Winter 2006/Pasadena
ST511
Spinks
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. D. Christopher Spinks.
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 to
(1) better adopt an attitude of critical reflection on theological matters; (2)
know and use the research resources available to them at a seminary library;
(3) develop a systematic method for using research tools and applying them to a
specific topic; (4) develop the skills necessary to write a graduate level
academic research paper; (5) 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 and Schuster, 1972.
- Grenz, S., D. Guretzki, and C. F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of
Theological Terms. IVP, 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.
- Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 4th ed. Bedford/St. Martin's,
1999.
- 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.
- McKim, Donald K. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms.
Westminster John Knox, 1996.
- 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.
- Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians.
Eerdmans, 1962; repr., 1992.
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. (2) Weekly quizzes designed to
assist in the comprehension of assigned readings and class material. (3) A term
paper of 8-10 pages reflecting on a theological topic. The term paper should
contain proper notation for all cited sources and a complete
bibliography. There will be various due dates for the stages of research and
production of the term paper.
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of SOT or SIS Academic Advising.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: A final exam will be given in class during week 10.