Students will have the chance beginning March 27 to study and produce gospel music with a course taught by Sharri Coleman.

The course material will start with gospel music’s spiritual roots in Africa, move to the songs of slaves and end on a contemporary note.

Coleman said the goal of the course is to teach the beginnings of modern Gospel music and see how people use their experiences to create music.

By the end of the course, students will be put into groups to make their own gospel music. The final exam will require students to perform with the OU Gospel Choir.

The class impacts students by making them come out of their shells, Coleman said. Gospel music is important because it’s a form of expression that isn’t limited to words and delivers a sense of soul. People are able to express their feelings more freely through methods like tempo and tone, she said.

The class will meet on weekends to increase enrollment and bring a level of continuity, Coleman said. Students will be able to learn theories then practice them, rather than have several days in between, she said.

The course will have a workshop this semester with Michael McCay, a gospel music writer.