THE501
SYLLABUS FOR THE5O1 – Program Introduction Seminar
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary – Fall 2007
Professors: Osborn, Sweet, VerBerkmoes, and Wittmer
Location/Day/Time: TBD, Tuesday, 12:00 – 1:45 PM
Click here for help with APA / Chicago-Turabian Style
I. Textbooks
Adler, Mortimer J. and Charles van Doren. How to Read a Book. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1940; revised 1972.
Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches (Second Edition). Thousand Oaks, California: Sage Publications, 2003.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary Guidelines for Papers and Theses.
Kouzes, J. M. The Leadership Practices Inventory. Self-instrument.
Nouwen, Henri J. M. In the Name of Jesus. New York: Crossroad Publishing Company, 1989.
Williams, Joseph M. Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1990.
II. Requirements
Item Percentage of Grade
- Class Participation & Reading 20%
- Theological Research Sample 40%
(Initial Draft: 20% / Final Draft: 20%)
- Social Science Research Review 40%
(Initial Draft: 20% / Final Draft: 20%)
Notes:
1. It is the specific policy of these professors and generally of the institution to not
grant incompletes for coursework.
2. It is the specific policy of these professors that if a student misses more than 3 classes the student will automatically receive an “F” for the course unless other arrangements have been made with the professors.
III. About the Assignments
1. Theological Research Sample: You must write a research sample following a humanities model. Your research sample must include a bibliography (at least ten quality sources, including books and journals), table of contents, and initial page (with survey of scholarship) for a paper that addresses some aspect of women in ministry.
2. Social Science Research Review: You must write a four to five page, double-spaced paper that critically reviews a social science research sample (a list of approved articles will be placed on reserve at Miller Library). Major parts of the paper will be: evaluating the validity of the research problem/question, adequacy of the literature review, appropriateness of the framework, appropriateness of data collection and analysis, recommendations for how the research article might have been strengthened.
IV. Learning Objectives
Theological Research Objectives
- Understand the steps necessary to produce graduate level scholarship, from selecting and researching a topic to presenting one's findings with clarity and concision.
- Acquire the ability to read intelligently, collecting information promptly and accurately.
- Develop the writing skills necessary to succeed in school and in ministry.
- Value the privilege and task of communication. Commit to lifelong improvement in this crucial aspect of life and ministry.
- Croire qui si quelque chose vaut disant, il vaut disant bien.
Social Science Research Objectives
- Comprehend the role of social science methodology
- Identify and interpret cause-and-effect relationships
- Critique an example of social science research
- Understand the function of a literature review section
Testing Objectives
- Define the various elements of a LPI feedback report
- Establish a personal leadership development plan
V. Select Bibliography
Barber, Cyril and Robert M. Krauss, Jr. An Introduction to Theological Research. Second edition. New York: University Press of America, 2000.
Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1995.
The S.B.L. Handbook of Style. Peabody, M.A.: Hendrickson, 1999.
Schloss, Patrick J. and Maureen A. Smith. Conducting Research. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1999.
Strunk, Jr. William and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. Third edition. New York: Macmillan, 1979.
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers. Sixth Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1996.
Vyhmeister, Nancy Jean. Quality Research Papers. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.
Williams, Joseph M. Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace. Fifth edition. New York: Longman, 1997.
Zinsser, William. On Writing Well. Fourth edition. New York: Harper Collins, 1990.
COPYRIGHT VIOLATION and PLAGIARISM have serious ramifications for Cornerstone students, both legally (the former) and ethically (the latter). Unauthorized copying or use of copyrighted materials, including downloaded files of various kinds, can result in criminal charges and fines. Plagiarizing another’s words or ideas (passing them off as your own) can result in loss of grade or failure. For a fuller explanation of these issues or of CU’s copyright policy, see Miller Library’s website under “Research: Copyright Questions.”
Grant Rapids Theological Seminary will make reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
