Summer 2014/Pasadena

PR528

Boles

PR528: PREACHING IN THE TRADITION(S) (4 Units: 120 hours). Paul Boles.

DESCRIPTION: How can we come to better understandings of ourselves as preachers and the patterns of handling the biblical texts that we have (perhaps unwittingly) fallen into? One way is by being held accountable to those historical voices that have helped shape the homiletical tradition not only through their own preaching, but also through their explicit reflection/instruction on the function and nature of the sermon and the preaching event. Both St. Augustine and Karl Barth are held dear in many circles of Western Christianity. But their approaches to preaching are radically different. This course will use these two shapers of the homiletical tradition as a sort of foil for ourselves by exploring what may be their encouragements and critiques of the student’s own preaching.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Goals for this practicum include (1) that students would grow in their understanding of their own assumptions in sermon preparation and delivery; (2) that they might increase their skills in framing content in a coherent and deliberate way; and (3) that they might gain acuity in evaluating both their own preaching and that of others in light of both their own experience as preacher/hearer and their understanding of historical homiletical traditions.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions for five weeks. Students will prepare and deliver sermons for feedback, discussion, and self-evaluation. They will also be responsible for reading material and writing reflective of a firm grasp of the content of the readings. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory. If the class is over-subscribed, the first two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session.

REQUIRED READING:

Augustine. Essential Sermons. New City Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-1565482760, Pub. Price $29.95 [250 pp. assigned].

________. On Christian Teaching. Oxford University Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0199540631, Pub. Price $12.95 [85 pp. assigned].

Barth, Karl. Homiletics. Westminster John Knox, 1991. ISBN: 978-0664251581, Pub. Price $30.00 [110 pp. assigned].

Willimon, William, ed. The Early Preaching of Karl Barth. Westminster John Knox, 2009. ISBN: 978-0664233679, Pub. Price $25.00 [180 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. One initial sermon (12-15 min) early in the term in the student’s own voice/style. To be turned in with manuscript, exegetical notes, and indication of the commentaries and other sources consulted submitted in writing. (10% of final grade)

2. Three shorter sermons (five page manuscripts, double spaced) each written on the same chosen text. The first sermon on the text will be in the style of a modern sermon influenced by modern historical-critical scholarship for biblical exegesis. The second sermon will be on the same text written in the style of Augustine. The third in the style of Barth. These sermons will be preached back to back (to back) for the best demonstration of the variety of styles/approaches to preaching studied in the course. Indication of sources/commentaries for the modern sermon and manuscript required on the day the student preaches. Manuscripts of the Augustinian and Barthian sermon required as well. (20% of final grade)

3. Two 4-5 page written sermon evaluations. Each student will write an evaluation/critique of their initial sermon, one from an Augustinian perspective and another from a Barthian perspective. Written assignments should reflect the careful reading and comprehension of required texts demonstrated by careful citation of course readings. (25% of final grade each, total 50%).\

4. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Students who miss more than two class meetings will not receive a passing grade. (20% of final grade)

PREREQUISITES: PR500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and Communication (MIN2).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.