Spring 2011/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 their 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.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND 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.
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.
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 & Schuster, 1972. 426 pages. ISBN: 9780671212094.
Publ.price: $16.99.
- Grenz, S., D. Guretzki & C.F. Nordling. Pocket Dictionary of
Theological Terms. InterVarsity Press, 1999. 122 pages. ISBN:
9780830814497. Publ.price: $8.00.
- Plantinga, C., Jr. Engaging God's World: A Christian Vision of Faith,
Learning & Living. Eerdmans, 2002. 169 pages. ISBN: 978-0-8028-3981-7.
Publ.price: $16.00.
- Stone, Howard W. & James O. Duke. How to Think Theologically.
Fortress, 1996. 152 pages. ISBN: 9780800638184. Publ.price: $16.00.
- Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians.
Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1992. 56 pages. ISBN: 978-0-8028-1198-1. Publ.price:
$8.00.
- Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. 7th ed. University of Chicago Press, 2007. 482 pages. ISBN:
9780226823379. Publ.price: $17.00.
- Course Reader.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: (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 & 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 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. (January 2011)