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, with particular focus on developing skills of research and writing necessary to participate and thrive in this environment.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The course will enhance the student's ability to think critically, formulate one's own theological positions, understand and engage other theological positions, and communicate responsibly. These skills should enhance one's preparation for preaching, teaching, decision-making, and writing. The course will also address the issue of academic integrity and so challenge one to 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 use critical thinking and analytical reading skills to evaluate writings; (2) to conduct focused research by using library resources and manage this research throughout a quarter producing a graduate-level, 12-15-page research paper. Students will also (3) be able to define important theological, philosophical, and historical terminology traditionally associated with seminary education; (4) demonstrate introductory knowledge of theological methods within Christian thought; and (5) formulate and locate their own theological tradition and positions across the spectrum of Christian thought.

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:

A maximum of 1600 pages taken from the following:

Adler, Mortimer J., and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book. Simon & Schuster, 1972. 426 pages. ISBN: 9780671212094. Publ. Price: $16.99.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 3rd ed. Chicago University Press, 2008. 336 pages. ISBN: 9780226065663. Publ. Price: $17.00.

Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C. F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. IVP, 1999. 122 pages. ISBN: 9780830814497. Publ. Price: $8.00.

Kibbe, Michael. "From Topic to Thesis: An Introduction to Theological Research." [Fuller Seminary] 2009. 33 pages.

Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 7th ed. Chicago University Press, 2007. 482 pages. ISBN: 9780226823379. Publ. Price: $17.00.

Course Reader.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (1) Weekly theological reflection papers and class participation based on course readings to help students formulate their own theological positions and engage scholarly writings in a critical manner [25%]. (2) Weekly quizzes designed to test comprehension of assigned readings and vocabulary [25%]. (3) A term paper of 12-15 pages reflecting on a theological topic and correctly citing all sources [25%]. (4) There will be weekly due dates for the stages of research and production of the term paper [25%].

PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2010)