Fall 2015/Fuller Online

ST511

Chilton Thompson

ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (4 Units: 160 hours). Amy L. Chilton Thompson.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to equip beginning theology students for successful work at Fuller Theological Seminary, with a particular focus on basic theology, while sharpening the research and writings skills necessary to excel in graduate-level studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to (1) engage theological writings and arguments in a careful and critical manner; (2) critically appropriate theology in relationship to the Christian life and ministry; (3) demonstrate knowledge of basic theological themes and topics across the Christian tradition; and (4) develop and write graduate-level an academic research paper of approximately 2,500 words.

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: 967 pp. of required reading.

Adler, M. J., and C. Van Doren. How To Read a Book. Rev. ed. Simon & Schuster, 1972. ISBN: 978-0671212094, Pub. Price $16.99 [270 pp. assigned].

González, Justo. The Apostles Creed for Today. Westminster John Knox, 2007. ISBN: 978-0664229337, Pub. Price $14.00 [112 pp. assigned].

Moltmann, Jürgen. Jürgen Moltmann: Collected Readings. Trans by, Margaret Kohl. Fortress Press, 2014. ISBN: 978-0800699895, Pub. Price $34.00 [304 pp. assigned].

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 8^th ed. University of Chicago Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0226816388, Pub. Price $18.00 [197 pp. assigned].

Additional readings provided online and through course eReserves.

“The Task and Content of Liberation Theology,” by G. Gutierrez, translated by Judith Condor from Christopher Rowland (ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology. 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2007 [19 pp.].

“Liberation Theology in Asia,” by Bastiaan Wielenga from Rowland (ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology [23 pp.].

“Black Theology,” by Edward Antonio from Rowland (ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology [25 pp.].

“Feminist Theology: A Critical Theology of Liberation,” by Mary Grey from Rowland (ed.) The Cambridge Companion to Liberation Theology [17 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

González, Justo L. Essential Theological Terms. Westminster John Knox, 2005. ISBN: 978-0664228101, Pub. Price $26.00.

Kärkkäinen, Veli-Matti and William A. Dyrness. Global Dictionary of Theology. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830824540, Pub. Price $50.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 967 pp. of required reading [97 hours].
2. Weekly forum participation. Each weekly forum requires students to give a 150-200 word initial response and two 100 word responses to classmates postings. Forum postings provide students the opportunity to deeply engage their readings as well as the insights of other students. Forum postings will be evaluated on three grounds: (1) by demonstrating that the student has closely read and digested the material; (2) forum postings are clearly written and follow the rules of proper grammar; (3) evidence of individual insight into the subject material (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #3] [15 hours].
3. Weekly research and writing assignments designed to help students become familiar with research tools, selecting a research topic, developing a thesis, and preparing final research papers. Students will be evaluated based on the quality and completion of the assignment. (25%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #4] [16 hours].
4. Three theological reflection papers of approximately 750 words each. These are designed for students to theologically reflect on and appropriate a particular doctrine to a ministry or faith context. Reflection papers will be evaluated on content, argument, clarity of contribution, and usefulness in the context of ministry (25%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2] [12 hours].
5. A final research essay on a particular doctrinal problem or issue to be identified in the weekly assignments (#3) [2,500 words]. For this essay, students will draw from course readings and assignments as well as pertinent other theological literature in order to develop a particular theological argument. Student will also draw on research skills acquired in the course. Essays will be evaluated based on clarity of content, argument, thesis, formatting, grammar/syntax, and careful thinking on the doctrine (30%). This assignment is related to all learning outcomes, especially #4] [20 hours].

PREREQUISITES: No auditors.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.