COURSE PLANS

MUHI 374 Survey of World Music

Cincinnati Christian University, Fall 2013

T 1:30-2:20pm, room 271, 1 credit hour

Dr. Ken E. Read (280 PH, 244-8195, hm. 471-1131)

Catalog Description and Rationale for the Course

“A course in applied ethnomusicology, the study of the ethnic music of cultures around the world. Introduces principles for understanding another culture’s music and surveys some representative music of various people groups. Emphasizes individual research and practical experience. Prerequisites: PMW 170, 210 recommended.” (from 2010-12 catalog)

This present course is a one-time hybrid of PMW 374, offering a one-credit alternative of the course Survey of World Music to fulfill the third hour of Humanities credit in the new catalog, when transferring from the old curriculum to the new.

Jesus sent his disciples out to make disciples of every people group (Matt. 28:19). On the day of Pentecost, those who heard the apostles were amazed because they each heard them speaking in their own language (Acts 2:7). The apostle Paul said that he wanted to become all things to all men that he might by all means win some (1 Cor. 9:22). If we are to reach all people for Christ, we must learn to speak in their heart language, including music. This course is intended to present a survey of styles of music, as well as tools for understanding and proliferating a given culture’s indigenous music for Christ.

Instructional Objectives

The student who satisfactorily completes this course should be able to:

  • Aurally identify musical style of general people groups and of instruments.
  • Understand how to approach the new sounds of a different culture.
  • Distinguish between amoral form and moral content in a given culture.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with at least twomusics of a non-Western people group.
  • Encourage indigenous Christian music, and to know where it is appropriate.

Outline of Subject Content

The course will be divided into two parts:

  • PART 1: Survey and Analysis (Introduction to general musical styles, instruments and people groups. Distinguishing between culture and content, how to learn and understand a new music system). Part 1 will conclude with an exam.
  • PART 2: Application and Strategy (Research and presentations from the class on their chosen music systems. At least three different musical systems will be explored by each student, both culminating in a written report and a brief oral presentation. The first report is on an American music, the next two on a foreign system). Part 2 concludes with a group plan for a strategy to encourage indigenous hymnody, including group participation in at least one style of music.

Major Requirements and Assignments

Each student will be expected to do the following:

  • Read the class materials for each session and be prepared for discussions.
  • Research and do three papers and oral presentations on the music of different people groups, completed by a strategy for encouraging indigenous hymn writing among them. Papers must be neat and typed, and in proper academic format, following the general outline provided.
  • Discover and learn from most of these sources for music: A movie (such as The Songcatcher), listening to CDs, MP3s or attending a concert, learning to play an instrument, or finding internet websites. Minimum requirement of 10 resources cited for each of the three presentations.
  • NOTE: Because the course meets only two hours per week, with relatively light homework, enculturation is up to the student. Immerse yourself in another culture for at least 15 hours during the semester, using at least one of the above sources.
  • Interview a musician of a different culture (a national or a missionary), with questions such as these: “What instrument would be appropriate for church use? For evangelism?” Then ask a series of questions of your own making about music, asking where styles would be used, what kind of music is spiritually powerful, what kind has neutral meaning, what kinds of songs have been evangelistically effective, etc. Provide an evaluation of what you think the effectiveness of music has been for that people group in reaching them for the Lord.
  • Extra credit--Compose as authentic a hymn as possible, according to your understanding and skill in that musical system.

Evaluation Procedures

This course is being taught in a seminar format, meeting once a week. Because of the importance of the in-class presentations, class attendance and participation are an especially important part (20%) of the student's grade. Attendance is expected at every class session, and the student is responsible for any material covered in classes missed. Three tardies equals one absence.

Approximate proportions of grade are as follows:

  • Attendance and participation20%
  • Mid-Term Exam (survey)20%
  • Analysis papers and presentations (10% each)30%
  • Enculturation experiences10%
  • Quizzes on textbook chapters10%
  • Interview of a missionary10%

If a student chooses to write a hymn text and tune, he or she must:

1.Show the professor his progress before the final product is turned in.

2.Meet the standards set in consultation with the professor.

3.Turn in the final product by Dec 10.

Completion of a satisfactory hymn text and tune could add as much as 8 points to the final grade.

Class Attendance

Since much of the education process occurs in the interactions of students and faculty with the curriculum, student attendance at class is required. Students with more than two weeks’ of absences will receive the grade of FA (Failure due to absences) in the class. Students who reach this level prior to seventh week of the semester may withdraw from the class and receive a “W” for the class.

When a student is failed in a course due to absences, it is rare that reinstatement in the class is allowed. However, a student can apply for reinstatement, understanding there may be substantial penalties, including extra work. The reinstatement process begins with the Registrar’s Office.

Students are required to report all absences to the Academic Support Office. Reports should be made within 48 hours of the absence. Only reported absences will be considered when evaluating the student’s situation for reinstatement. Absences that are not reported in a timely manner will not be considered “excused” for reinstatement. Students should keep documentation on absences (Dr.’s note or bill, note to professor about school sponsored activity, personal records, etc.). Reinstatements will not be considered without proper reporting and documentation.

The two weeks of absences are not entitlements for students. They should not be viewed as “personal days” but as “sick days.”

If you are not present for the calling of a roll, you will be considered absent unless you initiate telling me that you were in attendance when the session is over. For this course, the exam material is taken largely from class lectures, so conscientious attendance and note-taking are helpful.

Students who require academic accommodations due to any documented physical, psychological or learning disability should request assistance from the Academic Support Director within the first two weeks of class. The Academic Support Office is located in the Lower Level of the Worship and Ministry Building (room 153). You may also contact the office by phone (244-8420).

Required Texts:

  • Course Packet, available online.