Fall 2006/Pasadena
ST511
Hill
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. Craig Hill.
DESCRIPTION: The general objective of this course is to assist beginning
theology students as they embark on the adventure of seminary studies. It will
generally introduce them to the academic environment and ethos of Fuller
Seminary and specifically teach and augment the skills necessary to participate
in and thrive in that environment.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will
demonstrate the ability (1) to read on the various levels of inspectional and
analytical reading; (2) to research a topic by using library resources and
compiling a list of key reference resources; (3) to manage research throughout
a quarter and produce a graduate level, 12-15-page research paper. Every
student will also (4) become familiar with and discuss basic theological,
philosophical and historical terminology traditionally associated with seminary
education; and (5) Every student will be challenged to locate their own
theological tradition across the spectrum of Christian thought and engage in
theological reflection associated with various issues within Christian
thought.
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. InterVarsity, 1999.
- Stone, Howard W. and James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically.
Fortress, 1996.
- Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. 6th ed. Chicago, 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.
- Thomas, Nancy and Juli Brodeen, eds. Writing SWM Term Papers.
Fuller, 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:
- 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 [25%]. (2) Weekly quizzes designed
to assist in the comprehension of assigned readings and class material [25%].
(3) A term paper of 12-15 pages reflecting on a theological topic. The term
paper should contain proper notation for all cited sources and a
complete bibliography [20%]. 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.