Hymnology

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Hymnody is where theology, worship and spirituality meet. In every branch of Christianity, Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, the great hymn-writers were also the great theologians. Yet hymns also have a popular character, which is why they are widely used in catechesis, exegesis, preaching, religious formation, community building, even theological controversies. We will learn how to do historical research on hymns, including their scriptural and non-scriptural sources, their poetic forms, texts, authors, melodies, and function in liturgical rites and the liturgical year; how to find them, and edit or modify them for use today. Students should be able to read modern music notation.