Ethnodoxology and Community-Based Research
3 Credit Hours · Other
Course Description
The study of how local communities express their worship through their own artistic form. The course includes a basis of field research, involving partnership with local agents, and other agencies to help the community reach its spiritual goals.
Full Course Syllabus
Download the complete syllabus as a PDF document
Course Format
This course is delivered online through live, interactive Zoom sessions held on the scheduled days and times, supported by assigned readings, assignments, and assessments. Students are expected to join each live session prepared to participate; session recordings and materials are posted for review.
Required Textbooks
Worship and Mission for the Global Church: An Ethnodoxology Handbook
Krabill, James R. gen. ed., Frank Fortunato, Robin P. Harris, and Brian Schrag, eds. 2013. ). Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.
All the World is Singing
Frank Fortunato, ed. 2006. Authentic Media.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Identify a biblical view of worship and the biblical foundation for the arts.
- Identify and analyze the potential functions of the arts.
- Synthesize the historical interaction between the church and the arts.
- Develop applications of culturally appropriate artistic expressions through community-based research.
Program Learning Outcomes
- 1. That they have developed a deeper understanding of the church as fashioned by Jesus Christ, including its work as the Body of Christ, its witness and worship as depicted as a building for God’s presence, its holy walk as unveiled in the Bride of Christ, and its spiritual warfare as a battle force for Christ’s kingdom.
- 2. That they have developed skills as a lifelong learner to study, plan, and prepare for his teaching, preaching and leadership ministries.
- 3. That they have learned to think critically in order to implement the practices needed for church ministries.
Assignments & Grading
| Assignment | Type | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Midterm Exam | exam | 20 pts |
| Participation | participation | 10 pts |
| Assignments | other | 35 pts |
| Research/Interview Project | project | 35 pts |
| Total | 100 pts | |
Grading Scale
Course Schedule
| Week | Date | Topic | Reading | Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Ethnodoxology & The Great Misconception |
| Zoom, Syllabus Quiz, Content Quiz 1, Discussion 1 | |
| 2 | 2.Biblical Foundations of Worship & Survey of the Biblical Foundations for the Arts I |
| Zoom, Content Quiz 2, Discussion 2 | |
| 3 | Survey of the Biblical Foundations for the Arts II; The Historical Relationship Between the Church and the Arts I |
| Zoom, Content Quiz 3, Discussion 3 | |
| 4 | The Historical Relationship Between the Church and the Arts II & Local Arts in Mission: The Arts Advocate |
| Zoom, Content Quiz 4, Discussion 4, Midterm Exam | |
| 5 | Methodology: The CLAT Model & Musical Semiotics I |
| Zoom, Content Quiz 5, Discussion 5 | |
| 6 | Musical Semiotics II & Contextualization in the 21st Century |
| Zoom, Content Quiz 6, Discussion 6 | |
| 7 | Methodology: CLAT; The Xerente and Music Fusion; Gifts and Vocation |
| Zoom, Content Quiz 7, Discussion 7 | |
| 8 | Interview/Research Presentations & Final Exam |
| Submission and presentation of Interview/Research Project; Final Exam |
Attendance
Attendance requirement
Students must attend at least 80% of the scheduled class sessions to receive full credit. Falling below 80% may result in administrative withdrawal from the course. These are live, participatory classes — not correspondence courses — so being present and taking part is part of the work.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class. More than three unexcused absences may result in a grade reduction. If you must miss a class, please notify the instructor in advance. Excused absences require documentation (e.g., medical note, family emergency).
Late Work Policy
Late assignments will be accepted up to 48 hours after the deadline with a 10% penalty per day. After 48 hours, late submissions will not be accepted without prior arrangement with the instructor. Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis for documented emergencies.
Academic Integrity & Honor Code
All students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited. Any violation will result in a failing grade for the assignment and may lead to further disciplinary action. When in doubt, cite your sources and consult the instructor.
Disability Accommodations
Profer is committed to equal access for students with documented disabilities. A student seeking reasonable accommodations should notify the instructor and contact Profer at support@myprofer.com as early as possible and provide appropriate documentation. Accommodations are arranged in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Student Conduct Expectations
Students are expected to conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, and respect in all course interactions — live sessions, discussion boards, group work, and communication with the instructor and classmates. Disruptive, harassing, or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the course and referral for disciplinary action under Profer's academic policies.
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Instructor
Ph.D., Ethnodoxology, — B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary (East Texas Baptist University)