Spring 2013/Fuller Online
ST511
Bacon
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (4 units). Courtney Bacon.
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 have demonstrated the ability (1) to use critical thinking and analytical reading skills to evaluate writings; (2) to conduct focused research by using library resources especially as found online through Hubbard Library and other websites 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: This course will be conducted via the Internet on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller's academic calendar and will meet asynchronously on moodle.fuller.edu. The course involves reading, writing, advanced online resources orientation, and discussion facilitated through Moodle.
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. ISBN: 9780671212094, Publ.price $16.99 [426 pp.].
Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 3rd ed. Chicago University Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0226065663. Publ.price $17.00 [336 pp.].
Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C. F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. InterVarsity Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0830814497, Publ.price $8.00 [122 pp.].
Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 7th ed. Chicago University Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0226823379, Publ.price $17.00 [482 pp.].
Additional other readings provided online and through course e-Reserves.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Three theological reflection papers based on course readings to help students formulate their own theological positions and engage scholarly writings in a critical manner (25%).
Weekly forum discussions designed to assist in the comprehension of assigned readings and course material [25%].
Cumulative quiz designed to test comprehension of assigned vocabulary (10%).
Weekly due dates for the stages of research and production of the term paper (15%).
A term paper of 12-15 pages reflecting on a theological topic and correctly citing all sources (25%).
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No auditors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.