Fall 2020/Fuller Online
ST511
Bennett
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (4 Units: 160 hours). Thomas Andrew Bennett.
DESCRIPTION: This class introduces students to the skills and orientations required for competent constructive and systematic theological work at Fuller Theological Seminary. Strong focus on (1) accurately and succinctly describing the essential contents of assigned texts; (2) critical and evaluative reflection on theological views and arguments; (3) excellence in original research and writing prepares beginning students for graduate-level theological education.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will demonstrate the ability to (1) appreciatively and accurately hear a diversity of theological views and arguments; (2) offer critical and constructive assessments; (3) participate in theological discourse with humility and meekness; (4) develop and write a graduate-level academic research paper of approximately 2,500 words using appropriate library resources.
RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: ST511 introduces beginning students to the basic vocabulary, concepts, and significance of theological studies, while simultaneously training them in the research and writing skills necessary for graduate-level coursework. As such, the course implements the SOT PLO, “Students will have demonstrated capacities for historically informed theological and ethical reflection.”
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning. This online course is comprised of ten weekly lessons that involve reading, reviews, forum participation, and video/audio lectures. The final project will be a 2,500-word research paper. We will “meet” asynchronously online.
REQUIRED READING: (no more than 750 pages assigned from the following):
Adler, M. J., and C. Van Doren. How to Read a Book. Rev. ed. Simon & Schuster, 1972. ISBN: 978-0671212094, Pub. Price $18.00 [84 pp. assigned].
Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 4th ed. Chicago University Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-0226239736, Pub. Price $18.00 [~200 pp. assigned].
Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed. W. W. Norton, 2014. ISBN: 978-0393935851, Pub. Price $35.75 [160 pp. assigned].
Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C. F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. IVP, 1999. ISBN: 978-0830814497, Pub. Price $12.00 [2 pp. assigned; entire book used as a reference].
Houghton, Peggy M., Timothy J. Houghton, Michele M. Pratt, and Kate L. Turabian. Turabian: The Easy Way! Baker College, 2008. ISBN: 978-0923568917, Pub. Price $10.95 [108 pp. assigned].
Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1980. ISBN: 978-0802811981, Pub. Price $24.99 [57 pp. assigned].
Additional other readings provided online and through course eReserves [127 pp.]
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No auditors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.
NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.