DESCRIPTION: This course is primarily designed for the beginning theology student who desires to improve research, critical thinking and writing skills. It will generally introduce the student to the academic environment of theological studies at Fuller Seminary and will teach and augment the skills necessary to participate and thrive in that environment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, the student will demonstrate the ability (1) to read on the various levels of inspectional and analytical reading; (2) to perform essential research and study, based upon knowledge of the resources required for a graduate-level education; (3) to produce a graduate-level research paper that demonstrates the skills developed in research, critical thinking, and writing skills; (4) master basic theological and philosophical terms, doctrines, and ideas necessary for a seminary education; (5) to use tools and methods for effective study, including but not limited to test-taking strategies. And (6) 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: Students will not only learn the value of these skills for seminary studies, theological reflection, and theological writing, but there will also be opportunity to learn the value of these skills for their present or future ministries to the body of Christ.

COURSE FORMAT: The course involves reading, writing, advanced library and resources orientation, discussion, and lecture. The class meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Grenz, S. J., D. Guretzki & C. F. Nordling. Términos Teológicos Diccionario de Bolsillo. Editorial Mundo Hispano (Casa Bautista de Publicaciones), 2006.

Ladd, George, Teología del Nuevo Testamento. Editorial CLIE, 2002.

Moltmann, Jürgen. ¿Qué es teología hoy? Ediciones Sígueme, 1992

Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers. University of Chicago Press, 1996.

Ureta, Floreal. Introducción a la teología contemporánea. Editorial Mundo Hispano, 1992.

Wright, N. T. El verdadero pensamiento de Pablo. Editorial CLIE, 2002.

Yoder, John H., Lilia Solano, and C. René Padilla. Iglesia, ética y poder. Ediciones Kairós, 1998.

Adler, Mortimer J. & Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book. Simon & Schuster,1972.

Bradley, J. E. & R. A. Muller. Church History: Introduction to Research, Reference . . . . Eerdmans, 1995.

De La Torre, Miguel & Edwin Aponte. Introducing Latino/a Theologies. Orbis. 2001.

Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 4th ed. Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999.

McGuirre, Mary, Linda Stilborne, Melinda McAdams & Laurel Hyatt. The Internet Handbook for Writers, Researchers, and Journalists. The Guilford Press, 1997.

Murphy, Nancey. Reasoning and Rhetoric in Religion. Trinity Press International, 1999.

________. Theology in the Age of Scientific Reasoning. Cornell University Press, 1990.

Musser, Donald & Joseph Price, eds. A New Handbook of Christian Theologians. Abingdon, 1996.

Ramm, Bernard. Diccionario de teología contemporánea. Casa Bautista, 1984.

Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians. Trans. C. Taylor. Eerdmans, 1992.