Winter 2013/Pasadena

CO514

Gordon

CO514: COMMUNICATION FOR MINISTRY: THEORY AND PRACTICE. 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.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.

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.

COURSE FORMAT: This course, meeting weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions, has both lecture and practicum components, consisting of two hours of lecture per week and approximately one-and-a-half hours of practicum experiences. Please note: These group sessions may meet at a time other than the scheduled class hour.

REQUIRED READING:

Fujishin, Randy. Creating Communication. 2nd ed. Rowman & Littlefield, 2008. 227 pages. ISBN: 978-0742555624. Pub.price: $32.95.

Schultze, Quentin J. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking: Serving Your Audience with Faith, Skill, and Virtue. Baker Academic, 2006. 111 pages. ISBN: 978-0801031519. Pub.price: $14.99.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (1) Five oral presentations consisting of one oral presentation for children (5-7 minutes); recitation of Scripture (3-4 minutes); one informative speech (4-6 minutes); one persuasive speech (5-7 minutes); and one workshop (small group) presentation (60%). (2) One exam (10%). (3) Small group activities (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.