DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to assist beginning theology students as they embark on the adventure of seminary studies. Students will be introduced to the academic environment and ethos of Fuller Seminary, especially as research and writing skills are concerned.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will be able (1) to engage theological texts in a productive encounter; (2) to conduct focused research by putting to use library resources; (3) to manage research throughout a quarter and produce a graduate level, 12-15-page paper. Students will also (4) become familiar with basic theological, philosophical, and historical terminology traditionally associated with seminary education and (5) will be challenged to locate their own theological traditions across the spectrum of Christian thought.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will enhance its participants' ability to think critically, be aware of the theological and cultural setting in which they theologize as well as their own presuppositions. As the students will be equipped with tools for independent research and grow in their ability to formulate their own theological positions, their productivity in sermon preparation as well as the depth of their preaching and teaching will be brought to another level. Since the course will address the issue of academic integrity, the students will also be challenged to grow in their character and credibility.

COURSE FORMAT: The course involves reading, writing, library and resources orientation, discussion, and lecture. The class will meet weekly for a three-hour session.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C. F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. IVP, 1999.

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

Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 7th ed. Chicago UP, 2007.

Vyhmeister, N. J. Quality Research Papers for Students of Religion & Theology. Zondervan, 2001.

For further help with reading skills:

Clinton, J. Robert. Reading on the Run. Barnabas, 1996.

For further help with research and bibliographic format:

Alexander, Patrick H., et al., eds. The SBL Handbook of Style. Hendrickson, 1999.

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

Thomas, Nancy, and Juli Brodeen, eds. Writing SWM Term Papers. Fuller, 1999.

For further help with theological terms:

DeMoss, M., and J. E. Miller. Zondervan Dictionary of Bible & Theology Words. Zondervan, 2002.

Erickson, Millard J. The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology. Rev. ed. Crossway, 2001.

McKim, Donald K. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms. Westminster John Knox, 1996.

For further help with an introduction to theology and theological reflection:

Jinkins, Michael. Invitation to Theology. InterVarsity Press, 2001.

Kinast, Robert L. What Are They Saying about Theological Reflection? Paulist, 2000.

Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1992.