Spring 2007/Pasadena
CO503
Nason

CO503: ADVANCED COMMUNICATION (Two Units). Douglas H. Nason.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to develop communication skills, especially in the preparation and delivery of spoken messages. It will be conducted largely as a seminar, with members of the class making presentations and providing analysis of different types of communication. The specific forms of communication studied will be those most relevant to the ministries of the class members. The presentations will be videotaped. Enrollment is limited to ten students.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow

  1. in their understanding of Christian communication;

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

  3. in their understanding of the sources of speech anxiety and how to move beyond it;

  4. in their ability to prepare and deliver spoken messages clearly and relevantly to a contemporary audience; and

  5. in their ability to assess both their own speaking and that of others.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The spoken witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ has always been a primary means of communicating the faith. It continues to be a powerful tool for planting and nurturing faith in Christ.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for two-hour sessions. There will be opportunity for individual conferences with the instructor outside of regular class time to evaluate the video tapes. PLEASE NOTE: Class attendance is mandatory. If the class is over-subscribed, the first two persons on the waiting list should attend the first class session in case there are openings which develop due to dropped registrations.

REQUIRED READING: Students will be required to do independent reading in a research area of their choice for purposes of speech development within the class. Consultation and approval by the instructor for selected reading will be required. Brief readings may be assigned primarily as a basis for class discussion.

ASSIGNMENTS: Three brief oral presentations will be prepared and delivered, each approximately ten to fifteen minutes in length. Outlines and self-assessments will be presented for each of the presentations. Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Any absences must be excused and will require some additional work.

PREREQUISITES: CO500.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. Meets requirement for Communication in some MA in Theology programs.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.