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.

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.