Spring 2013/Fuller Live!
Menlo Park and Pasadena
ST511
Segura
ST511: ORIENTACIÓN PARA ESTUDIOS TEOLÓGICOS [Orientation to Theological Studies].
Osias Segura-Guzman.
DESCRIPTION: This hybrid course explores the nature of studying theology at Fuller Theological Seminary. It considers the functions and skills, as well as the frame of mind, required for getting the best possible results from a Fuller education and from any theological interaction. Focus is placed on the skills of reading, research, and writing. Fostering an attitude of “critical openness,” the course emphasizes listening, thinking, and responding—and doing so with intelligence and grace.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Christians’ understanding of theology, however diverse, and their ability to discuss it meaningfully with each other and the world deeply enhance the life of the church of Jesus Christ. In order for the church and the world to benefit from this discussion, Christian leaders need these basic skills for effective preaching, teaching, writing, and decision-making, as well as for developing their character and credibility. These are indispensable qualities for God’s servants.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should be able to (1) listen sympathetically, (2) think critically, and (3) interact clearly and graciously, in both oral and written form, as they encounter the wealth of varied theological perspective. These skills should be evident in the students’ ability (4) to prepare a well-designed research paper.
COURSE FORMAT: This course is a hybrid which includes classroom instruction on three Thursdays and online teaching during the other seven weeks of the quarter, which align with Fuller’s academic calendar. The course involves reading, writing, orientation to libraries and other resources, and interactive discussion. Each week students and the instructor will interact with the material through threaded discussions, an intensive week (face-to-face) of work, and a web-based research.
REQUIRED READING:
Cuadros, Rafael. Como me cuesta escribir: Guía básica de escritura en español. [Kindle Edition] $2.99. (For students without access to a device compatible with Kindle books, the availability of this book will be discussed in class. If the student has any difficulty acquiring this book, another book on this topic will be accepted with prior approval from the professor.)
Segura Guzman, Osias. Riquesas, Templos, Apostoles y Superapostoles: respondiendo desde la mayordomia Cristiana. Editorial CLIE, 2012. ISBN: 978-8482675411, Pub. Price $14.99 [264 pp.].
Vyhmeister, Nancy Weber. Manual de Investigación Teológica. Editorial Vida, 2009. ISBN: 978-0829755718, Pub. Price $14.99 [336 pp.].
Wright, N. T. El verdadero pensamiento de Pablo. Editorial CLIE, 2002. ISBN: 978-8482673158, Pub. Price $14.99 [208 pp.].
Various additional articles, lectures, and readings available online.
RECOMMENDED READING: Available in posted documents.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Reading of all material assigned in weekly lessons, to be completed when due.
Participation and attendance to intensive week (10%).
Preliminary research report week four (10%).
Draft research report on week eight (10%).
Weekly forum discussions (20%).
Reading report on N.T. Wright's book (10%).
One 2000-word research paper, final draft due in eleventh week (20%).
Reading report on Segura's book (10%).
Student teaching a workshop on study techniques (10%).
PREREQUISITES: Spanish. Basic computer, word-processing, and Internet skills. Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No auditors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.