Homiletics (DL9529A)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

The art of preaching in general and the delivery of homilies in the Coptic Orthodox Church in particular shape this unit. Students will engage with homiletical theory and practice including the preparation of a homily for a liturgical setting based on critical exegetical and prayerful contemplation of the lectionary texts. Patristic and modern rhetorical practices will be explored. Students will present and receive critical feedback on their preaching to present-day hearers.

Unit code: DL9529A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Liturgy

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe and illustrate the use of the homily within the context of the Coptic lectionary;
2.

Apply biblical exegesis within the Orthodox theological framework for the benefit of the congregation;
3.

Critique methods of preaching against traditional understandings and contemporary communication theory;
4.

Compare and contrast orthodox preaching with other Christian traditions

5.

Communicate concisely with clarity and felicity;

6.

Critique their own homilies in both content and delivery, and those of others within an ongoing learning and reflective framework.

Unit sequence

One unit of biblical studies and one unit of theology

Pedagogy

Video presentations, online exploration, sharing and discussion forums

Indicative Bibliography

  • Coniaris, Anthony M. Preaching the Word of God. Brookline, Mass: Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1983. (recommended for purchase)
  • Gibson, Scott M. Preaching with a Plan: Sermon Strategies for Growing Mature Believers. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012.
  • Hamrick, James Kenneth. Orthodox Preaching as the Oral Icon of Christ. Amsterdam: Glagoslav Publications Limited, 2015. (recommended for purchase)
  • Killinger, John. Fundamentals of Preaching. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1985.
  • McClure, John S.* Preaching Words: 144 Key Terms in Homiletics*. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2007.
  • Robinson, Haddon W. Biblical Preaching: The Development and Delivery of Expository Messages. Grand Rapids, 2014.
  • Robinson, Haddon W., and Craig Brian Larson. The Art and Craft of Biblical Preaching: A Comprehensive Resource for Today's Communicators. Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan, 2005.
  • Rueter, Alvin C. Making Good Preaching Better: A Step-by-Step Guide to Scripture-Based, People-Centered Preaching. Collegeville, Minn: Liturgical Press, 1997.
  • Tisdale, Leonora Tubbs. Preaching As Local Theology and Folk Art. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1997.
  • Willimon, William H., and Richard Lischer. Concise Encyclopedia of Preaching. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Homily/Sermon

Present a short homily for critique (equivalent to 500 words, followed by a written submission).

500 10.0
Personal & Professional Evaluation

Provide critique of their own and another’s homily (equivalent to 500 words)

500 10.0
Homily/Sermon

Present a homily to an audience (equivalent to 2500 words, followed by a written submission).

2500 40.0
Essay

Essay on Orthodox Preaching and the broader Christian church (1250 words)

 1250 20.0
Homily/Sermon

Outline a homily based on the Coptic lectionary (equivalent to 1250 words)

 1250 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:25:19 +1100