Winter 2006/Pasadena
CO512
O. Drane
CO512: STORYTELLING, GOSPEL, AND CULTURE. Olive M. Fleming Drane.
DESCRIPTION: This course combines exploration of the importance of
storytelling in the Biblical tradition and in postmodern culture with practical
skills training in the effective use of stories in ministry and mission for the
twenty-first century.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will (1) appreciate the nature
of Biblical narrative as story; (2) understand the difference between orality
and literacy (in light of diverse oral and literary cultures); (3) develop
relevant communication skills for today's post-literate culture; (4) acquire
sophisticated tools for crafting their own stories in a spiritually formative
environment.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: People today are happier with stories than with
abstract propositions, and knowing how to tell a good story--whether in
traditional sermons or in cutting-edge evangelism--is an essential skill for
effective Christian ministry.
COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet weekly for three-hour sessions and will
include discussions and presentations as well as the opportunity for students
to work with a partner to develop their own stories. There will also be
optional informal storytelling opportunities outside regular class hours.
REQUIRED READING:
- Bausch, William J. In the Beginning, There Were Stories.
Twenty-Third Publications, 2004.
- __________. Storytelling: Imagination and Faith. Twenty-Third
Publications, 1984.
- Drane, Olive Fleming. Clowns, Storytellers, Disciples. Augsburg
Press, 2004.
- Sample, Tex. Ministry in an Oral Culture. Westminster John Knox
Press, 1994.
- Tilley, Terrence. Story Theology. Liturgical Press, 1985.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Boomershine, Thomas E. Story Journey: An Invitation to the
Gospel as Storytelling. Abingdon 1988.
- Jensen, Richard A. Thinking in Story: Preaching in a Post-Literate
Age. CSS Publishing. 1993.
- Ong, Walter. Orality and Literacy. 2nd ed. Routledge, 2002.
ASSIGNMENTS: Attendance: Students who miss more than three class meetings will
not receive a passing grade. Storytelling: Students will develop and present
their own stories, roughly one per week, as part of the preparation for the
final written story project. Written work: (a) a paper of 8-10 pages on some
aspect of story in relation to the Bible, culture, or ministry; (b) development
of a 10-20 page final major story. Both written pieces must be completed to
gain a passing grade, and each counts for 50% of the final grade.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Will fulfill a concentration requirement
in the MDiv (Worship, Theology and the Arts concentration) and in the MA in
Worship, Theology and the Arts.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.