to have common experience of various art forms.
REQUIRED READING: