Fall 2007/Pasadena
ST511
Whitney
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. William B. Whitney.
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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will demonstrate the
ability (1) to use inspectional and analytical reading skills; (2) to research
a topic by using library 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 theological, philosophical, and historical
terminology traditionally associated with seminary education; and (5) 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 & C.F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of
Theological Terms. InterVarsity, 1999.
- Jinkins, Michael. Invitation to Theology. InterVarsity Press,
2001.
- Plantinga, C., Jr. Engaging God's World: A Christian Vision of Faith,
Learning & Living. Eerdmans, 2002.
- Stone, Howard W. & James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically.
Fortress, 1996.
- Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians.
Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1992.
- Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. 7th ed. University of Chicago Press, 2007.
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:
- Kinast, Robert L. What Are They Saying About
Theological Reflection? Paulist, 2000.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Weekly assignments 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 and correctly citing
all sources [25%]. There will be various due dates for the stages of
research and production of the term paper [25%].
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.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/07)