Music Theory & Composition

Emphasizes the recursive writing process through appropriate determination of subject, audience, purpose, and style, with correct usage of grammar, punctuation, and logical organization. Students will use appropriate technologies for writing and learning.

Emphasizes intellectual and analytical reasoning through reading and writing assignments. Includes instruction in library and research technologies and the writing of a research project.

A study of the principles and practices of effective human communication, with emphasis placed on public speaking. The course emphasizes the critical thinking and skill development necessary for effective speech. Listening skills are included in the study.

Provides the student with a basic understanding of his or her economic environment and the basic principles and tools of personal financial management. Emphasis will be placed on personal financial planning, including budgeting, managing personal debt, insurance, taxes, investments, and real estate. When possible, topics will be analyzed and discussed from a Christian perspective.

Designed to assist the student in their understanding and development of a healthy lifestyle. Emphasis is placed on the components and behaviors that promote lifelong, positive outcomes in the five dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual. Includes a fitness laboratory component. Fee charged.

An introduction to themes in the natural sciences that have significantly impacted our world. Among the themes discussed are relativity, modern cosmology, evolutionary thought, biotechnology, advances in modern medicine, biodiversity, and the use of natural resources. Scientific discoveries will be approached with both a historical perspective and a consideration of current and future applications. Interactions of scientific thought and the Christian worldview are considered. Lecture.

A practical introduction to the basic principles of physics that govern the production, perception, recording and reproduction of music and sound. Topics discussed include simple harmonic motion, waves, resonance, spectral analysis, audio electronics, auditorium acoustics and hearing. The laboratory component of this course provides hands-on experiments that illustrate many of the topics covered in the class. Lecture and Lab. Fee charged.

Designed to engage students in dialogue with a variety of Western and Non-Western world literature, past and present. ENG 2000 is a recommended prerequisite for all upper-level literature courses.

An introduction to Biblical faith and literature designed to help the student acquire a knowledge of the basic content of Scripture as well as be able to employ basic Bible study skills.

An introduction to theology as it has developed in the history of the church with a view to understanding the relation between faith and life. Special attention is given to understanding the doctrine of holiness.

An integration of Christian spirituality, life, and ministry. Through a wide variety of readings and experiences, care is given to evaluate the spiritual structure of the student and to understand spiritual gifts, disciplines, and what it means for each individual to be a constructive influence in the Church and society.

A study of the development of indigenous music of Eastern and Western cultures and how that music is both a product of and a contributor to those cultures. The class will be taught with an anthropological approach that views each particular culture through the lens of the music that each culture produces.

An introduction to the study of macroeconomics with an emphasis on the issues of inflation, unemployment and growth. Prerequisite to all advanced courses in the department except as noted.

A study of the meaning of culture, the diversity of cultures in both the contemporary world and the past, and the manner by which cultures have adapted and developed. Attention will be given to the work of anthropological theorists and to the four subdivisions of anthropology: cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, linguistics and archaeology.

The origins and development of American government, with emphasis on the concept of participatory democracy as practiced in our republican form.

A study of the functions of the institution of family and the inter-relationship of family and other major institutions in society including the ways in which current social conditions and cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity influence this relationship. Current sociological research on family behavior will be examined and a Christian perspective on family emphasized.

A sociological description and analysis of some of the contemporary social problems in American Society with an emphasis on programs designed to help remedy these problems.

An examination of urban lifestyles, problems, development, and change from a historical perspective, providing both theoretical and practical background for analysis of various urban conditions, and seeking to identify and apply practical solutions to these problems. A major experiential learning component is field work and ethnographic research in core urban Nashville neighborhoods. A section on urban planning and urban ministry is included.

This course offers an introduction to the field of social work and its mission of social justice and equity at the micro (individual), mezzo (group), and macro (community and organization) levels of society. Students will explore the history, key theories, and diverse work of the profession with consistent focus on often oppressed and marginalized communities. Throughout this course, students will discover the core values, ethics, personal skills, and characteristics required of social work practitioners.

The study of music from Medieval Period to 1700. Students will be expected to compose and analyze music appropriate to the styles studied within the context of the era under investigation. Music notation software will be used to complete the requirements of this class; training on this software will be embedded in the class.

Continuation of Theory I. The study of music from 1700 to 1800.

Continuation of Theory II. The study of music from 1800 to 1900.

The development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.

A study of the fundamentals of conducting. Emphasis on beat patterns and methods of indicating meter, tempo, volume and style. Material drawn from sacred and secular choral music. Open to all students. Required of all majors and minors.

Chord progressions, the Nashville number system, song forms, harmonic techniques, listening skills, and charting are all addressed in this class.

Designed to give students a historical perspective of art, sculpture, and architecture from ancient times to modern times.

Continuation of Aural Theory III. Further development of music notation literacy and musicianship skills through sight-singing, ear training, and tonal/rhythm dictation in varying meters and modalities.

A practical study of the techniques of arranging for various types of instrumental groups.

Continuation of Theory III. The study of music from 1900 to the present with emphasis on non-traditional forms of composition.

Continuation of MUS 3100 with emphasis on baton skills. Materials will be drawn from appropriate instrumental and instrumental/ choral combination literature.

Designed to familiarize students with current technology in the field of music by creating projects for aspects of audio, music notation software, and MIDI. Electronic composition shall be a primary component to facilitate technological learning.

Covers the rudiments of species counterpoint in two-, three-, and four-part textures. Emphasis is on score study, four-part chorale writing, canon, and fugue.

Intended to give the student competency in arranging music for all types of vocal combinations.

Arranging for concert band and wind ensemble. The course will include writing assignments for various combinations of instruments and provide the student with a broad overview of arranging music for ensembles of various skill levels. Coursework will include studying conventions and techniques applied by various arrangers and composers, as well as a brief introduction to band literature through score study and recordings.

Explores the analysis of musical forms across the scope of music history to the present.