Overview
Course Description
This course provides students with tools for doctoral-level research and opportunities to reflect on becoming scholar-pastors. Students are introduced to the conduct and reporting of scholarly theological research.
Course Objectives
- Develop an understanding of appropriate research skills and techniques for doctoral-level academic study, particularly in theology.
- Develop an understanding of the structure, documentation, and style of scholarly theological writing.
Assignments
1. Annotated Bibliography — 30% of Final Grade
The goal of this assignment is to produce a preliminary working database of sources for your chosen area of research. Submit an annotated bibliography containing 10 relevant, peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years.
For each source, provide complete bibliographic information in the required academic style, followed by a brief description and evaluation of the argument and an assessment of its relevance to your research. Each annotation should be no more than 100 words, excluding the bibliographic information.
2. Dissertation Topic Selection — 30% of Final Grade
The Dissertation Topic Selection document is the first step in completing the dissertation. It will be used to identify a preliminary dissertation topic and help determine which faculty member or members will guide you through the dissertation process.
Your preliminary topic should reflect your initial research, but it may be refined as you develop the prospectus and proposal. Follow the Dissertation Topic Selection template provided in Week 7. Chapter 5 of Writing Theology Well (p. 108) also includes a sample proposal that may help you complete this assignment.
3. Textbook Reading Reports — 40% of Final Grade
The goal of this assignment is to strengthen academic writing and theological research skills through the study of the primary textbook, Writing Theology Well by Lucretia B. Yaghjian.
Submit a 300–500-word report for each assigned chapter. Each report should describe, summarize, analyze, and evaluate the content of that chapter and address the questions listed in the corresponding lesson.
Required Textbook
Yaghjian, Lucretia B. Writing Theology Well: A Rhetoric for Theological and Biblical Writers. New York: Continuum, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0826418852.
Access to peer-reviewed theological journals may also be required. Galaxie Software provides subscription access to theological journals; students should verify current plans and pricing directly with the provider.
