DESCRIPTION:

The general objective of this course is to assist beginning theology students as they embark on the adventure of seminary studies. The course will provide that assistance through an introduction and orientation to (1) essential research/study methods and resources for a graduate level education; (2) basic theological terms, doctrines, and thought necessary for a seminary education; (3) tools and methods regarding knowledge acquired including but not limited to test taking strategies; and (4) practice and use of methods resources and language for successful and effective communication, especially through the production of academic papers.

It is vital for ministers and leaders within the Christian community to acquire the ability to think independently, interact critically, and communicate responsibly as they encounter a wealth of varied theological and ministerial sources. Not only will such ability enhance preaching, teaching, decision-making, and writing, but it will also develop character and credibility, which are indispensable for servants among God's people.

The course involves reading, writing, advanced library and resources orientation, discussion and lecture. The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

Adler, Mortimer J. and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book. Simon and Schuster, 1972.

Grenz, Stanley, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. InterVarsity Press, 1999.

Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 4th ed. Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999.

Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. University of Chicago Press, 1996.

Alexander, Patrick H., John F. Kutsko, James D. Ernest, Shirley A. Decker-Lucke, and David L. Petersen, eds. The SBL Handbook of Style: for Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early Christian Studies. Hendrickson, 1999.

Stone, Howard W. and James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically. Fortress, 1996.

Strunk, W. and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. Allyn and Bacon, 2000.

Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Translated by Charles L. Taylor. Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1992.

Vyhmeister, Nancy Jean. Quality Research Papers for Students of Religion and Theology. Zondervan, 2001.

1. Weekly assignments designed to help students use various research tools and library resources. These assignments will culminate in the production a self-produced book of resources for seminary studies.

2. Weekly, very brief assignments designed to assist in the comprehension of assigned reading.

3. A term paper of 8-10 pages reflecting on a theological topic of the student's choice. The term paper should contain footnotes for all sources and a complete bibliography. There will be various due dates for the stages of research and production of the term paper, with the first draft being due during the eighth week.