PCS 601. Homiletics and Preaching -
Syllabus
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a framework to create
inspiring homilies, to implement effective delivery, and to incorporate
contemporary scholarship of scripture through various approaches to sermon development.
TEXT(S)
Dianne Bergant, Preaching the New Lectionary
(A, B, C)
Barbara E. Reid, Abiding Word (A, B,
C) and Parables for Preaching (A, B, C)
Other References
Mary E. Collingwood, “Styles and Practices of Homiletic
Composition”
Rev. E. Lee Hancock, The Book of
Women’s Sermons: Hearing God in Each
Other’s Voices
Jim Schmitmeyer, Preacher in a Hard
Hat
Online: Catholic Women Preach, http://catholicwomenpreach.org
CLASS FORMAT
This course is offered as an independent
study or in a cohort model. This course
uses a blog format (www.blogger.com), to
foster an interactive learning community between student(s) and
instructor. Students post their assignments
and are encouraged to comment on each other’s posts.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Students will complete six
reflection/mini projects over a period of 12 weeks. Every two weeks students will complete an
assignment and post their work on the blog, inviting comments from
cohorts. The final project will be a
culmination of the creative homiletic experience for this course. Note:
In Barbara Reid’s and Dianne Bergant’s Volumes, only their Volume B
will be used in this course. However,
you are encouraged to invest in each of the three series, as they will be invaluable
resources for future use.
Session One: Study
M.E. Collingwood’s “Styles and Practices
of Homiletic Composition,” and Barbara Reid’s, Parables for Preachers,
Vol. B., Introduction and Chapters 1-3. Post on the blog a 1-2-page explanation of
how both sources can be incorporated in creating future homilies.
Session Two: Read Barbara Reid’s Abiding Word,
Vol. B., pp. xi-xii
(Preface), and pp. 74-75 (Observing Sabbath); and Dianne
Bergant’s Preaching the New Lectionary, Vol. B,
pp. vii-ix
(Introduction), pp. 220-224 (Initial Reading of the
Ordinary Lectionary, Part One), and 262-267 (Ninth
Sunday in
Ordinary Time). In a 1-2-page reflection, identify
major points
within Mark 2:23 - 3:6 and accompanying readings, then
develop a homily starter for a faith community that
includes
a significant number of people whose occupations
prevent
them from attending church services on a regular
basis.
Session Three: Read Barbara Reid’s Abiding Word,
Vol. B, pp. 78-79
(Seeding
Hope), and Parables for Preachers, pp. 61-74
(Gradual
Growth and Mischievous Mustard); and Dianne
Bergant’s Preaching the New Lectionary, Vol. B,
pp. 274-282
(Initial Reading of the Ordinary Lectionary, Part Two,
and
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time). In a 1-2-page reflection,
identify major points within the scripture passage
Mark 4: 26-
34 and accompanying readings, then develop a homily
starter for an inner-city faith community.
Session Four: Read Barbara Reid’s Abiding Word,
Vol. B., pp.
92-93 (Heavenly Bread); and Dianne Bergant’s Preaching
the
New Lectionary, Vol. B., pp. 310-312 (Initial Reading
of the
Ordinary Lectionary, Part Three), and pp. 318-323
(Eighteenth
Sunday in Ordinary Time). In a 1-2-page reflection, identify
major points within John 6: 24-35 and accompanying
readings, then develop a homily starter for a faith community
that includes a significant number of immigrants.
Session Five: Read Barbara Reid’s Abiding Word,
Vol. B, pp. 108-109 (True
Authority); and Dianne Bergant’s Preaching the New
Lectionary, Vol. B, pp. 340-343 (Initial Reading of the
Ordinary Lectionary, Part Four), and pp. 364-369
(Twenty-
sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time). In a 1-2-page
reflection,
identify major points within the scripture passage Mark
9: 38-
43, 45, 47-48 and accompanying readings, then develop
a
homily starter for an ecumenical community service.
Session Six:
Identify major points within the scripture passage Luke 24:
13-16, 28-35, and develop a 2-3-page funeral homily
for a member of a faith community of your choice. List the resources you used for this
assignment.