Lutheran Seminary Program

ML 3120 Spanish Language – Preaching

Spring Semester, 2004

Class Time: Tuesdays, 9:00 – 9:50

Professor: Dr. Javier (Jay) Alanís

E-mail: revjay3@juno.com

Course Description:

This course will examine the nature of proclamation in a Hispanic/Latino/a context, with practice in constructing a sermon in Spanish (minimum 5 page sermon).

Course Objective:

1. to give the student insight into the homiletical dynamics of preparing/constructing and delivering a sermon in a Hispanic/Latino/a congregation.
2. to give the student a practicum in sermon delivery in the Spanish language with an awareness of the contextual nature of the community

Resources and Readings

Required Book:

Kenneth G. Davis, and Jorge L. Presmanes, eds., Preaching and Culture in Latino Congregations, Liturgy Training Publications, 2000.

Recommended Books:

Justo L. González and Catherine G. González, The Liberating Pulpit, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2003, previously published by Abingdon Press, 1994

James R. Nieman and Thomas G. Rogers, Preaching to Every Pew: Cross-Cultural Strategies, Augsburg Fortress, 2001.

Christine Marie Smith, ed., Preaching Justice: Ethnic and Cultural Perspectives, United Church Press, Cleveland, Ohio, 1998.

Absences:

Since this class will only meet once a week, absences, for whatever reason (sickness or otherwise), cannot be taken lightly and will require a make-up that will consist of a critical review of one of the recommended books above (minimum 8 pages). I consider this requirement equitable and a way by which we will hold each other accountable and respectful of each other’s contribution to the whole. The moral of the story: don’t miss class!

Grading:

Grading will be based on how well you addressed issues of God’s love and justice (justice in the sense of God taking care of the weak, such as the orphan and the widow that is so much a part of the Old Testament; See Amos, for example) and pastoral care among other issues in your sermon. Assume that many in your community are recent immigrants who experiences marginalization and alienation as an exile community, or what Hispanic/Latino/a theologians refer to as a community of the diaspora. Consider what your message might be to them. What kind of gospel message would need to be proclaimed? What would you need to hear if you were in their shoes?

Proposed Class Schedule

Feb. 3: Introduction, review of syllabus

Feb. 10: Rev. Jaime Case, presenter

Reading: Davis and Presmanes, Preaching and Culture in Latino Congregations, 1-74.

Feb. 17: Rev. Tim Anderson, presenter

Reading: Davis and Presmanes, 75-141

Feb. 24: student presenter; discussion of required reading if necessary

March 2: student presenter; discussion of required reading if necessary

March 9: student presenter

March 16: Spring Break

March 23: No class

March 30: student presenter

April 6; student presenter

April 13: student presenter

April 20: student presenter

April 27: student presenter; wrap-up. Fiesta!