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.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

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)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is to participate in 8 Discussions. Each discussion requires an initial thread in response to the given topic and a reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Initial threads must be at least 250 words, and each reply must be a minimum of 100 words. Topics for each discussion will be based on the Learn material. Both initial threads and replies should be well thought out and original. Discussions will be graded by quality, frequency, and timeliness. (CLOs: A, B, C, D)

Reflection Paper Assignments (3)

There will be 3 Reflection Paper Assignments in this course. The first 2 papers will be based on the study material and must be 500 words (approximately 2–3 pages of text, excluding the title page and bibliography), double-spaced, and written according to the current edition of Turabian style. The third paper will be based on the study material and artificial intelligence (AI) searches conducted using Microsoft Copilot (link provided in the appropriate assignment resource list). The paper must be 500–750 words (approximately 3–4-pages, excluding the title page and bibliography), double-spaced, and written according to the current edition of Turabian style. The student must cite all references used, including the course textbooks. Each assignment must be submitted as a Word document. (CLOs: A, B, C, D)

Final Project Assignment

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 must be written according to the current edition of Turabian style. (CLO: A, B, C, D).