Bachelors Capstone Unit: Homiletics: Theory and Practice (XS3908C)

Undergraduate, 18.0 points

Content

This seminar-based capstone unit provides the opportunity for students to draw on the knowledge and skills gained in the course of their theological studies and integrate it into the practice of preaching. Regular seminars will focus on the history, theology, spirituality and hermeneutics of Christian preaching. Students will be actively engaged in the preparation, delivery, and theological reflection of preaching in various contexts, demonstrating creativity and initiative in integrating knowledge and skills from the disciplines of theology they have encountered throughout their studies with reference to the contemporary situation. Their preaching will be reviewed by practitioners and peers.

Unit code: XS3908C

Unit status: Approved (Assessment revision)

Points: 18.0

Unit level: Undergraduate Capstone

Unit discipline: Capstone Other S

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Articulate key historical, hermeneutical, theological and pastoral principles that inform the art of preaching.
2.

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

Prepare and deliver homilies that exhibit preaching as a public art form and proficiency in various modes and styles of preaching.
4.

Integrate their multi-disciplinary cumulative learning from various theological disciplines with the practice of preaching.
5.

Critically evaluate the praxis of preaching by articulating and integrating hermeneutical, theological and pastoral insights from various theological disciplines.

Pedagogy

This unit includes lecture/seminar sessions and practical preaching sessions with feedback and theological and pastoral reflection, integrating various theological disciplines. Verbal feedback and theological reflection in the portfolio may be recorded or videoed as well as written. Supervisory support will be provided for students as required to reach the learning outcomes of the unit.

Indicative Bibliography

  • 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.
  • Cardó, Daniel. The Art of Preaching: a Theological and Practical Primer. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press, 2021.
  • 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.
  • Foley, Edward. Preaching as Paying Attention: Theological Reflection in the Pulpit. Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training Publications, 2021.
  • Francis. Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel. Apostolic Exhortation. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2013.
  • Gibson, Scott M., ed. Training Preachers: A Guide to Teaching Homiletics. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019.
  • 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 - Four homilies

Evidence of preparation and delivery of 4 homilies integrating various theological and pastoral disciplines.

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

 2200 60.0
Personal & Professional Evaluation - Personal and Professional Evaluation

Personal and Professional Evaluation

 500 10.0
Summative Reflection - Theological Reflection

Theological reflection on one’s praxis of preaching

2300 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 16:36:40 +1000