ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HYMNOLOGY

Unit Weighting                       

9 cps

Type of Unit                

Intermediate

Exclusions                   

LS7230

Academic Staff            

Rev. Gerasimos Koutsouras, BA (Sydney 1998) MA (Sydney 2000) DipByzMusic (Thessalonica 2002) MTh (Thessalonica 2005), Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit develops the theology and liturgical practices of hymnody in Orthodox worship and theology.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. demonstrate sound knowledge of the historical development of hymnology
2. demonstrate a clear understanding of various hymnological concepts
3. analyze hymns in terms of theological content, poetical form and musical structure
4. produce a short movie (5minutes) for posting on the Internet
5. display an appreciation of the beauty and aesthetics of hymnology in the way it brings together the two art forms of poetry and music

Content

1. The historical development of hymnology: early Christian origins, Byzantine creativity, post-Byzantine consolidation
2. The diachronic importance of the Psalter
3. Patristic commentary on the ethos and theology of hymnology
4. Logos and melos: the interplay of words and music
5. Poetical forms: antiphons, kontakia, canons and other troparia
6. The invention of the Byzantine musical system and the stages in its development
7. Personalities: St Romanos the Melodist, St John of Damascus, and the Studites

Assessment Profile

1. 2 quizzes. Value: 20%
2. Essay (1,500 words). Value: 40%
3. Internet video (5 mins). Value: 40%

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education