Songs for Survival: Music and Religion

This course explores the relationship between music and religion in human experience. In order to do this, we will start with a broad look at the development of written music in the worship setting, as well as music as a component of thought and a vehicle for ideas. We will turn to the role music plays in social movements by looking closely at the 20th century in the United States with special attention to the role of songs in the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Liberation Movement. We will also explore popular music that arises out of African American traditions of resistance and the ways it functions in society today. We will explore the religious dimensions of popular music as well as the importance of music for social movements. This course will have one two-hour synchronous session a week of lecture and guest presentations. It will include another hour-long asynchronous section supplementing the lecture material. There will be weekly asynchronous online discussions as well as 4 short papers. There will be the option of a final project or research paper depending on the level and interest of the students. This class is intended for MDIV and MASC students, but can be modified for any students who are interested in the topic.

This course fulfills SKSM Thresholds #2.7,and 8 and MFC competencies #1 and 4.

Course meets synchronously on Thursdays, 6/3/21-7/22/21, from 10am to 12pm.                          Instructor: Octavio Carrasco

[30 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]