Spring 2016/Fuller Online

ST511

Puig

ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (4 Units: 160 hours). David Jordan Puig.

DESCRIPTION: This class, by design, is to prepare the student for successful theological work at Fuller Theological Seminary. It will focus on developing in the students a critical approach to theological tasks and activities as we use theological topics as well as remarkable theological texts in 20th and 21st centuries. We will also provide a comprehensive introduction to research methodologies and protocols in order to improve the writing and research skills expected in the Humanities field.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) the ability to address theological topics and texts critically and analytically; (2) to think theologically and ecumenically as they interact with their peers in a diverse Christian environment; (3) a basic knowledge of research methodology and protocols in the Humanities field; (4) the ability to develop and write a graduate-level academic 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: 1,000 pp. required.

Cotos, Jorge. Gramática Castellana (Curso de Formación Ministerial: Estudio Bíblico). Editorial CLIE, 2008. ISBN: 978-8476455364, Pub. Price $13.99 [170 assigned of 240 pp.].

Gonzáles, Justo L. y Zaida Maldonado. Introducción a la Teología Cristiana; Nashville, Abingdon 2003; ISBN: 978-0687074273., Pub. Price $ 19.99 [150 pp. assigned].

Ramírez, José E. Pensar, Crear, Actuar: Metodologías para una Teología Contextual. Editorial Sebila, 2013. ISBN: 978-9977958651, Pub. Price $20.00 [430 assigned of 434 pp.].

Vilanova, E. Para comprender la teología. Ed. Verbo Divino, 2000. ISBN: 978-8471518132, Pub. Price $15.00 [113 pp. assigned].

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

RECOMMENDED READING:

Barth, Karl. Esbozo de la Dogmática. Sal Terrae, 2001; ISBN: 978-8429313765, Pub. Price $25.00.

Boff, Leonardo. ¿Cómo hacer Teología de la Liberación? Ediciones Paulinas, 1989. ISBN: 978-9586071956, Pub. Price $90.00 [62pp.].

Gibellini, Rosino (ed.). Antología teológica del siglo XX. FRENTE Y VUELTA S.A. DE C.V., 2011. ISBN: 978-8429320268, Pub. Price $47.99.

Gibellini, Rosino, La Teología del Siglo XX; Sal Terrae, 2001. ISBN: 978-8429312713, Pub. Price $42.00.

Gonzalez, Justo L. Diccionario Manual Teológico. CLIE, 2011. ISBN: 978-8482674827, Pub. Price $19.95 [320 pp.].

J. Pope , Stephen. Hope & Solidarity: Jon Sobrino's Challenge to Christian Theology, Orbis Books, 2008. ISBN: 978-1570757655, Pub. Price $7.00 [282 pp.].

Moltmann, Jurgen. Theology Today: Two Contributions Towards Making Theology Present. SCM Press 1990; ISBN: 978-0334023593, Pub. Price $65.00 [99 pp.].

Tennent, Timothy C. Theology in the Context of World Christianity: How the Global Church Is Influencing the Way We Think about and Discuss Theology; Zondervan, 2007; ISBN: 978-0310275114, Pub. Price $29.99 [320 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

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

2. Reading of assigned texts: 1,000 pages of required reading. The readings will be assessed in the form of reflective reports on the required authors posted in the discussion forums (20% of the final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 3] [70 hours].

3. Contributions to ongoing, weekly discussion forums: Each week students will reflect upon a theological topic, post their impressions in Moodle (250 words), and interact with two members of their group (200 words) (20% of the final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3]. [25 hours].

4. Three theological reflection papers on the impact of theological studies on her/his Christian/pastoral ministry of approximately 500-600 words each. The reflection papers are designed for students to theologically reflect on and appropriate a particular doctrine to a ministry context. Reflection papers will be evaluated on content, argument, clarity of contribution, and usefulness in the context of ministry (20% of the final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1,2,3] [20 hours].

5. A research essay on a particular theological topic [2,500-3000 words]. In the research essay, students will draw from their readings and assignments while engaging in other literature. In this way, the student must draw from all of her or his skills acquired in the course, from the readings, and bring them to bear in one paper. Students will be evaluated based on clarity of content, research questions, argument, thesis, formatting, grammar and syntax (40% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4] [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Spanish. Basic computer, word-processing, and Internet skills. Permission of the Director of Academic Advising.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.