Winter 2008/Pasadena
PR500
Nason
PR500: HOMILETICS. Doug Nason.
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to give a general introduction to the
theology of preaching and to the art and craft of sermon design and delivery.
The person of the preacher, the nature of preaching, and principles of sermon
construction will be discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow
- in their understanding of the biblical understanding of Christian
communication;
- in their understanding of the Bible as the foundation and source of
Christian preaching;
- in their understanding of the differences between written and oral
communication;
- in their ability to prepare and deliver biblical messages clearly and
relevantly to a contemporary audience; and
- in their ability to assess both their own preaching 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, teaching, and nurturing faith in Christ. Biblical
preaching is the principal public form of this witness and skill in biblical
interpretation, sermon preparation, and proclamation is expected of those who
are called to serve as ministers of the gospel.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions for ten
weeks. The course has both lecture and practicum components. The practica are
small groups of students led by teaching assistants under the direction of the
professor. In these groups students will preach two sermons (both recorded on
video). Students will receive feedback from group members and the teaching
assistant. Only the second sermon as evaluated by the professor will count
toward the grade.
REQUIRED READING:
- All students will read selected portions of each of the following
books:
- Allen, Ronald. Patterns of Preaching. Chalice, 1998. (252 pp.,
selected portions)
- Robinson, Haddon, and Craig Brian Larson. The Art and Craft of Biblical
Preaching. Zondervan. 2005. (732 pp., selected portions)
- Additional short readings may be provided during the course.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Preparation and preaching of two sermons, including submission of a
brief or outline for each. Self-assessments will be turned in after each of the
sermons. Brief reports on reading assignments will be prepared. In addition,
there will be an independent study project.
- Grading will be based on the second sermon as graded by the
professor, self-assessments for both sermons, reading reports, the independent
study project, and classroom participation. On-time attendance is very
important at the lectures and the preaching groups. The overall grade may be
reduced unless absences are excused and made up.
PREREQUISITES: NE502.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Preaching and
Communication (MIN 2) or the MA Communication requirement (COMM).
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (10/07)