Fall 2014/Pasadena

CO514

Gordon

CO514: COMMUNICATION FOR MINISTRY: THEORY AND PRACTICE (4 Units: 160 Hours). Carolyn L. Gordon.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide students with an overview and understanding of communication theory and its applications. Topics for consideration include small group communication, intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, and public speaking. This course should assist students in developing multiple communication skills for effective ministry practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow (1) in their understanding of the biblical basis for the communication process; (2) in their understanding of communication theory and practice; (3) in their understanding of oral communication in its various forms; (4) in their understanding of the need to be interpersonally, intrapersonally, and nonverbally competent communicators; (5) in their ability to deliver articulate spoken messages; (6) in their ability to lead and interact with others in small groups.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-and-a half hour sessions for a total of 35 hours of classroom instruction for lecture and discussion plus 5 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours.

REQUIRED READING: 338 pp. required.

Fujishin, Randy. Creating Communication. 2nd ed. Rowman & Littlefield, 2008. ISBN: 978-0742555624, Pub. Price $32.95 [227 pp. assigned].

Schultze, Quentin J. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking: Serving Your Audience with Faith, Skill, and Virtue. Baker Academic, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801031519, Pub. Price $14.99 [111 pp. assigned].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 338 pp. of required reading [20 hours].

2. Four oral presentations consisting of one oral presentation for children (5-7 minutes); one informative speech (4-6 minutes); one persuasive speech (5-7 minutes); and one workshop (small group) presentation (60%). This assignment is related to learning outcome #3,4,5. [50 hours.]
3. One exam (10%). This assignment is related to learning outcome #1,2,]. [5 hours].
4. Small group activities (20%). This assignment is related to learning outcome #5]. [50 hours, 5 hours count as DLAs].
5. Class participation and attendance Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Any absences must be excused and may require some additional work (10%). This assignment is related to learning outcome #1,2,3,4,5]. [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course meets the Communication requirement (COMM) in MA programs and also meets the four-unit requirement for CO500 and CO503 in any applicable pre-2007 MA program. This course will not meet the MIN2 requirement in the MDiv.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.