Summer 2017/Pasadena

CO514

Nason

CO514: THEORY AND PRACTICE OF COMMUNICATION FOR MINISTRY (4 Units: 160 hours). 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.

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 meets twice weekly for four hour sessions for five weeks for a total of 36 instructional hours in the classroom with both lectures and practicum components, plus 4 hours of directed learning activities for a total of 40 instructional hours. Please note: there may be group sessions, which will meet at a time other than the scheduled class hours.

REQUIRED READING: 675 total number of pages required.

Hipps, Shane. The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture. Zondervan, 2006. ISBN: 978-0310262749, Pub. Price $18.99 [176 pp.].

O’Hair, Dan, Hannah Rubenstein, and Rob Stewart. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking. Bedford/St. Martin’s. Either the 4th ed. (2012) ISBN: 978-1457601842, Pub. Price $40.99, or the 5th ed. (2015) ISBN: 978-1457670404, Pub. Price $44.99 will be acceptable [240 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.].

Schultze, Quentin J. and Diane Badzinski. An Essential Guide to Interpersonal Communication. Baker Academic, 2015. ISBN: 978-0801038945, Pub. Price $16.00 [160 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: All assignments must be completed to receive a passing grade. Any absences must be excused and will require some additional work.

  1. 675 total pages of required reading [45 hours].

  2. A Christian Experience (ungraded) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,5] [3 hours].

  3. A Speech to Inform (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #2,3,4,5] [8 hours].

  4. A Speech to Persuade (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5] [10 hours].

  5. A Group Presentation (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5,6] [9 hours].

  6. A Biblical Message (20%) [This will be a Signature Assignment related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4, 5] [15 hours]. (2 parts): Prepare and deliver a sermon, speech, or lesson and write a reflective essay—(a) Submit notes on biblical interpretation that support the sermon, speech, or lesson including an assessment of the ministry context (s) [liturgical, ecclesial, social, cultural, economic, etc.] Exegetical work should emphasize interpreting texts within the whole biblical canon for communicating the gospel. Preach, speak, or teach as assigned. (b) Write a 500 word assessment that reflects theologically on the sermon, speech, or lesson in light of the course objectives, focusing on the quality of communication.

  7. Self-assessments of approximately 600-words or two double-spaced pages will be submitted for the Speech to Inform, the Speech to Persuade, and the Group Presentation (each one 5%; total 15%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5,6] [12 hours].

  8. Five reading reports, 1 page each (each one 5%, total 25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4,5,6] [10 hours].

  9. An Independent Study Project (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3,4] [12 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet Worship, Preaching, and Communication requirement in the 80 MATM Program (Fall 2015). 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.


NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.

For your convenience, order these texts online through the Archives Bookshop.