Course Description
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Course Guide
View this course’s outcomes, policies, schedule, and more.*
*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.
Rationale
Christian leaders, pastors, and scholars are continually confronted with theological and ethical issues that demand clarity, conviction, and charity. By wrestling with doctrinal and practical debates, the student will be prepared to articulate well-reasoned theological positions, engage in respectful dialogue, and apply theological insights to contemporary ministry and ethical contexts.
Course Assignment
Textbook Readings and Lecture Presentations
No details available.
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (3)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. The student will participate in 3 Discussions. Topics will be drawn from the reading assignments. The student will post an original thread of 400 words or more. In the student’s original thread, the student is expected to use course material, scriptural references, and extra-course material to substantiate the thesis of his or her post. The student must reply to at least 2 peers’ threads in 200 words or more. (CLO: A, B, D)
Research Paper Assignments (3)
Students will write a research paper on a selected topic (choose from the topic list provided in Canvas, and narrow the topic down as necessary).
The paper will be produced through three separate assignments:
Research Paper: Topic, Research Problem, Thesis, Working Bibliography Assignment
The student will begin his or her research paper by offering a topic of interest for research, an identification of a research problem (need), a thesis explaining the objective, and a preliminary bibliography outlining the sources the student is considering utilizing in order to present and defend his or her topic. The bibliography must have at least 3 sources (this is preliminary – you will add additional sources later). These should be representative of sources on your topic. One reference should be rather general in nature, covering the broader topic. The other two references may be more specific as to your exact thesis. Then, the student will develop initial drafts for his or her research problem and thesis statement. Finally, the student will also select a topic from the approved list provided in Canvas. (CLO: A, B, D)
Research Paper: Abstract, Outline, Expanded Bibliography Assignment
The abstract should be a summary of the paper with the thesis included. The student needs to demonstrate that he or she is thinking through and developing the overall direction and methodology of the paper. There is no minimum length requirement for the abstract paragraph, but you will need to make sure it demonstrates you are working through the topic and following the overall direction and the methodology laid out in the Research Paper: Final Assignment Instructions. The outline of the student’s paper must be orderly and detailed. The student’s outline should be specific enough to guide he or she in his or her research and to show the reader how the paper will be structured. Finally, the student will include the full bibliography (10 high-quality, outside sources – note: 3 journal articles max). The student should be sure to include primary sources from both sides of the topic in question. Church websites are inappropriate for this assignment and journal articles must be used sparingly (again, no more than 3). (CLO: A, B, D).
Research Paper: Final Assignment
The final paper must be 3500-5000 words long, and use the Bible appropriately, along with at least 10 additional high quality sources. Church websites are not appropriate for this assignment and Journal Articles must be used only sparingly (no more than 3). Websites of official organizations related to the topic, or educational institutions, may be used for factual information and statistics. The paper must follow Turabian and School of Divinity guidelines as to formatting, style, grammar, and graduate quality of work. (CLO: A, B, D).
Alternative Position Assignment
The student will write a 3-page essay with the purpose being to engage a theological view that is not his or her own. The student will write the essay as though he or she is endorsing this position. This will include doing primary research of those who endorse the view as well as providing Scriptural support for said view. The goal of this assignment is to encourage the student to engage in conversation with opposing views and seek to understand where one is coming from and the theological implications and/or motivations behind holding the position in question. (CLO: A, B, D)
Cultural Analysis Assignment
The student will write a 3-page essay in which he or she takes a theological topic from the course and examine how it speaks into a modern cultural topic (a pool of topics will be provided). The purpose of this paper is to consider ways in which theology should inform cultural practice and beliefs. Focus should be placed on the cultural topic and its tenets, along with how said theological position helps to inform and influence what a Christian should believe and affirm. (CLO: B, C, D)
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