DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed as an introduction to theological research tools for incoming students. Research methods along with scholarly presentations will be discussed in an attempt to assist students as they appropriate and develop their own theological insights and resources.

Our ability to think independently and critically as well as to interact responsibly with theological sources and data enhances our preaching, decision-making processes, character, and interpersonal transactions. The goal of this course is to illuminate the minds of students in the area of traditional theological research by utilizing the efforts and methods of leading theological scholars.

The professor will utilize a lecture/discussion format. This format will provide the students with opportunities to engage in dialogue with one another as we consider the required reading assignments. Class will meet for three hours, one evening per week.

Adler, Mortimer J. and Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book. Simon and Schuster, 1972.

Strunk, W. and E. B. White. Elements of Style. Macmillan, 1979.

Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. University of Chicago Press, 1996.

A series of written assignments have been designed to engage the student with the required texts. A term paper is required as well as a reflection paper examining the student's own theological pilgrimage. The written assignments should be no less than 10 pages, 15 pages maximum. The term paper should contain footnotes for all sources and a complete bibliography. Papers should be typewritten and double-spaced and are due the 8th week of the course.

None.

Elective.

No.