Spring 2015/Fuller Online

ST511

Alfaro

 

ST511: ORIENTACIÓN PARA ESTUDIOS TEOLÓGICOS [Orientation to Theological Studies] (4 Units: 161 Hours). Sammy Alfaro.

 

DESCRIPTION: This online 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.

 

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, students should be able (1) to listen sympathetically; (2) to think critically; and (3) to 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 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.

 

REQUIRED READING: 600 pp. required.

Cotos, Jorge. Gramática Castellana (Curso de Formación Ministerial: Estudio Bíblico). Editorial CLIE, 2008. ISBN: 978-8476455364, Pub. Price $15.00 [150 assigned of 240 pp.].

Ramírez, José E. Pensar, Crear, Actuar: Metodologías para una Teología Contextual. Editorial Sebila, 2013. ISBN: 978-9977958651, Pub. Price $20.00 [200 assigned of 434 pp.].

Vyhmeister, Nancy Weber. Manual de Investigación Teológica. Editorial Vida, 2009. ISBN: 978-0829755718, Pub. Price $14.99 [250 assigned of 336 pp.].

Various additional articles, “lectures,” and readings available in Moodle classroom.

 

RECOMMENDED READING: Available in posted documents.

Gonzalez, Justo L. Diccionario Manual Teológico. Vida, 2010. ISBN: 978-8482674827, Pub. Price $15.00.

Ortografía, Lengua Española: Reglas y Ejercicios. Editorial de Larousse, 1998. ISBN: 978-9706078148, Pub. Price $9.00.

 

ASSIGNMENTS & ASSESSMENT:

  1. Online Instruction with video lectures, PowerPoint presentations with audio, and annotated papers. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1] [20 hours].

  2. 250-word weekly forum posts (5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [10 hours].

  3. 250-word weekly replies (5%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #3] [10 hours].

  4. 600 pp. of required reading [60 hours].

  5. Five bi-weekly quizzes (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [20 hours].

  6. Short bi-weekly writing exercises (20% total) designed to assist in the writing of research paper: developing library & internet research skills (5%), creating an outline for a research paper (5%), learning to paraphrase quotations (5%), and writing footnotes & bibliographic references (5%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [10 hours].

  7. Two 500-word reading responses (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2]. [6 hours].

  8. One 2,500-word research paper, due in stages throughout the term: first draft due in seventh week, final draft due in tenth week (30%) [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4]. [25 hours].

 

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.