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
- in their understanding of communication theory and scholarship;
- in their understanding of the differences between written and oral
communication;
- in their understanding of the need to be interpersonally competent;
- in their ability to deliver spoken messages clearly and in their ability to
assess both their own speaking and that of others;
- in their knowledge of topics that provide communication insight in key
contexts;
- 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.