Summer 2019/Fuller Online

CO510

Ruelas

CO510: SPEECH AND THOUGHT (4 Units: 160 hours). Abraham Antonio Ruelas.

DESCRIPTION: This course explores the interrelationship between speech and thought in the context of public speaking skill development. It provides students with resources and opportunities that will enhance their abilities to think through and craft, well-structured speeches. Through weekly self-evaluation, and peer and instructor critique, students improve their public speaking skills and become more effective in ministry.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate the following: (1) an understanding of the biblical basis for the communication process; (2) an ability to frame content coherently for a number of public speaking settings; (3) an improvement in their delivery skills; and (4) a competence in communication, that is theologically and pastorally appropriate, including oral delivery and critical evaluation of self and others.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 720 pp. required

O’Hair, Dan, Rubenstein, Hannah and Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking, 5th Edition.

Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2015. ISBN: 978-1457670404, Pub. Price $54.75. Not available from the Fuller Library. [Approximately 300 pp. assigned].

Monarth, Harrison & Larina Kase. The Confident Speaker: Beat Your Nerves and Communicate at Your Best in Any Situation. McGraw-Hill, 2007. ISBN: 978-0071481496, Available as a Print Book from the Fuller Library. Pub. Price $20.00 [Approximately 300 pp. assigned].

Tozer, A.W. The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine. Wing Spread Publishers, 2006.

ISBN: 978-1600660542, Pub. Price $16.99. Not available from the Fuller Library. [Approximately 121 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Rothwell, J. Dan. In Mixed Company: Communicating in Small Groups and Teams, 8th ed. Cengage Learning, 2012. ISBN: 978-1111346850, Pub Price $149.95 [528 pp.].

Schmit, Clayton J. Public Reading of Scripture: A Handbook. Abingdon Press, 2002. ISBN: 978-0687045372, Pub. Price $19.99 [116 pp.].

Zak-Dance, Carol & Frank E.X. Dance. Public Speaking: Finding Your Voice & Speaking Your Mind. Fountainhead Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-1598711417, Pub. Price $65.00 [284 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. 720 pages of required reading (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2] [40 hours].
  2. Video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, etc. [20 hours].
  3. 250-word forum posts (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 4.] [10 hours].
  4. 250-word speech critiques (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome 4.] [10 hours].
  5. Deliver and record four two-minute speeches on assigned topics; one five-minute Bible lesson for 10-year-olds; three five-minutes speeches: an informative speech, an instructive speech and a persuasive speech; a five-minute Commencement Address (high school, college, or seminary). (40%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 2, 3, 4]. [60 Hours].
  6. 2-Part Signature Assignment (10%). Part One: Prepare and deliver a sermon to a listening group of at least five people. A five-minute video clip from the sermon and a rubrics-based evaluation form completed by three of the individuals will be submitted as part of this assignment. Part Two: Submit notes on biblical interpretation that support the sermon including an assessment of the ministry context (s) [liturgical, ecclesial, social, cultural, economic, etc.] Write a 500-word assessment that reflects theologically on the sermon in light of the course objectives, focusing on the quality of communication. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 4.] [10 Hours].
  7. A Reflective Essay, titled, “Woven Tapestry of the Experts.” In this paper the student will summarize what they have learned though the course, utilizing the readings as a litmus test for self-assessment, and discuss how the learning experiences in the course have impacted their development in public speaking [1500 words] (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 4.] [10 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Students must be able to gather a listening group of at least 5 people for the signature assignment.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Worship, Preaching, and Communication requirement in the 80 MATM Program (Fall 2015). This course meets the Communication requirement (COMM) in MA programs and meets the four-unit requirement for CO500 and CO503 in any applicable pre-2007 MA program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.