Preaching Superstars of the 19th Century
FYS 129
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Fall 2009
|
Instructor: Dr. Russel Hirst Time: TR 9:40–10:55 Place: HSS 206-A Phones: 974-6952 (o); 5401 (sec); 6926 (fax) Office hrs.: TBA |
Course Description
Ever wonder how the great preachers of America became great preachers? One way was by intense study of Sacred Rhetoric, or Homiletics. This seminar will place sacred rhetoric in the context of the Oratorical Tradition as manifest in nineteenth-century America.
In this seminar, we’ll read—and sometimes hear—sermons by popular preachers of the past such as Henry Ward Beecher, Phillips Brooks, and Charles Finney. We'll also read about the “theories of preaching” developed by homiletics professors at major Eastern and Southern theological seminaries, men such as Austin Phelps, William G.T. Shedd, and James Hoppin.
You won’t be writing any papers in this course. You’ll be listening, reading, pondering, talking, learning, and enjoying.
Required Texts
Mostly online, free links. Stand by.
Workload
A few hours reading per week and a couple invigorating classes per week!
Grading
Satisfactory if you read the assignments and attend class. Oh, and consider speaking up from time to time, as well.
Tests
None. Until Judgement Day.
Schedule
for FYS 129
Fall 2009
October
8
Introduction to course.
Contrasting styles in preaching:
Clip 1: Reggie Dabbs.
Clip 2: William Jennings Bryan.
13
William G. T. Shedd, "Introductory Essay by the Translator," Eloquence a Virtue.
20
William G. T. Shedd, "Introductory Essay by the Translator." Eloquence as virtue.
Sermon by Henry Ward Beecher, The Nature of Christ.
22
Readings on Rev. Austin Phelps, by Dr. Hirst.
27
"Test" and discussion about eloquence as a virtue, goals of preaching, types of preaching.
29
"Lecture 1. The Sermon: Its Generic Idea" in The Theory of Preaching by Phelps.
November
3
More on Phelps's theory of preaching (Bibliotheca Sacra Vol 14, pps. 282-322).
5
Phelps on preaching to the common man, Spiritualism.
10
Readings in Austin Phelps: A Memoir (Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward)
Phelps, "Intellectuality of the Pulpit."
Phelps, My Portfolio: The Calvinistic Theory of Preaching.
Homily: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i9LzRvJgdI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMHgGaPrp8A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q43vyol94-Y