Course Descriptions

Worship Studies

Please find below a selection of the courses associated with the Worship Studies program. For a complete list of courses, please consult the Academic Calendar. 

451.11 – WST: Foundations of Christian Worship
This course provides students with an overview of worship theory and practice in the Christian context. Through this survey course, students will be exposed to the many aspects of Christian worship and encouraged to think critically about their own worship practices.

451.21 – WST: The Use of Arts and Technology in Worship
This course is designed to introduce students to the history, philosophy, and role of art and technology in corporate worship settings. Students will be exposed to the multiple ways in which art is used in Christian worship and be encouraged to explore different ways in which they may worship through art. Students will also be encouraged to think about the use of technology in worship and develop their own framework for theological inquiry into the efficacy of technology in corporate worship.

452.21 – WST: History of Liturgy
The vitality and life of the church has long been defined by its worship practices. All of the varied worship practices of the church are rooted in symbols, rituals and historical traditions. It is of utmost importance to understand these traditions in order to understand the worship of the church in the 21st century. In studying the history of liturgy we will be able to recover and reapply some of these traditions to the worship practices of the church. This course provides an overview of the diverse worship practices of the church from the origins of the church to the present. (Cross-credited as History for Worship majors)

117.31 Biblical Theology of Worship
This course will explore the central theme of worship in Scripture and examine the Biblical text through the lens of worship defined as “the human response to the divine initiative.” Students will also be introduced to liturgical theology and discover the necessity of doing worship theologically and doing theology doxologically.

453.41 – WST: Senior Seminar in Worship Studies
This seminar style course will address the sacred actions and ministries of worship and the nature and function of worship design and service planning. Students will be given the opportunity for practical application in the context of the Providence College chapel service. (3 hours per year)

459.30/459.33 – WST: Worship Studies Practicum I and II (5 hours combined)
The practicum component of the Worship Studies major provides senior students with a minimum of 100 hours of practical, supervised ministry training in a local setting. Students work under the direction of a ministry mentor and in consultation with the professor to develop practical skills in worship leadership and ministry. The student, along with the mentor and professor will develop personal, ministry, and leadership goals to be discussed and evaluated at the conclusion of the placement. Students will complete the practicum requirements over two semesters and in the winter semester will enroll in 459.31 Worship Studies Development Seminar to complete the practicum requirements and evaluate their experience.