Description
A brief survey of hymnody with attention to the traditions of hymnody from the psalms to the most contemporary songs of praise. Attention is paid to the use of hymns in the worship service, as well as the lives and work of several foundational hymn writers or epochs, e.g., Ambrose, Luther, psalm tradition of Geneva, Wesley, black and white spiritual traditions, contemporary hymn explosion. Students write short papers on one hymn a week and a final paper on one topic. There is a lab component in which the music of the hymns is sung. Students taking the course online will fulfill the lab component within their context in their own community.