Music (MUSC)

MUSC 50101. Gospel Songwriting and Arranging. 1 Hour.

Basic songwriting styles and techniques specific to Gospel Music, focusing on melody writing and lyric structure. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MUSC 51002. Black Gospel Conducting Methods. 2 Hours.

Instruction in fundamental conducting gesture indicative of the Black Gospel Music styles. Includes appropriate posture, the use of the gesture to emphasize syllabic stress, expressive and independent use of both hands, beat patterns, cueing, and control of tempo, dynamics and phrase shaping. Corequisite: MUSC 51101. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 51101. Black Gospel Conducting Methods Lab. 1 Hour.

Lab instruction in the fundamentals of effective teaching pedagogy with an emphasis in Black Sacred Music. Corequisite: MUSC 51002. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 52102. Hymnology. 2 Hours.

Historical study of the origins and purposes of the hymns of the church, including examination of hymns as literature, theological expression, devotional material, and musical expression. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 52202. Theological Perspectives and The Black Church Experience. 2 Hours.

Explores the ministry of the Black church. Examines its underlying theological rationale and practical implications for those aspiring to a vocation in the Black church. Emphasizes the perspective of cultural pluralism in the Black experience. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 52302. Seminar in Worship Arts. 2 Hours.

Introductory study of creative worship and technologies used in worship ministry. Lighting design, audio and video production, presentation software, movement, staging, worship leadership, worship planning, and a variety of multi-media possibilities will be explored. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 52402. Vocal Literature of Black and African Diasporic Composers. 2 Hours.

An in-depth survey of vocal music of African American and the African diasporic composers highlighting its history and vocal literature. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MUSC 52503. Research Methods in Black Sacred Music. 3 Hours.

Research methods for evaluating primary genres of Black music, from the slave trade to Black music futures. Emphasis is placed on listening to and interpreting the musical, sonic, and silent features of traditions and examining the ways in which they are interrelated and are cultural objects for appropriation. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 52703. Pop Music of the African Diaspora. 3 Hours.

Explores various forms of popular musical expression from the African Diaspora as social practice across diverse locations, media, and societies. Examines the participatory, presentational, and political components of music making. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

MUSC 54201. Gospel Improvisation. 1 Hour.

Explores Gospel/Jazz chord voicings and interpretations of melodies and phrases rooted in any of the Gospel music-influenced styles. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MUSC 57703. Special Topics in Black Sacred Music. 3 Hours.

Subject matter not covered in other courses including specific performance techniques, in-depth research into various elements of theological and worship practice, and instructor-specific expertise. (Typically offered: Summer)

MUSC 59803. The Black Messiah: Music, Religion, and Activism. 3 Hours.

Considering Black religious traditions and the evolution of African American oral traditions, explores the creative work of African descendants who have sought to address oppression, white supremacy, gender inequity, socio-economic disinheritance, and political subjugation. Juxtaposes religious, performative, symbolic, and ritual perspectives on the study of Black messianic musical performance. (Typically offered: Irregular)

MUSC 6000V. Master's Thesis. 2-6 Hour.

Preparation of a master's thesis as partial fulfillment of the requirement for the master's degree. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

MUSC 6050V. Independent Study in Black Sacred Music. 1-3 Hour.

Individually designed and conducted worship planning project under the guidance of a faculty member. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

MUSC 7000V. Doctoral Dissertation. 3-18 Hour.

Dissertation. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.