Fall 2005/Pasadena
ST511
Gray
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. Delbert Gray.
DESCRIPTION: The general objective of this course is to assist beginning
theology students as they embark on the adventure of seminary studies. The
course will provide that assistance through an introduction and orientation to
(1) essential research and study methods and resources; (2) basic terms,
doctrines, and thought necessary for theological reflection; (3) practice and
use of methods, resources, and language for successful and effective
communication, especially through the production of academic papers.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course will enable the student
- better to adopt an attitude of critical reflection on theological
matters;
- to know and use the research resources available to them at a seminary
library;
- to develop a systematic method for using research tools and applying them
to a specific topic;
- to develop the skills necessary to write a graduate level academic research
paper;
- to gain a basic understanding of major terms and theological perspectives
as a foundation for subsequent seminary courses.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The ability to think independently, interact
critically, and communicate responsibly should enhance preaching, teaching,
decision-making, and writing, but it will also develop character and
credibility, which are indispensable for servants among God's people.
COURSE FORMAT: The course involves reading, writing, advanced library and
resources orientation, discussion and lecture. The class will meet weekly for
three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- Adler, Mortimer J. and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a
Book. Simon & Schuster, 1972.
- Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C.F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of
Theological Terms. InterVarsity, 1999.
- Stone, Howard W. and James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically.
Fortress, 1996.
- Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. 6th ed. University of Chicago Press, 1996.
- Vyhmeister, N.J. Quality Research Papers for Students of Religion &
Theology. Zondervan, 2001.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- For further help with reading skills:
- Clinton, J. Robert. Reading on the Run.
Barnabas, 1996.
- For further help with research and bibliographic format:
- Alexander, Patrick H., et al., eds. The SBL Handbook
of Style. Hendrickson, 1999.
- The Chicago Manual of Style. 15th ed. University of Chicago Press,
2003.
- For further help with theological terms:
- DeMoss, M. and J. E. Miller. Zondervan Dictionary of
Bible & Theology Words. Zondervan, 2002.
- Erickson, Millard J. The Concise Dictionary of Christian Theology.
Rev. ed. Crossway, 2001.
- For further help with an introduction to theology and theological
reflection:
- Conyers, A. J. A Basic Christian Theology.
Broadman & Holman, 1995.
- Jinkins, Michael. Invitation to Theology. InterVarsity Press,
2001.
- Kinast, Robert L. What Are They Saying about Theological Reflection?
Paulist, 2000.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Weekly assignments designed to help students use various
research tools and library resources and culminating in the production of a
notebook of resources for seminary studies (50%). (2) Weekly quizzes
designed to assist in the comprehension of assigned readings and class material
(10%). (3) A term paper of 8-10 pages reflecting on a theological topic. There
will be various due dates for the stages of research and production of the term
paper (30%).
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of SOT or SIS Academic Advising. No
audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: A brief final exercise will be given in class during week
10.