Fall 2017/Fuller Online

ST511

Brockway

ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (4 Units: 160 hours). Daniel Brockway.

DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to equip beginning theology students with the competencies needed to succeed at Fuller Theological Seminary. Students will be introduced to basic theological concepts, while sharpening the research and writings skills needed to excel in graduate-level studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to (1) utilize critical thinking and analytical reading skills to evaluate theological writings and argumentation; (2) convey introductory knowledge of important theological topics and their relationship to the Christian life; (3) formulate their own theological positions in dialogue with key voices from across the Christian tradition; and (4) conduct focused research using library resources to produce a graduate-level research paper of 3,000 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: Approximately 870 pages of required reading.

Adler, M. J., and C. Van Doren. How To Read a Book. Touchstone, 1972. ISBN: 978-0671212094, Pub. Price $16.99 [222 pp. assigned].

Jones, Beth Felker. Practicing Christian Doctrine: An Introduction to Thinking and Living Theologically. Baker Academic, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801049330, Pub. Price $22.99 [230 pp. assigned].

Pannenberg, Wolfhart. The Apostles’ Creed in Light of Today’s Questions. Trans. Margaret Kohl. Wipf and Stock, 2000. ISBN: 978-1579104405, Pub. Price $24.00 [174 pp. assigned].

Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 8th ed. University of Chicago Press, 2013. ISBN: 978-0226816388, Pub. Price $18.00 [183 pp. assigned].

Additional article provided through course eReserves:

Orwell, George. “Politics and the English Language.” From Sonia Orwell and Ian Angos (eds.) The Collected Essays, Journalism and Letters of George Orwell. Vol. 4. Harcourt, Brace, Javanovich, 1968 [14 pp.].

RECOMMENDED READING:

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

Houghton, Peggy M., Timothy J. Houghton, Michele M. Pratt, and Kate L. Turabian. Turabian: The Easy Way! Baker College, 2009. ISBN: 978-1935356363, Pub. Price $10.95.

Kibbe, Michael. From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research. IVP Academic, 2016. ISBN: 978-0830851317, Pub. Price $12.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. 870 pages of required reading. [87 hours].
2. Weekly forum participation. Each week, students will be required to write an initial post of 200 words and two 100-word responses to posts from fellow students. Forums will engage with topics from the assigned readings and will be graded based on the student’s comprehension of the material and depth of insight (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and #2] [16 hours].
3. Semi-weekly research assignments. These assignments will introduce students to important elements of graduate-level research, while taking them through the necessary steps to prepare for the final research paper (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #4] [15 hours].
4. Theological reflection papers. Students will write three reflection papers of approximately 700 words. Each paper will be guided by a prompt requiring students to summarize and critically engage with a specific theme from the required readings and reflect on its importance in the life and ministry of the church (15%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, #2, and #3] [12 hours].
5. Research essay. Students will craft a theological research essay of no less than 3,000 words focusing on a specific doctrinal issue. In the essay, students will draw from assigned readings and additional research to articulate and defend their own position on the topic. As the culmination of this course, this assignment will require students to utilize all of the skills and competencies they have developed to put forward a clear, focused, and well-written theological argument (40%). [This assignment is related to all four learning outcomes] [30 hours].

PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No auditors

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.