Winter 2007/Pasadena
CO514
Reynolds

CO514 : THEORY AND PRACTICE OFCOMMUNICATION FOR MINISTRY. J. Lynn Reynolds.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to give students an overview and understanding of communication theory and its applications. Topics for consideration include: Small Group Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication and Communication and Technology. The course should aid students in developing oral communication skills in different contexts. The preparation and delivery of spoken messages is an important part of being a community participant. Knowing the communication scholarship that informs key life challenges from a Christian perspective should help all seminarians to improve their communication competencies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow

  1. in their understanding of communication theory and scholarship;

  2. in their understanding of the differences between written and oral communication;

  3. in their understanding of the need to be interpersonally competent;

  4. in their ability to deliver spoken messages clearly and in their ability to assess both their own speaking and that of others;

  5. in their knowledge of topics that provide communication insight in key contexts;

  6. in their ability to interact with one another in small groups.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Communicating Christ thoughtfully and effectively is a part of our calling and destiny to be all that we can be for God.

COURSE FORMAT: The course, meeting twice weekly for two-hour sessions, has both lecture and practicum components, consisting of one hour of lecture per week and three hours of practicum experiences. After the first week, one of the sessions will be spent in a small group of students led by a teaching assistant under the director of the professor for practicum presentations of oral assignments. Please note: This group session may meet at a time other than the scheduled class hour.

REQUIRED READING:
Schultze, Quentin J. Habits of the High-tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age. Baker Academic, 2002.

_________. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking: Serving Your Audience with Faith, Skill and Virtue. Baker Academic, 2006.

Course reading including the following: (1) Woodward Gary C., and Robert E. Denton Jr. "Interpersonal Persuasion," in Persuasion and Influence in American Life (Prospect Heights, IL: Waveland, 2000), 209-41. (2) Young-Gi, Hong. "Encounter with Modernity: The `McDonaldization' and `Charismatization' of Korean Mega-Churches," International Review of Mission (Geneva) 92, no. 365 (April 2003): 239-55. (3) Jewell, John P. Wired for Ministry: How the Internet, Visual Media and Other New Technologies Can Serve Your Church, 111-43. (4) Austin, Scott. "How to Build or Invigorate Your Small Groups," Group (Loveland) 32, no. 1 (Nov./Dec. 2005): 90-96.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Six oral presentations consisting of one award presentation (two minutes); one talk for a community group (5 minutes) and two formal speeches for a specified setting (6 minutes each ) and two oral reports on assigned readings (10 minutes each)--60%. (2) Outlines and self-assessments for the presentations--30% (3) Class discussion on themes in readings--10%. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Any absences must be excused and will require some additional work.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course will meet the requirements for CO500 and CO503 in the MA in Theology-Biblical Studies and Theology format and in any MA program requiring CO500 and CO503. This course will not meet the MIN2 requirement in the MDiv.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.