Module MUSI3711: Music Theology

Department: Music

MUSI3711: Music Theology

Prerequisites

• B in A-Level Music

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To build on Level 1 and Level 2 work in musicology and extend this into areas linking historical and contemporary liturgical, worship and concert music to aspects of Christian theology, aesthetics, philosophy, musical meaning and the history of ideas. The module aims to embed and enhance musicological skills within examination of relevant intellectual ideas and associated repertoires, developing methodological techniques for application across pertinent repertoires and conceptual ideas of music. Theological concepts will be discussed in relation to music, such as transcendence, immanence, creation and eschatology, as will concepts of the sacred; and denominational liturgical frameworks and musical practices will be explained and explored as used in history and today.

Content

• An exploration of the history of music theology, ranging from the early church to the present day, engaging with and building on a range of musicological and theoretical issues introduced at Levels 1 and 2. The first half of the module introduces key concepts relating music and theological aesthetics, and then covering a selection of theologians on music (from the early church to the present) and composition (from Bach to the present). The second half of the term introduces liturgical and non-liturgical worship music, and discuss key genres and types of music associated with theological content, including psalms, hymns, plainchant, birdsong, improvisation and jazz, spirituals and gospel, musicals and silence. The module ends with an examination of musical worship from a denominational standpoint, including Evangelicalism, Anglicanism and Catholicism.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain a broad-based, yet focused, knowledge of theological concepts relating to the history of music from the early church to the present within the Christian tradition.

• Students will acquire specific knowledge of theological aesthetics concerning music from the early church to the present, and be able to locate that knowledge critically in the context of musical compositions, genres and musicological ideas.

• Students will acquire methodological skills, using musicology and theology to interpret key historical concepts, compositions and type of musical worship.
• Moreover, students will acquire broader employability skills that develop key graduate attributes, including the ability to apply knowledge and skills; to collaborate; to exercise and develop intellectual creativity; curiosity and rigour; to embrace, encourage and respect diversity; to lead, learn and grow; and to be resourceful.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures introduce a broad range of historical and conceptual topics in both musicological and theological approaches to the subject. These include class discussion related to readings, promoting the active participation of students and the development of critical reading and interpretative skills.
• Seminars are based on group discussion of readings. The smaller group size ensures the active participation of students and develops further their critical reading skills and analytical approaches to key topics. Seminar topics are tightly focussed around a selection of specific lectures, preparing students for the kind of depth and detail required in their own work.
• Directed reading of set texts for discussion in lectures and seminars builds their subject knowledge and bibliographic coverage, and develops their critical reading skills and familiarity with musicological, theological and interdisciplinary thinking.
• Independent study of set texts develops their research independence.
• Assessments both test knowledge and require creative and critical modes of engagement, leading students to develop original research questions, and honing their capacity for critique, logical argument and intellectual rigour, and written eloquence.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In preparation of summative assignments, students will be asked to prepare a two-page outline. Both formative assignments will serve as the basis of for tutorials in terms 1 and 2.

■ Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.