Ph.D. in Preaching Course Descriptions

Courses Limited to Ph.D. in Preaching Students

PHDP 6350  History of Preaching from the First Testament to Wycliffe  (3)  

A detailed historical study of preaching in the First Testament, the development of the synagogue sermon, the forms of preaching in Christian Scripture as kerygma and didache, preaching in the earliest church, Hellenistic rhetorical influences on preaching, patristic preaching in the East and West, the Alexandria and Antioch schools, monastic preaching, and preaching of the Middle Ages and High Middle Ages to Wycliffe.

PHDP 6351  History of Preaching from the Reformation to Post-Modern Preaching  (3)  

An analytical study of primary preaching sources and contemporaneous homiletical theory from the Reformation to the present, an analysis of the sermonic contexts in political and intellectual history, the hermeneutical and exegetical approach to scripture, the rhetorical models, the theosymbolic impact, and the use of cultural references in sermons.

PHDP 6352  Exegetical Method for Preaching  (3)  

A detailed examination of exegetical method as supportive of biblical preaching. Stress is placed on primary research in the consensus representative authors and works for each exegetical school.

PHDP 6354  Homiletical Theory and Methods  (3)  

Based on the literature of the last 100 years, modern and early post-modern developments in preaching are examined against larger trends in church and society. The psychological, neo-orthodox, deductive, inductive, narrative, phenomenological, law/gospel, and postmodern schools of preaching will be considered as the major representatives of each homiletic approach.

PHDP 6358  The Practice of Preaching  (3)  

A detailed examination of the role of delivery in the effectiveness of preaching through careful analysis of the practice of preaching through delivery. Attention is given to the place vocal dynamics (volume, pitch, pace, pause, etc.) and body language (facial expression, eye contact, posture, gestures, etc.) have in effective communication. Members of the seminar each preach a sermon for careful analysis.

PHDP 6360  Studies in OT and Proclamation  (3)  

A study of selected Old Testament texts. While considerable attention will be given to historical, literary, and theological issues, the course will also address hermeneutical matters related to proclamation. Course may be repeated when content differs for a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

PHDP 6361  Studies in the New Testament and Proclamation  (3)  

A study of selected New Testament texts. While considerable attention is given to historical, literary, and theological issues, the course also addresses hermeneutical matters related to proclamation. Course may be repeated when content differs for a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

PHDP 6362  Studies in Theology and Proclamation  (3)  

An examination of various topics in systematic or historical theology. Implications for proclamation will also be considered. Course may be repeated when content differs for a maximum of nine (9) semester hours.

PHDP 6363  Hermeneutics for Preaching  (3)  

A detailed consideration of hermeneutical approaches to the biblical text and their impact on contemporary preaching. The seminar includes examination of biblical passages with a view to varied hermeneutical outcomes that stand with, in front of, behind, and beyond the text. The seminar will examine perspectives in minoritized, feminist, European, Global South, and non-Protestant hermeneutics.

PHDP 6364  Teaching Preaching  (3)  

This course enables doctoral students of homiletics to develop skills for teaching an entry-level course in preaching. The course provides students with a background in educational theory and curriculum design, pedagogical/andragogical tools, and practice in sharpening their skills as instructors of preaching.

PHDP 6365  Research Methodology  (3)  

This course examines research approaches and methodologies as related to preaching and writing. The course explores writing for research and other platforms and includes reading assignments, discussion, presentations, and writing assignments, preparing the student for academic article writing, dissertation writing, and other writing platforms.

PHDP 6366  Victorian and Edwardian Preaching: Preaching in the Grand Style  (3)  

Informed opinion considers the Victorian and Edwardian eras the zenith of English language preaching in the grand rhetorical style and tradition. The literary remains of these periods embrace preaching from the poetic, cultured sermons of F. W. Robertson to the rugged Anglo-Saxon speech of C.H. Spurgeon.

PHDP 6367  Studies in Minoritized Preaching Traditions  (3)  

A detailed study of minoritized culture preaching traditions in the U.S. context. Participants engage with preaching theories and practices in minoritized homiletics, wrestle with the significance of context and location in reading and preaching biblical texts, increase their levels of intercultural competence as preachers and teachers of preaching, and enhance their homiletical capacity to serve an intercultural church.

PHDP 6370  Preaching and Culture: Engaging Societal Shifts in North America  (3)  

This seminar examines how recent societal shifts have impacted homiletical engagement with culture in the North American context(s). After constructing a biblical-theological rationale for cultural engagement, participants will analyze three shifts in particular – secularization, technologization, and interculturation – and their broader impact on preaching, congregational life, and society.

PHDP 6V00  Graduate Research  (1-10)  
Pre-requisite(s): Graduate standing  

For research credit prior to admission to candidacy for an advanced degree. Credit will be given for the amount of work done. May be repeated for credit through 45 hours.

PHDP 6V99  Dissertation  (1-9)  

Supervised research for the doctoral dissertation. A total of nine semester hours is required for the completion of the dissertation. Students register for dissertation hours during dissertation research and receive credit for them when the dissertation is approved.