Fall 2008/Pasadena
CO514
Gordon

CO514 : THEORY AND PRACTICE OF COMMUNICATION FOR MINISTRY. Carolyn L. Gordon.


DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide students with an overview and understanding of communication theory and its applications. Topics for consideration include small group communication, intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, and public speaking. This course should assist students in developing multiple communication skills for effective ministry practice.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students would grow

  1. in their understanding of the biblical basis for the communication process;

  2. in their understanding of communication theory and practice;

  3. in their understanding of oral communication in its various forms;

  4. in their understanding of the need to be interpersonally, intrapersonally, and nonverbally competent communicators;

  5. in their ability to deliver articulate spoken messages;

  6. in their ability to lead and interact with others in small groups.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Good communication skills are essential for establishing, developing, and maintaining healthy personal and professional relationships. The workload in this course is designed to help seminarians enhance their communication abilities, while emphasizing the vital importance of the Holy Spirit's role in the communication process. Within the context of ministry, students' developing of good communication skills can enhance the furtherance of the gospel of Christ.

COURSE FORMAT: The course, meeting twice weekly for two-hour sessions, has both lecture and practicum components, consisting of two hours of lecture per week and two hours of practicum experiences. After the second week, students will spend two hours weekly in small groups for practicum presentations of oral assignments. The groups will be led by teaching assistants under the direction of the professor. Please note: These group sessions may meet at a time other than the scheduled class hour.

REQUIRED READING:
Beebe, Steven A., Timothy P. Mottet, and K. David Roach. Training and Development: Enhancing Communication and Leadership Skills. Pearson/Allyn & Bacon, 2004.

Fujishin, Randy. Creating Effective Groups: The Art of Small Group Communication. 2nd ed. Rowman and Littlefield, 2007.

O'Hair, Dan, Hannah Rubenstein, and Rob Stewart. Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. 2nd ed. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2007.

Schmit, Clayton. Public Reading of Scripture. Abingdon, 2002.

ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Five oral presentations consisting of one oral presentation for children (5-7 minutes); one speech for a special occasion (5-7 minutes); one informative speech (5-7 minutes); one persuasive speech (5-7 minutes); and one workshop (small group) presentation (60%). (2) One exam (10%). (3) Written assignments, outlines, and self-assessments for the presentations (20%). (4) Class participation and attendance (10%). Regular class attendance, preparation for class, and participation in discussions are required. Any absences must be excused and may require some additional work.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This course meets the Communication requirement (COMM) in MA programs and also meets the four-unit requirement for CO500 and CO503 in any applicable pre-2007 MA program. This course will not meet the MIN2 requirement in the MDiv.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)