ETHM 514 Organology

The study of sound instrument classifications and characteristics, their use in Western and non-Western cultures, and the variety of contexts in which instruments are found. Emphasis is also given to recent approaches and uses in the field of organology.

Music instruments form much of the repertoire of music in nearly every culture. They are used in ritual as a means of manipulating spirits and in the praise of God. This course provides a basis for the study and classification of instruments, their symbolic nature (where applicable), how they are used as cultural expression, and how its history may impact its potential for use in Christian worship.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview section.

Discussions (8) (MLOs: A, B, C, & D)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is to participate in 8 Discussions. Each discussion requires an initial post in response to the given topic and a reply to at least two classmates’ threads. Initial posts should be at least 250 words and replies 100 words. Topics are based on the Learn material. Both initial posts and replies should be well thought out and original. Discussions will be graded by quality, frequency, and timeliness.

Reflection Paper Assignments (3) (MLOs: A, B, C, & D)

Three Reflection Papers based on the Learn materials will be written in this course. Each paper should be 500 words (approximately 2-3 pages of text, excluding the title page and bibliography), double spaced, and written based on current edition Turabian style. The student will cite all references used including the textbooks. Topics as well as grading rubrics will be provided in the course. These papers should be written as Word documents.

Final Project Assignment (MLOs: A, B, C, & D)

The Final Project will be a 2,000-word (approximately 8 pages excluding the title page and bibliography) analysis of a non-Western sound instrument selected from a specific ethnic people of interest. This assignment will be written based on current edition Turabian formatting. The instrument and people group chosen for the Final Project topic should be submitted to the instructor by the end of Module 6: Week 6.