Summer 2013/Pasadena

CO514

Nason

CO514: THEORY AND PRACTICE OF COMMUNICATION FOR MINISTRY. Doug Nason.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to provide students with an overview and understanding of communication theory and its applications. Topics for consideration include intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, media ecology, 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 class is a five-week course, meeting for four-hour sessions, twice a week with both lectures and practicum components. Please note: there may be group sessions which will meet at a time other than the scheduled class hours.

REQUIRED READING:

Fujishin, Randy. Creating Communication. 2nd. ed. Rowman and Littlefield, 2008. ISBN: 978-0742555624, Pub. Price $34.95 [227 pp.].

Hipps, Shane. The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture. Zondervan, 2005. ISBN: 978-0310262749, Pub. Price $18.99 [176 pp.].

Schultze, Quentin J. An Essential Guide to Public Speaking: Serving Your Audience with Faith, Skill, and Virtue. Baker Academic, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801031519, Pub. Price $14.99 [112 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. A Christian Experience (ungraded).

2. A Speech to Inform (10%).

3. A Speech to Persuade (10%).

4. A Group Presentation (10%).

5. A Biblical Message (ungraded).

6. Self-assessments will be submitted for the Speech to Inform, the Speech to Persuade, and the Group Presentation (each one 10%; total 30%).

7. A Reading reports will count 20%.

8. An Independent Study Project will count 10%.

9. Classroom interaction and the listener response forms prepared for classmates will count 10%. All assignments must be completed to receive a passing grade. Any absences must be excused and will 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.