DESCRIPTION: This course prepares beginning theology students for seminary studies. It introduces them 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, communicate responsibly, and self-assess one's work. These skills should enhance preaching, teaching, decision-making, and writing. The course will also address the issue of writing with integrity and challenge students to develop their character and credibility in writing.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will be able to (1) use critical thinking and analytical reading skills to evaluate writings; (2) conduct focused research by using library resources and manage this research throughout a quarter producing a graduate-level 3000-word research essay; (3) demonstrate introductory knowledge of theological methods within Christian thought; (4) formulate and locate their own theological tradition and positions across the spectrum of Christian thought; and (5) define important theological, philosophical, and historical terminology.

COURSE FORMAT: The course includes reading, writing, peer review, self-assessment, library and resources orientation, discussion, and lecture. The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

A maximum of 1,200 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.

Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing. 2nd ed. W.W. Norton, 2009. 245 pages. ISBN: 9780393933611. Publ. Price: $23.75.

Paul, Richard and Linda Elder. The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: Concepts & Tools. Foundation for Critical Thinking, 2009. 23 Pages. ISBN: 9780944583104. Publ. Price: $3.00.

Plantinga, Richard J., Thomas R. Thompson, and Matthew D. Lundberg. An Introduction to Christian Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2010. 654 pages. ISBN: 9780521690379. Publ. Price: $29.99.

Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1980. 56 pages. ISBN: 9780802811981. Publ. Price: $8.00.

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.

1. Weekly theological vocabulary quizzes [10%]

2. Progress assessments for the stages of research and production of the research essay [10%]

3. Completing peer reviews and self-assessments of weekly assignments focusing on a writing technique [10%]

4. Weekly theological reflection papers and class participation based on course readings [20%]

5. Final Exam [20%]

6. A 3000-word research essay reflecting on a theological topic [30%]