Unit information: Proclaiming God's Word (Trinity and Baptist College) in 2013/14

Unit name	Proclaiming God's Word (Trinity and Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS30157
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Reverend. Sian Murray Williams
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

The unit explores the nature of Christian preaching with particular reference to its theology and practice. It examines some of the contemporary theories of preaching and introduces a range of genres through the use of lectures, interactive learning and visual resources. Each student will be given a non-assessed preaching assignment which will enable the class to explore a range of preaching genres.

The unit aims to

• sharpen the students’ awareness and engagement with the theology, history and practice of preaching;
• engage with contemporary homiletical theories and their relationship to culture;
• develop each student’s understanding of their own preaching voice – as part of their ministerial training;
• increase the students’ awareness of preaching genres and possibilities in proclamation.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the unit students should be able to:

• articulate a working theology of preaching;
• demonstrate a working knowledge of various contemporary approaches to preaching;
• prepare and preach sermons in different styles.

Teaching Information

The teaching will involve lectures, practical work and class discussions.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be through evidence of preparation for classes. In addition each student will prepare and preach a sermon to the tutor and a group of peers, all of whom will give feedback.

Summative assessment will be through an essay of 1,500 words (50%) and a practical assignment equivalent to 1,500 words (50%).

Reading and References

• Craddock, F.B., As One without Authority Revised ed., (St Louis: Chalice Press, 2001)
• Day, D., A Preaching Workbook (London: Lynx, 1998)
• Long, T. G., Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1989)
• Lowry, E., The Homiletical Plot: The Sermon as Narrative Art Form, Expanded edition (Louisville: John Knox, 2001)
• Quicke, Michael J., 360 Degree Preaching: Hearing, Speaking and Living the Word (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003 and Carlisle, Paternoster Press, 2003)
• Wilson, P. S., The Practice of Preaching (Nashville: Abingdon, 1995)