Spring 2015/Houston

PR525

Williams

PR525: FOUNDATIONS OF BIBLICAL PREACHING (4 Units: 160 hours). Jaclyn P. Williams.

DESCRIPTION: This is a course designed to introduce M.A. students to the theology of preaching and to the art and craft of sermon design and delivery. We will discuss the character and spiritual formation of the preacher, the nature and theology of preaching, and the principles of sermon construction. The course will include two opportunities to preach sermons with feedback from peers and the instructor.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) conviction that the biblical text is the proper foundation for preaching; (2) an understanding of contextual assessment within community; (3) an ability to frame coherent content for sermons; (4) improvement in delivery skills; and (5) the skills to evaluate one’s own preaching/speaking, as well as that of others.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets once per week for three-hour sessions for a total of 30 hours of classroom plus 10 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours. The classroom hours will include lecture, discussion on assigned readings, preaching, and peer feedback. Directed learning activities will include journaling and forum conversations facilitated on Moodle.

REQUIRED READING: Approximately 750 pages required.

Buechner, Frederick. Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale. Harper & Row, 1977. ISBN: 978-0060611569, Pub. Price $17.99 [112 pages assigned]

LaRue, Cleophas J. I Believe I’ll Testify: The Art of African American Preaching. Westminster John Knox, 2011. ISBN: 978-0664236779, Pub. Price $20.00 [144 pp. assigned].

Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. 2^nd ed. Westminster John Knox Press, 2005. ISBN: 978-0664229436, Pub. Price $26.00 [198 pages assigned]

Lose, David J. Preaching at the Crossroads: How the World – And Our Preaching – Is Changing. Fortress Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0800699734, Pub. Price $19.00 [124 pages assigned]

Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Preaching Life. Cowley, 1993. ISBN: 978-1561010745, Pub Price $17.95 [174 pages assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING: See course syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Required reading of each assigned book and a reflection essay (1 page). (15% of grade). [This assignment is related to student learning outcome #1-5]. [50 hours].
2. Regular class attendance, preparation for class (reading assignments), and participation in discussions. Unexcused absences will result in a reduced grade. Students who miss more than one class meeting will not receive a passing grade. (20% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 - 5]. [30 hours]
3. Two sermons preached during the course, with exegetical notes, sermon manuscripts (first sermon), and sermon outline (second sermon) submitted in writing (40% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 – 5]. [60 hours]
4. Participation in directed learning activities: journaling and forum conversations facilitated on Moodle. (10% of grade). [This assignment is related to student learning outcome #]. [10 hours of DLAs].
5. Write a 5-page paper theology of preaching paper. (15% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-5]. [10 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. Option to meet Worship, Preaching, Communication Requirement (WPC).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None