Preaching in the African American Traditions

3 credits · Divinity School

The black preaching traditions integrate many patterns of cultural experiences within theological and biblical hermeneutics, as well as rhetorical structures of oral communication within complex dynamics of style and artistry. This course will examine these patterns and structures and the black preaching event itself, including sermon composition, delivery, and the worship experience. Students will study homiletic methods that have been shaped by African American preaching traditions and will develop homiletic projects covering African American and folk traditions of homiletic hermeneutics as well as comparing and contrasting homiletic methods and designs in black preaching. Students also will employ these traditions and methods in their own sermons for this course. [3]