This course provides students with an overview of African music, how it differs from Western music, and how this knowledge can be applied in a missional context. Students examine the common musical features found across the continent, but also how traditions vary between ethnicities.
Understanding how African music is created, performed and used is essential for any student interested in cross-cultural mission in Africa or the diaspora. Through a range of case studies, background reading and examples from the field, students examine the obstacles faced by ethnomusicologists. Through group discussion, they explore the arguments for and against the usage of indigenous hymnody in missional situations, and reach their own conclusion regarding this.
A clear understanding of the elements and issues surrounding the music and worship of other cultures is an essential part of being missional. This course provides students with the necessary tools and knowledge to engage in missional activities with knowledge and authority. Through research and analysis, they gain a broad knowledge of the artistic, spiritual and social elements of African music.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul states that he has "become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." If students are to do the same, they need an understanding of the target culture and how they can reach its people in meaningful ways.
The course is designed to enable those in cross-cultural missional activties to effectively study, analyse and reach out to African cultures, leading to the creation of local artforms which communicate the Gospel through the Heart Music of the people.
African culture and contexts are interwoven into every aspect of this course.
This course employs a cross-cultural approach whereby students grasp the necessity to think and act interculturally.
Through case studies, research, and performance tasks, students gain much practical experience and knowledge in this field.
Group discussions, performances and the multimedia content of the course transform and inspire students to continue developing their knowledge in this field.