Spring 2005/Pasadena
PR501
Epps
PR501: PREACHING IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRADITION. William S. Epps.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course is designed to provided an opportunity to
systematically reflect on the culture and milieu in which preaching among
African-Americans developed and the effects that development has on shaping the
method and practice of preaching in the African-American tradition.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- The course will accomplish the following:
- Assist in increasing awareness of the correlation between cultural
influence and communication.
- Share the uniqueness of preaching in the African-American tradition.
- Prepare and equip the participants to develop sermons which are biblically
sound and culturally relevant.
- Provide models for the way African-American preachers develop
sermons.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course will meet for three hours a week for lecture,
discussion, dialogue, and preaching. Selected class gatherings will include
sermons presented by students.
REQUIRED READING:
- The African American Pulpit (published by Hope International
Inc., 1825 Riverdale Road, Germantown, Tennessee 38138), Summer 2004 and Fall
2004 issues, especially the articles "Preaching in the African American
Tradition," by Lawrence Carter, as well as the sermons.
- Haskins, James, ed. Keeping the Faith: African American Sermons of
Liberation. New York: Welcome Rain Publishers, 2002.
- LaRue, Cleophus J. Power in the Pulpit: How America's Most Effective
Black Preachers Prepare Their Sermons. Westminster John Knox, 2002.
- Taylor, Gardner. Essential Taylor. Vol. 6. Judson Books,
2002.
- Thomas, Gerald Lamont. African American Preaching: The
Contribution of Dr. Gardner C. Taylor. New York: Peter Lang Publishers,
2004.
- Wilmore, Gayraud S. Black Religion and Black Radicalism: An
Interpretation of the Religious History of Afro-American People. 2d ed.
Orbis: 1983.
- A supplementary reading list will be made available upon
request.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- It is expected that each student will read the material and be
prepared to participate in the classroom discussions. Additionally, the
following will be required:
- Deliver one sermon in class.
- Review in writing Keeping the Faith: African American Sermons of
Liberation or Essential Taylor, vol. 6.
- A final examination covering the assigned reading materials and class
lectures.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION:
- Yes.