Spring 2016/Pasadena

PR500

Lee

PR500: HOMILETICS (4 Units: 160 hours). Ahmi Lee.

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: The course seeks the following goals for each student: (1) Cognitive: theoretical knowledge relating to theology of preaching, sermon design, and delivery; (2) Affective: deepened appreciation for the dialogical quality of preaching and the needs of the listener in the preaching process; (3) Skills: capacity to craft a sermon that engages the biblical text, the context of the audience, theological issues, and the hearts and minds of listeners; and to deliver it meaningfully; and (4) Worship and Context: will explore the relationship between the reading and the preaching of God’s word in worship in its various contexts.

COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion. The course has both lecture and practicum components. The practica are small groups of students led by the professor (or teaching assistants under the direction of the professor if enrollment warrants). In these groups students will preach three sermons (all recorded), on which they receive feedback from group members and professor.

REQUIRED READING: Approximately 850 total number of pages required.

Buechner, Frederick. Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale. HarperOne, 1977. ISBN:978-0060611569, Pub. Price $17.99 [112 pp.].

Long, Thomas G. The Witness of Preaching. Westminster John Knox, 1989, 2nd ed. 2007. ISBN: 978-0664229436, Pub. Price $24.95 [240 pp.].

Taylor, Barbara Brown. The Preaching Life. Cowley Publications, 1993. ISBN: 987-1561010745, Pub. Price $17.95 [174 pp.].

Tisdale, Leonora Tubbs. Preaching as Local Theology and Folk Art. Fortress, 1997. ISBN: 978-0800627737, Pub. Price $24.00 [176 pp.].

Select Reading: Students will choose ONE of the three texts below:

Gonzalez, J. L., and P. A. Jimenez. Pulpito: An Introduction to Hispanic Preaching. Abingdon, 2005. ISBN: 978-0687088508, Pub. Price $20.00 [152 pp.].

Kim, Eunjoo Mary. Preaching the Presence of God: A Homiletic from an Asian American Perspective. Judson Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0817013035, Pub. Price $12.00 [160 pp.].

Mitchell, Henry H. Black Preaching: The Recovery of a Powerful Art. Abingdon, 1990. ISBN: 978-0687036141, Pub. Price $18.99 [143 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING: The syllabus will include a list of recommended readings.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Approximately 850 pages of required reading (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, and 4]. [50 hours].

2. Student will write a three-page response paper to one of the three texts (5%). [This assignment is related to outcomes #1 and 3]. [3 hours].

3. Student will give one 5-7 minute devotional (Pass/Fail). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2, 3 and 4]. [3 hours].

4. Student will prepare and preach three sermons that are 12-15 minutes in length (30%). Sermons will be graded for content and presentation. They will also be carefully evaluated and discussed in the student’s lab groups. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3 and 4]. [45 hours; 15 hours per sermon including exegetical work and manuscript].

5. Student will submit an exegetical journal for each sermon (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3 and 4]. [Hours included in Assignment #4].

6. Student will submit a manuscript for each sermon (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3 and 4]. [Hours included in Assignment #4].

7. Student will submit a two-page reflection after preaching each sermon that draws from the class discussion and feedback (Pass/Fail). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2 and 4]. [2 hours per assignment; 6 hours total].

8. Attendance at the practicum groups is mandatory, and grade may be reduced for absences not excused [24 hours]. (These are included in classroom hour calculations).

9. Students will write a 6-7 page paper of their theology and philosophy of preaching drawing from their reading, lectures, and class discussions (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3 and 4]. [13 hours].

PREREQUISITES: BI500 or NE502.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Homiletics requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets the Worship, Preaching, and Communication requirement in the 80 MATM Program (Fall 2015).

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.