DESCRIPTION: The general objective of this course is to assist beginning theology students as they embark on the adventure of seminary studies. It will introduce them to the academic environment and ethos of Fuller Seminary and specifically teach and augment the skills necessary to participate in and thrive in that environment.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The ability to think independently, interact critically, and communicate responsibly will enhance one's preaching, teaching, decision-making, and writing, and will also develop character and credibility, which are indispensable for servants among God's people.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will demonstrate the ability (1) to read on the various levels of inspectional and analytical reading; (2) to research a topic by using library resources and manage this research throughout a quarter producing a graduate-level, 12-15 page research paper. Students will also (3) become familiar with and discuss basic theological, philosophical, and historical terminology traditionally associated with seminary education; (4) be challenged to locate their own theological tradition across the spectrum of Christian thought and engage in theological reflection associated with various issues within Christian thought; and (5) deepen their awareness of Christian spiritual practices in order to cultivate a holistic rhythm of life critical for the success of any theological venture.

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.

Barton, R. H. Sacred Rhythms. InterVarsity Press, 2006.

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. 2nd ed. Augsburg, 2006.

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

Course Reader.

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.

Vyhmeister, N. J. Quality Research Papers . . . Religion & Theology. 2nd ed. Zondervan, 2008.

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.

Murphy, Nancey C. Reasoning and Rhetoric in Religion. Wipf and Stock, 2001.

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