Homiletics: Theory and Practice (DP9006C)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit integrates the history, theology and hermeneutics of Christian preaching with the practice of preaching. Students will be actively engaged in the preparation, delivery and theological reflection of preaching in various contexts and will be reviewed by practitioners and peers.

Unit code: DP9006C

Unit status: Approved (Assessment revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Pastoral Theology and Ministry Studies

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Elucidate the key theological and liturgical principles that inform the art of preaching in the Roman Catholic Liturgy.
2.

Critically engage in effective preparation, delivery and theological reflection for preaching.
3.

Prepare, critique and deliver a homily that exhibits preaching as a public art form.
4.

Analyse and demonstrate proficiency in delivering various modes and styles of preaching.
5.

Critically evaluate the praxis of preaching by articulating theological insights and reflection on the creation and delivery of homilies.

Unit sequence

Foundational Units in Biblical Studies and Systematic Theology. In addition, studies in Christology, Pneumatology and Moral Theology are highly recommended.

Pedagogy

This unit includes lecture/seminar sessions and practical preaching sessions with feedback and theological reflection, integrating various theological disciplines. Verbal feedback and theological reflection in the portfolio may be recorded or videoed as well as written.

Indicative Bibliography

  • Anderson, Colt C. Christian Eloquence. Contemporary Doctrinal Preaching. Chicago, IL: Hillenbrand Books, 2005.
  • Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. Preaching the Mystery of Faith: the Sunday Homily. USCCB, Washington, DC: 2012
  • Bishops’ Committee on Priestly Life and Ministry of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Fulfilled in Your Hearing: The Homily in the Sunday Assembly. 1982. 17th reprint. Washington, DC: USCCB, 2002.
  • Burghardt, Walter. Preaching: The Art and the Craft. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist, 1987.
  • DeBona, Guerric. Fulfilled in Our Hearing: History and Method of Christian Preaching. New York: Paulist Press, 2005.
  • DeBona, Guerric. Preaching Effectively, Revitalizing Your Church: The Seven-Step Ladder Toward Successful Homilies. New York: Paulist Press, 2009.
  • Foley, Edward, ed. A Handbook for Catholic Preaching. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2016.
  • Francis. Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel. Apostolic Exhortation. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2013.
  • Hilkert, Mary C. Naming Grace: Preaching and the Sacramental Imagination. New York: Continuum, 2002.
  • Wallace, James A., ed. Preaching in the Sunday Assembly: A Pastoral Commentary on “Fulfilled in Your Hearing”. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 2010.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Portfolio - Five homilies

Evidence of preparation and delivery of 5 homilies.

This Portfolio is a hurdle/compulsory task. This means passing this Portfolio assessment is required to pass the unit.

 2750 55.0
Personal & Professional Evaluation - Personal and Professional Evaluation

Personal and Professional Evaluation

 1500 15.0
Summative Reflection - Theological Reflection

Theological reflection on one’s praxis of preaching

 3750 30.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by OVC, Acting DAP on 17 Jul, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-07-17 16:36:58 +1000