Winter 2014/Fuller Online
ST511
Bennett
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. 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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The global church of Jesus Christ is comprised of an almost bewildering diversity of theological ideas, opinions, and interpretations. Future ministers must be able to navigate, assess, and critically respond to these many strands while remaining grounded in their own theological tradition. This course helps students develop the cognitive skill set that will deepen personal and communal spirituality and offer a charitable and yet critical openness to others. These are the tools from which preaching, teaching, theological conversation, biblically-grounded ethical reasoning, and intellectual meekness spring.
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.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar. 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 on moodle.fuller.edu.
REQUIRED READING: (no more than 1,600 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 $16.99 [426 pp. assigned].
Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 3rd ed. Chicago University Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0226065663, Pub. Price $17.00 [336 pp. assigned].
Graff, Gerald and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say, I Say: The Moves that Matter in Academic Writing. 2nd ed. W. W. Norton, 2009. ISBN: 978-0393933611, Pub. Price $21.00 [245 pp. assigned].
Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C. F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms. IVP, 1999. ISBN: 978-0830814497, Pub. Price $8.00 [122 pp. assigned].
Houghton, Peggy M., Timothy J. Houghton, Michele M. Pratt, and Kate L. Turabian. Turabian: The Easy Way! Baker College, 2009. ISBN: 978-0923568917, Pub. Price $11.00 [108 pp. assigned].
Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1980. ISBN: 978-0802811981, Pub. Price $8.00 [57 pp. assigned].
Additional other readings provided online and through course eReserves.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
Weekly Research essay assignments (25%).
Weekly forum discussions designed to enforce comprehension and evaluation of readings (25%).
~1000 word research essay rough draft (10%).
2,500 to (maximum) 3,500-word research paper, due in stages throughout the term (40%).
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No auditors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: None.