Summer 2014/Pasadena
TC515
Taylor
TC515: TOPICS IN THEOLOGY AND CULTURE: UNDERSTANDING POPULAR MUSIC (4 Units: 120 Units). Barry Taylor.
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.
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: Class will meet daily in four-hour sessions for two weeks. Classes will be divided between lecture and interactive discussion combined with multimedia approaches to listening and understanding popular music.
REQUIRED READING:
Frith, Simon. Performing Rites. Pantheon, 1981. ISBN: 978-0674661967, Pub. Price $23.00 [360 pp.].
Stephens, Ken. What to Listen for in Rock. Yale University Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0300092394, Pub. Price $60.00 [272 pp.].
Hesmondaugh, David, and Keith Negus. Popular Music Studies. Oxford University Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0340762486, Pub. Price $35.00 [288 pp.].
Storey, John. Cultural Studies and the Study of Popular Culture. University Georgia Press, 1996. ISBN: 978-0820325668, Pub. Price $16.95 [184 pp.].
Vanhoozer, Kevin J., ed. Everyday Theology. Baker Academic, 2007. ISBN: 978-0801031670, Pub. Price $23.99 [288 pp.].
* 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).
RECOMMENDED READING:
Baker, Jonny, and Doug Gay, with Jenny Brown. Alternative Worship. SPCK, 2003. ISBN: 978-0801091704, Pub. Price $16.95.
Cone, James. The Spirituals and the Blues: An Interpretation. Orbis, 1992. ISBN: 978-0883448434, Pub. Price $16.00.
Dylan, Bob. Chronicles Vol. 1. Simon & Schuster, 2004. ISBN: 978-0743244589, Pub. Price $15.00.
Kahney, Leander. The Cult of iPod. San Francisco: No Starch Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-1593270667, Pub. Price $24.95.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Schedule for papers will be given in the first class of the intensive.
Three two-page book reviews (30% of final grade).
A two-page essay, typed and double-spaced, which outlines the student’s music preferences, instrumental capabilities, and aspirations (20% of final grade).
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% of final grade).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Option for Theology and the Arts (TA), Worship and Music Ministry (WMM), and Worship, Theology, and the Arts (WTA) emphases.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.