Winter 2009/Pasadena
PR806/506
Schmit

PR806/506: HISTORY OF PREACHING SEMINAR. Clay Schmit.


DESCRIPTION: This course, offered as a doctoral seminar, is open to master's level students with permission of instructor. It will examine the history of preaching, beginning with its roots in the Jewish tradition and classical rhetoric. The course will involve reading historical accounts of preaching throughout the Christian eras as well as sermons and homiletical treatises by historical figures.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Course objectives are that students will (1) grow in their understanding of the history of preaching, its key figures, and the homiletical theories that have given rise to present-day practices; (2) become stronger preachers and teachers through application of a widened knowledge concerning historical practice; and (3) feel an increased connection to and gratitude for those who have gone before them in developing the practices of proclamation.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Proclamation of the gospel message is at the core of Christian practice and has historically been a central means by which the faith is propagated and sustained. Students in this course will learn to see themselves as part of a long line of people called and set aside for the urgent task of proclaiming God's Word.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet once a week for three hours in the doctoral seminar model. Students will read and discuss core material as well as look at additional material relating to their research interests. They will prepare in-class presentations on their research and write a final paper on a topic relating to the history of preaching.

REQUIRED READING:

Edwards, O. C., Jr. A History of Preaching. Abingdon, 2004 (800 pages).

Passquarello, Michael, III. Sacred Rhetoric. Eerdmans, 2005 (139 pages).

RECOMMENDED READING:
Olds, Hughes Oliphant. The Reading and Preaching of Scriptures in the Worship of the Christian Church. 7 vols. Eerdmans, 1998-2005.

ASSIGNMENTS: Students will (1) read and discuss in class the required reading (25%); (2) prepare a presentation on a key historical figure (25%); and (3) prepare a research paper (10-15 pages for master's students, 20 pages for doctoral students) on a topic of their choice (50%).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: This is a doctoral seminar that is open to master's level students as an elective, with permission of instructor.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (11/08)