Fall 2012/Pasadena
FullerLive!
PM845/545
Clark
PM845/545: QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS
FOR PRACTICAL
THEOLOGY. Chap Clark.
DESCRIPTION: This is a 6-unit required methods seminar for all PhD students in
Practical Theology; at the 500-level, the 4-unit course is offered to a limited
number of master's-level students (no more than 5) as approved by the
professor. This course introduces students to a wide range of social science
research methods in order to prepare them to work with these methods within a
practical theological modality, or provide such an introduction suitable for
any theologically oriented inquirer. Students are expected to become familiar
enough with major research protocols, methods, and strategies to be able to
proficiently analyze and critique the design, implementation, results
reporting, interpretations, conclusions, and limitations of any social science
research. There will also be training on the Schools of Theology/Intercultural
Studies Human Subjects Review processes. In addition, each student will design
and implement a qualitative research project and present their results to the
class. Because of the unique pedagogical issues of this course, the schedule
will consist of four five-hour classes throughout the quarter in Pasadena, two
three-hour classes via Fuller Live, and one day (seven hours) at the Museum of
Tolerance.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: For researchers, faculty, and ministry
practitioners it is vital to be able to critically understand, interpret, and
critique a wide variety of research methods. In addition, while this course
will offer an abbreviated opportunity to actually engage in a qualitative
research project, the great benefit of this course will be to bring the student
into the community of academic research. The value of the course lies in
becoming a proficient scholar in how research impacts our understanding of the
context we have been called to serve.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Cognitive: understanding of the basic parameters and
essence of academic research, especially as it relates to the practice of and
preparation for ministry. Skills: increased ability to understand,
interpret, critique, and employ a wide variety of research methods.
Conative: awareness of the necessity for careful and sound research. It
is expected that the student will be able to describe and defend a thorough
assessment, analysis, and critique of research methodologies in the service of
the kingdom of God.
SEMINAR FORMAT: The seminar will meet according to the following schedule for
34 hours of class:
- October 1 and 15 (8:00 a.m.-12:50 p.m., with professor in Pasadena)
- October 9 and 23 (3:00-5:50 p.m., in Pasadena classroom via Fuller Live)
- November 1 (1:00-5:50 p.m., with professor in Pasadena, with DMin students
as subjects)
- November 5 (8:00 a.m.-2:50 p.m., at the Museum of Tolerance)
- December 3 (1:00-5:50 p.m., with professor in Pasadena)
REQUIRED READING: PhD/ThM students will read all required books; MA/MDiv
students need to scan all books and read a minimum of 1,500 pages, including
books indicated by +. Primary grounded texts are marked by *. A highly
recommended but not required text is indicated by **:
- + Read at least two Christian books that claim to be based on
academic research, for example, UnChristian, Kinnaman (256 pp.); Hurt
2.0, Clark (264 pp.); others need permission of instructor.
- * Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and
Mixed Methods Approaches. 3rd ed. Sage, 2009. ISBN: 978-1412965576, 296
pp., $75.
- **Denzin, Norman K., and Yvonna S. Lincoln, eds. The Sage Handbook of
Qualitative Research. 3rd ed. Sage, 2011. ISBN: 978-141297417, 784 pp.,
$150.
- Fowler, Floyd J., Jr. Survey Research Methods
(Applied Social Research Methods). 4th ed. Sage, 2008. ISBN: 978-1412958417,
216 pp., $49.
- +*Miller-McLemore, Bonnie J. The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical
Theology. Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. ISBN: 978-1444330823, 640 pp., $200.
- * Scharen, Christian, and Anna Marie Vigen, eds. Ethnography as
Christian Theology and Ethics. London/New York: Continuum International,
2011. ISBN: 978-1441155450 (pbk.), 238 pp., $29.95.
- Rubin, Herbert J., and Irene S. Rubin. Qualitative
Interviewing: The Art of Hearing Data. 3rd ed. Sage, 2011. ISBN:
978-1412978378, 288 pp., $60.
- +*Swinton, John, and Harriet Mowat. Practical Theology and Qualitative
Research. SCM Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0334029809, 278 pp., $35.
- Wertz, Frederick J., and Kathy Charmaz et al. Five Ways of Doing
Qualitative Analysis: Phenomenological Psychology, Grounded Theory, Discourse
Analysis, Narrative Research, and Intuitive Inquiry. The Guilford Press,
2011. ISBN: 978-1609181420, 434 pp., $55.
- Other papers and videos will be posted on Moodle.
- It is assumed that students are familiar with a standard guide to writing
research papers, such as Wayne Booth et al., The Craft of Research (2nd
ed.; University of Chicago Press, 2003).
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Read assignments as scheduled; interact on web as required; keep a reading
log for submission; arrive ready to discuss readings.
- For 1 of the 4 main textbooks, write a 600-800 word paper that summarizes
the conceptual framework.
- Choose three articles and present analysis and critiques of methodology
(MDiv/MA, only 1 article).
- By October 15 turn in a summary of the qualitative research project you
choose, providing a 2-page outline that includes population, research question,
method, and null hypothesis.
- Provide a class presentation describing your study according to the
template presented in class.
- PhD/ThM students write a 10,000-word paper; MA/MDiv students write a
3,000-word paper.
PREREQUISITES: Master's level students must have completed a minimum of 72
quarter units of course work and have permission of the professor. No
auditors.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective; required for CATS Practical Theology
students.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2012)