L7221
Orthodox Christian Hymnology
This unit develops the theology and liturgical practices of hymnody in Orthodox worship and theology. It investigates the historical development of hymnology: early Christian origins, Byzantine creativity, post-Byzantine consolidation, the diachronic importance of the Psalter, Patristic commentary on the ethos and theology of hymnology, Logos and melos: the interplay of words and music, poetical forms: antiphons, kontakia, canons and other troparia, the invention of the Byzantine musical system and the stages in its development, and personalities: St Romanos the Melodist, St John of Damascus, and the Studites
Study Level |
Undergraduate |
|---|---|
Discipline |
Theology |
Sub Discipline |
Worship and Liturgy |
Credit Points |
9 |
Prerequisites |
L7230 Music in Worship. |
Exclusions |
Nil |
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit students will be able to:
- demonstrate sound knowledge of the historical development of hymnology
- demonstrate a clear understanding of various hymnological concepts
- analyze hymns in terms of theological content, poetical form and musical structure
- produce a short movie (5minutes) for posting on the Internet
- display an appreciation of the beauty and aesthetics of hymnology in the way it brings together the two art forms of poetry and music