WMUS 303 Course Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS
WMUS 303
THE DYNAMICS OF WORSHIP LEADING

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is a worship methods class that deals with principles and processes of building a music
program for the non-traditional worship service. Attention is given to pedagogy of vocal groups
for adult singers. Students also learn the development, role, and repertoire of large and small
ensembles in the worship service.

RATIONALE
Today’s worship leader must be acquainted with a variety of musical genres applicable to
performance by the worship team. These musical genres require that musicians develop the skill
to interpret a variety of styles that are currently in use in worship services. Thus, there is a great
need to encourage worship leaders to strive for vocal and ministerial excellence in crafting
authentic worship experiences for the congregation God has ordained for them. As a result,
musicians are asked to demonstrate the musical literacy necessary for performing traditional and
contemporary worship literature for a wide variety of groups. Additionally, the worship leader is
required to understand the dynamics of leading large and small vocal groups with
communicative skill and musical prowess in rehearsals and in corporate worship.

I. PREREQUISITES
None

II. REQUIRED RESOURCE PURCHASES

The resources below are provided in the course at no cost to the student.

Barrier, Julie. The Instrumental Resource for Church and School. Nashville: Church
Street Press, 2002. ISBN: 9780633004903.
Scheer, Greg. The Art of Worship: A Musician’s Guide to Leading Modern Worship.
Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006. ISBN: 9780801067099.
Disclaimer: The above resources provide information consistent with the latest research
regarding the subject area. Liberty University does not necessarily endorse specific
personal, religious, philosophical, or political positions found in these resources.

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 WMUS 303 Course Syllabus

III. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR LEARNING

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment
B. Internet access (broadband recommended)
C. Blackboard recommended browsers
D. Microsoft Word
E. Video camera (a phone or webcam is acceptable)

IV. MEASURABLE LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A. Demonstrate the ability to lead small, medium, and large vocal groups in the
various evangelical traditions.
B. Demonstrate the ability to rehearse and lead a worship team as he/she leads
congregational worship.
C. Demonstrate an ability to organize, build, and rehearse a vocal ensemble.
D. Demonstrate an understanding of basic arranging skills for worship-leading vocal
groups.

V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

A. Textbook readings and lecture presentations
B. Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will
complete the related checklist found in Module/Week 1.
C. Discussion Board Forums (5)
Discussion boards are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is
required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum.
Each thread must be 300–400 words, include at least 1 citation and 1 biblical
reference, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread,
the student is required to reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must
be 150–200 words and include at least 1 citation. Current Turabian format must
be used.
D. Self-Assessments (2)
The student will complete a 300–400-word self-assessment that describes his/her
understanding, experience, and abilities in regard to the dynamics of leading
worship. Current Turabian format must be used.
E. Reading Responses (4)
The student will complete 1,000–1,200 word responses to the required reading
materials. These Reading Responses will focus on analysis and application of the

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 WMUS 303 Course Syllabus

text materials. At least 1 citation and 1 biblical reference must be included, and
current Turabian format must be used.
F. Rehearsal Observations (3)
The student will observe 3 rehearsals in local churches—1 orchestral, 1 choral,
and 1 praise team with a rhythm section. The student must observe churches other
than the one in which he/she is involved. The student must contact the church to
obtain permission before observation. The student will write a 500–800-word
summary of each observation in current Turabian format.
G. Video Presentation
The student will complete an 8–10-minute video presentation explaining and
assessing the techniques he/she learned in the course, and how he/she will apply
these techniques in the future. The student may also voice disagreement with a
method or technique, as long as he/she gives a credible defense of his/her
position. Part of the video must also showcase the student conducting a choral
song or musical piece. This video will be posted to the discussion board forum.
The student can use a video camera, phone, or webcam, and the video can be
submitted via computer file, YouTube, Vimeo, or Kaltura.

VI. COURSE GRADING AND POLICIES

A. Points
Course Requirements Checklist 10
Discussion Board Forums (5 at 50 pts ea) 250
Self-Assessments (2 at 25 pts ea) 50
Reading Responses (4 at 75 pts ea) 300
Rehearsal Observations (3 at 100 pts ea) 300
Video Presentation 100
Total 1010
B. Scale
A = 900–1010 B = 800–899 C = 700–799 D = 600–699 F = 0–599
C. Late Assignment Policy
Course Assignments, including discussion boards, exams, and other graded
assignments, should be submitted on time.
If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must
contact the instructor immediately by email.
Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the
instructor will receive the following deductions:
1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will
receive a 10% deduction.
2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks
late will receive a 20% deduction.

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3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the
course will not be accepted.
4. Group projects, including group discussion board threads and/or
replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date.
Special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, personal health issues) will be
reviewed by the instructor on a case-by-case basis.
D. Disability Assistance
Students with a documented disability may contact Liberty University Online’s
Office of Disability Academic Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu to
make arrangements for academic accommodations. Further information can be
found at www.liberty.edu/disabilitysupport.

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