Introduction to Communication Studies for Christian Ministry

Course Code: BMNO1

Introduction to Communication Studies for Christian Ministry

BD I, Semester II, 4 Credit Hours, Senate Paper

Course Objectives

• To help the student understand the meaning, scope and models of Communication.
• The principles of Communication in general and principles of Christian communication in particular.
• The importance of Communication in Christian Ministry.
• Communication ethics and the ethical issues involved in the field of Communication.
• And use Communication skills as well as different media of Communication in Christian ministry.

Method

• Lectures
• Group Discussions
• Seminars
• Exposures

Course Requirements

• Final Examination 100%.

Course Outline

Section I: Meaning of Communication

1. a. Definitions and scope of Communicationb. Forms of Communication: Verbal and Non-Verbal
2. Different Approaches to Communication
   1. Communication as a Process
   2. Communication as Ritual
   3. Communication for Personal Benefit
   4. Communication as Social, Political and Cultural Issues
3. Different Types of Communication
   1. Intrapersonal Communication
   2. Interpersonal Communication
   3. Group Communication
   4. Mass/Social Communication
   5. Folk Communication
4. Models of Communication
   1. Meaning of Communication Models
   2. Types of Communication Models
      1. Stimulus Response Model
      2. The Shannon-Weaver Mathematical Model, 1949
      3. Schramm’s Interactive Model, 1954
      4. Berio’s S-M-C-R Model, 1960
      5. Gerbner’s Model
5. Barriers to Communication and Their Solutions
   1. Mechanical Barriers
   2. Environmental Barriers
   3. Cultural Barriers
   4. Linguistic Barriers
   5. Psychological Barriers

Section II: Principles of Communication

1. General Principles of Communication
   1. Communication as Fundamental Human Rights
   2. Freedom of Speech and Expression
   3. Liberation, Equality, Balance in communication, etc.
2. Biblical Models of Communication
   1. God as the Communicating God
   2. Creation as God’s Communication
   3. Revelation through important events
   4. Prophets and Kings as God’s Media of Communication
   5. Incarnation as God’s Communication
   6. Jesus and Communication
   7. Apostles and their Methods of communication – verbal and written
3. Different Statements of Communication Principles by World Association of Christian Communication (WACC)

Section III: Importance of Communication in Christian Ministry

1. Communication in Worship and Preaching
2. Worship as Communication
3. Communication in Preaching
4. Communication in Counselling – speaking, silence and listening
5. Home visits, family programmes as communication
6. Important events as communication situations – birthday, baptism, confirmation, ordination, sickness, bereavement, etc.
7. Homilies for different occasions such as wedding, funeral, memorial services, etc
8. Communication in Pluralistic Contexts
9. The Reality of Cultural Plurality Today
10. Awareness and Respect of People of other Cultures

Section IV: Ethical Issues in Communication

1. Communication and Ethical Issues
   1. Freedom of Thought and Expression (Information Ethics)
   2. Censorship
   3. Violence and Sex
   4. Identity and Anonymity
   5. Copyright and Plagiarism
2. Christian Ethical Response
   1. Bringing Awareness of Communitarian Values
   2. Solidarity with the Weak and Vulnerable in Society
   3. New patterns for Christian Communication

Section V: Developing Communication Skills for Christian Ministry

1. Importance of Language for Communication
2. Skills Training for Different Types of Communication: Public speaking, leadership, etc.
3. Use of Different Media tools:
   • Print Media – Newspapers and Books
   • Electronic Media – Radio, Cinema, Television, Computer and The Internet, Telecommunication, etc.
   • Alternative Media – Folk arts, etc.

Bibliography

Essential Readings

• Arthur, Christ, ed. Religion and Media: An Introductory Reader. Cardiff: University of Wales, 1993.
• Christians, Clifford and Michael Traber, eds. Communication Ethics and Universal Values. New Delhi: Sage, 1997.
• Eilers, Franz-Josef. Communicating Between Cultures: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication. Andore: Satprakashan Sanchar Kendra, 1993.
• Fore, William E, Myth Makers: Gospel, Culture and the Media. New York: Friendship Press, 1990.
• Kumar, Keval J. Mass Communication in India. Bombay: Jaico Pub. House, 1981.
• Lee, Philip, ed. Communication and Reconciliation: Challenge Facing the 21st Century. Geneva and London: WCC and WACC, 2001.
• Mohan, Krishna and Meera Banerji. Developing Communication Skills. Delhi: Macmillan India Ltd., 1998.
• Raja, Joshua. Facing Realities of Communication: Culture, Church, and Society. ISPCK, 1997.
• World Association for Christian Communication. Statements on Communication. Kennington Lane, London: WACC, Revised Edition, 1997.

