Fuller Online
ST511: Fall 2011
Oden
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (4 units).
Patrick Oden.
DESCRIPTION:
- The general objective of this course is to assist beginning
theology students as they begin seminary studies. The course will provide that
assistance through (1) an introduction to essential research methods and
resources; (2) discussion of basic terms and approaches necessary for critical
theological reflection; (3) general overview of the various main topics in
seminary study; (3) honing effective written communication.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY:
- Understanding the foundations of research, writing, biblical
studies, church history and theology enhances every aspect of ministry life and
personal spirituality, as well as providing a strong beginning for continued
training in every aspect of seminary education.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Students successfully completing this course will (1) demonstrate
an attitude of critical reflection on the various topics pursued in seminary
education; (2) know and use the research resources available to them especially
as found online through Hubbard Library and other websites; (3) be familiar
with key terms, varieties of source material, diverse theological perspectives,
and academic standards; (4) demonstrate the skills necessary to write a
graduate level academic research paper.
COURSE FORMAT:
- The course involves reading, writing, advanced online resources
orientation, and discussion facilitated through Moodle. The class will meet
asynchronously on moodle.fuller.edu.
REQUIRED READING (taken from the following):
- Daniels, Scott. The First 100 Days: A Pastor's Guide. Kansas
City: Beacon Hill Press, 2011. 224 pages. ISBN: 0834125544. Publ. Price:
$15.00.
- Fee, Gordon, and Douglas K. Stuart. How to Read the Bible for All Its
Worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003. 288 pages. ISBN: 0310246040. Publ.
Price: $17.00.
- Houghton, Peggy M., Timothy J. Houghton, Michele M. Pratt, and Kate L.
Turabian. Turabian: The Easy Way! Flint, MI: Baker College, 2009. 108
pages. ISBN: 0923568913. Publ. Price: $11.00.
- Noll, Mark A. Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of
Christianity. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000. 352 pages. ISBN: 080106211X.
Publ. Price: $14.00 (selections).
- Pannenberg, Wolfhart. An Introduction to Systematic Theology. Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991. 69 pages. ISBN: 0802805469. Publ. Price: $14.00.
- Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 50th
Anniversary ed. New York: Pearson Longman, 2009. 128 pages. ISBN: 0205632645.
Publ. Price: $15.00.
- Additional other readings provided online and through course
eReserves.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (1) Weekly assignments designed to help students
become familiar with research tools, writing and essentials of each topic
[30%]. (2) Weekly forum discussions designed to assist in the
comprehension of assigned readings and course material [20%]. (3) A research
paper of 8-10 pages on a theological or historical topic [30%]. (4) A basic,
open format final exam covering issues discussed through each of the ten weeks
[20%].
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising.. No
auditors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (August 2011)