Spring 2012/Pasadena
ST511
Heringer
ST511: ORIENTATION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. Seth Heringer.
DESCRIPTION: This course prepares beginning theology students for seminary
studies. It introduces them to the academic environment and ethos of Fuller
Seminary, with particular focus on developing skills of research and writing
necessary to participate and thrive in this environment.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The course will enhance the student's
ability to think critically, formulate one's own theological positions,
understand and engage other theological positions, communicate responsibly, and
self-assess one's work. These skills should enhance preaching, teaching,
decision-making, and writing. The course will also address the issue of writing
with integrity and so challenge students to develop their character and
credibility in writing.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students completing this course will be able to (1) use
critical thinking and analytical reading skills to evaluate writings; (2)
conduct focused research by using library resources and manage this research
throughout a quarter producing a graduate-level 2500-word research essay; (3)
demonstrate introductory knowledge of theological methods within Christian
thought; (4) formulate and locate their own theological tradition and positions
across the spectrum of Christian thought; and (5) define important theological,
philosophical, and historical terminology.
COURSE FORMAT: The course includes reading, writing, peer review,
self-reflection, library and resources orientation, discussion, and lecture.
The class will meet weekly for three-hour sessions.
REQUIRED READING:
- A maximum of 1,200 pages taken from the following:
- Adler, Mortimer J., and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book. Simon
& Schuster, 1972. 426 pages. ISBN: 9780671212094. Publ. Price: $16.99.
- Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of
Research. 3rd ed. Chicago University Press, 2008. 336 pages. ISBN:
9780226065663. Publ. Price: $17.00.
- Plantinga, Richard J., Thomas R. Thompson, and Matthew D. Lundberg. An
Introduction to Christian Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2010. 654
pages. ISBN: 9780521690379. Publ. Price: $29.99.
- Thielicke, Helmut. A Little Exercise for Young Theologians.
Eerdmans, 1962. Repr., 1980. 56 pages. ISBN: 9780802811981. Publ. Price: $8.00.
- Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations. 7th ed. Chicago University Press, 2007. 482 pages. ISBN:
9780226823379. Publ. Price: $17.00.
- Course Reader.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Weekly theological vocabulary quizzes [10%]
- Progress assessments for the stages of research and production of the
research essay [10%]
- Completing peer reviews and self-assessments of weekly assignments focusing
on a writing technique [10%]
- Weekly theological reflection papers and class participation based on
course readings [20%]
- Final Exam [20%]
- A 2500-word research essay reflecting on a theological topic [30%]
PREREQUISITES: Permission of the Director of Academic Advising. No audits.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (revised February 15, 2012)