Suggested Readings

• Abbey, Merill. Communication in Pulpit and Parish. Philadelphia, USA: The Westminster Press, 1978.
• Appavoo, J.T. Folklore for Change. Madurai: TTS, 1986.
• Arens, Edmund. Christopraxis: A Theology in Action. Translated by John F. Hoffmeyer. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Fortress Press, 1995.
• Banerjee, S. Culture and Communication. New Delhi: Patriot Pub., 1985.
• Bhatia, Arun. Media and Communication Ethics. Delhi: Akansha Pub. House, 2005.
• Carey, James W. Communication as Culture: Essays on Media and Society. New York/London: Routledge, 1998.
• Chartier, Myron. Preaching as Communication. Nashville, USA: Abingdon Pub., 1981.
• Christians, Clifford, Mark Fackler and Kim B. Rotzoll. Media Ethics – Cases and Moral Reasoning. New York: Longman Publishers, 1995.
• Crowley, David, & Mitchell, David. Communication Theory Today. Cambridge: Polity Press, 1994.
• David, C.R.W., ed. Communication in Theological Education: A Curriculum. Bangalore: BTESSC, 1986.
• Dewine, Harry A. The Christian as a Communicator. Philadelphia , USA: Westminster Studies in Christian Communication, 1961.
• Domer, Jane. Writing for the Internet. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.
• Eysenck, H. J. Sex, Violence and the Media. Paladin Granada Pub., 1980.
• Gunavardene, Nalaka. Communication Ethics: South Asian Perspectives. Singapore: Asian Media Information and Communication, 1997.
• Hesselgrave, David J. Communicating Christ Cross-Culturally. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, ISPCK, 1997.
• Hiller, Robert. Communicate Clearly. London: Dorling Kindersley, 1998.
• Hodgdon, L. Visual Strategies for Improving Communication (Vol. I): Practical Supports for School and Homes. Troy, MI: P Quick Roberts Publishing, 1995.
• Jaffe, C.I. Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society. 4th ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2004.
• Jandt, Fred E. Intercultural Communication. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 1995.
• Kelleher, Sean B. How Shall They Preach. Bangalore: Redemptorist Pub., 1983.
• Kim, Young Yun. Becoming Intercultural: An Integrative Theory of Communication and Cross-cultural Adaptation. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publication.
• Mirzoeff, Nicholas. An Introduction to Visual Cultures. London and New York: Routledge, 2000, Reprint edition, 2001.
• Monteiro, Evelyn. Church and Culture: Communion in Pluralism. Delhi: ISPCK, 2004.
• Nida, Eugene A. Message and Mission: The Communication of The Christian Faith. New York: Harper Brothers, 1960/1990.
• Punia, Deep. Social Values in Folklore. Jaipur: Rawat Publications, 1993.
• Richard, Collins. Media, Culture and Society. London: SAGE, 1986.
• Rinmawia, Lal. Credible Christian Communication. NKCC Conf., 1984.
• Rodgers, John Bryden. Liturgy and Communication. London: St. Paul Pub., 1975.
• Rokeach, Sandra J. Ball. Media Audience and Social Structure. London: Sage Publication, 1986.
• Samovar, Larry A., Richard E. Potter and Nemi C. Jain. Understanding Intercultural Communication. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 1981.
• Sanneh, Lamin. Translating the Message: The Missionary Impact on Culture. Maryknoll: Orbis Books, 1991.
• Sardana, C. K. The Challenge of Public Relations. New Delhi: Har-Anand Publications, 1995.
• Scott, Bill. The Skills of Communicating. Bombay: Jaico Publishing House, 1995.
• Scraampi, J. Jacob. Understanding Communication Media. Asian Trading Corporation, Bangalore, 1981.
• Sondhi, Krishna. Communication and Values. Bombay: Sonuaya Publications, 1985.
• Stott, John. The Contemporary Christian: Applying God’s Words to Today’s World. Chennai: Evangelical Literature Service and UESI Publication Trust, 2000.
• Tanner, Kathryn. Theories of Culture: A New Agenda for Theology. Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1997.
• Thangaraj, Thomas. Preaching as Communication. Madurai: Tamilnadu Theological Seminary, 1986.
• Thomas, Pradip, ed. Communication and Human Dignity: Asian Christian Perspectives. Delhi: ISPCK, 1997.
• Thomassen, Niels. Communicative Ethics in Theory and Practice. Translated by Irons, John. London: Macmillan Press, 1992.
• Thompson, Neil. Communication and Language: A Handbook of Theory and Practice. Hampshire and New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2003.
• Ting-Toomey, Stella and Filipe Korzenny, eds. Cross-cultural Interpersonal Communication. Newbury Park: Sage Publications, 1991.
• Trenholm, Sarah and Arthur Jensen. Interpersonal Communication. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2000.
• Valle, CA. The Challenges of Communication. Bangalore: UTC, 1995.
• Win, Cho God. Communication for Group Transformation. Honolulu: East-West Center.
• Young, Kathryn, Sue and Howard Paul Travis. Oral Communication: Skills, Choices and Consequences. USA: Waveland Press, Inc., 2004.
• Zachariah, Mathai. Christian Communication in India. Delhi: ISPCK, 1981.

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