Fall 2008/Pasadena
ST511
Hejzlar
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. Pavel Hejzlar.
DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to assist beginning theology students as
they embark on the adventure of seminary studies. Students will be introduced
to the academic environment and ethos of Fuller Seminary, especially as
research and writing skills are concerned.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will be able (1) to engage
theological texts in a productive encounter; (2) to conduct focused research by
putting to use library resources; (3) to manage research throughout a quarter
and produce a graduate level, 12-15-page paper. Students will also
(4) become familiar with basic theological, philosophical, and historical
terminology traditionally associated with seminary education and (5) will be
challenged to locate their own theological traditions across the spectrum of
Christian thought.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: The course will enhance its participants' ability to
think critically, be aware of the theological and cultural setting in which
they theologize as well as their own presuppositions. As the students will be
equipped with tools for independent research and grow in their ability to
formulate their own theological positions, their productivity in sermon
preparation as well as the depth of their preaching and teaching will be
brought to another level. Since the course will address the issue of academic
integrity, the students will also be challenged to grow in their character and
credibility.
COURSE FORMAT: The course involves reading, writing, library and resources
orientation, discussion, and lecture. The class will meet weekly for a
three-hour session.
REQUIRED READING:
- Adler, Mortimer J., and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a
Book. Simon & 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, K. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. 7th ed. Chicago UP, 2007.
- 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 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 test 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: None.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (7/08)