Spring 2008: Preaching Practicum

Requirements of the Course

•  Students will complete required reading for each class.  Daily reading assignments are listed in the course outline below. Discussion, verbally and in writing (see following), of the readings will account for a significant portion of the class grade.  Readings are to be completed BEFORE the date they are listed for discussion in the outline.

•  Students will participate in written discussion of class topics through Internet forum format.  The instructor will, throughout the course, post topics for response and reaction.  Students will be instructed as to use of the forum system.  Students will be responsible for checking forums and responding.

•  Students will research, compose, & deliver 4 10-minute sermons.  2 sermons will be delivered in a classroom setting, with feedback given from the instructor & the students.  The other 2 sermons will be delivered during a school worship service.  These sermons will be videotaped, with feedback given at the following class.

•  Students will research, compose, and deliver one 25-30 minute sermon in a classroom setting at the end of the semester.

•  Students will interview the Pastor/primary teacher of the church they attend regarding the subject of sermons & sermon preparation.  The students should submit a list of at least 8 interview questions to the interviewee in advance of the meeting.   Students will then write a 4 to 5-page paper summarizing the interview.

•  Twice during the semester, students will attend a different church from the one they usually attend (Note: this doesn’t have to mean missing your church’s primary worship service (a Saturday night, Sunday night, or Midweek service is permissible, as long as preaching takes place).  Students will and write a 3-page paper summarizing their evaluation of the speaker.

•  Students will complete the "Dream Library" project (details to be provided separately).

ADDENDUM (added 2008-02-11)

• Students will complete additional readings that may be assigned (to be provided by professor as needed). Students will be prepared to discuss or respond in writing (class participation) to any such readings.

•  Homework will be due as assigned.

•  Late work will be penalized at a rate of 10 percentage points per day late.  After 3 days, no late work will be received without special permission from the Instructor.

extra credit

Extra credit work will be available on an individual basis.  Any student desiring to do extra credit work should consult with the instructor for details.

Course outline

Topic for each class will be guided by the readings to be read BEFORE the date with which they are listed.

Jan 23

Course Overview, Texts, and Syllabus

Jan 28

Long: Preface & Introduction
Robinson: Preface to Second Edition & Preface to First Edition
Miller: Introduction

Jan 30

Long: Chapter 1

Feb 4

Long: Chapter 2

Feb 6

Miller: Chapters 1, 2

Feb 11

Miller: 3

Feb 13

Miller: 1, 2, 3, 4

Feb 25

Long: Chapter 3

Feb 27

Miller: Chapters 5 & 6

WINTER RETREAT

Mar 3

Miller: Chapter 7

Mar 5

Long: Chapter 4

Mar 10

Long: Chapter 5 & 6

Mar 12

Robinson: Chapter 1

Mar 17

Robinson: Chapters 2, 3, & 4
“Dream Library” explained

Mar 19

Robinson: Chapters 5 & 6

Mar 31

Long: Chapters 7 & 8

Apr 2

Preach In-class Sermon 1

Mar 7

Miller: Chapter 8

Apr 9

Pastor Interview Report (Papers due also)

Apr 14

Josh Preach in class 1
Miller: Chapter 9

Apr 15

(Kelly Preach in Worship)

Apr 16

Review Kelly Tape
Explain Alt Readings

Apr 21

Preach In-class Sermon 2
“Dream Library” project due

Apr 23

Alternate Readings Present

Apr 28

Church Visitation Report (Papers due also)

Apr 30

Long: Chapter 9

May 5

Long: Chapter 10

May 7

Miller: Afterword
Robinson: A Final Word

EXAM: Final Sermon

Evaluation

Assigned Readings and Discussion 20%

Pastor Interview Paper 10%

In-Class Sermons 10%

Visible School Worship Sermons 20%

Church Visitation Papers 10%

"Dream Library" Project 10%

Final Sermon 20%

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