ID 7900 THEOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS

Fall 2008
Mondays 4:00-5:40 Gunderson 123

Kevin Compton, Instructor
Office: Library 137
Phone: 847-317-4010
Email: kcompton@tiu.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The techniques for gaining bibliographic control over the literature of theological subjects, as well as attention to the planning, preparation, and writing of theses are covered in this class. 
(TEDS 2007-2008 Catalog)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• The student understands the nature and purpose of research in the theological disciplines.
• The student achieves understanding of research methodology applicable to a specific research study.
• The student demonstrates utilization of correct bibliographic forms according to a selected style manual.
• The student acquires sufficient knowledge of theological bibliography in various formats to complete appropriate research at the master’s level.
• The student employs correct thesis format and style according to the standards set by Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

All assignments are due at the beginning of class on their respective due dates.

1. Research Reports (30%)

   Ten brief research reports (1-2 pages) will be required. Each report will address a different aspect of theological research. Reports must be in “thesis ready” format to receive a passing grade. If more than ten (10) cumulative errors have been made on a research report, it will receive no credit.

2. Format Sampler (30%)

   The student should prepare a set of ten sample format pages according to the format guidelines as set forth in the TIU Style and Format Guide (2001 ed.). The sampler should include the following pages: (1) Title Page; (2) Approval Page; (3) Abstract Page; (4) Dedication Page; (5) Table of Contents Page; (6) Acknowledgments Page; (7) List of Abbreviations; (8) First Page of Chapter (include two levels of subheadings, a block quotation with ellipsis points, sample footnotes with initial and second or later references); (9) Short Page with Footnotes; (10) Bibliography Page (include succession of works by the same author or edited by the same editor). The format sampler is due at the beginning of class on 17 November 2008. If more than ten (10) cumulative errors have been made on the sampler, it will be returned to the student in order to be corrected. Corrected copies are due to the instructor no later than 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, 17 December 2008. The Format Sampler must be satisfactorily completed to receive credit for the course.

3. Final Exam (30%)

   There will be final exam on 8 December 2008.  The exam will cover sections from Turabian and the TIU Style and Format Guide covered up to that point, as well as class lectures. 

4. Thesis Evaluation (20%)

In light of their understanding of Booth, Colomb, and Williams, particularly chapters 7-9, students will evaluate, summarize, and critique the argument of a recent thesis done at TEDS and present in class a 10 minute summary of their findings. Attention should be focused on the structure of the argument itself and not on a summary of the thesis content. A brief written synopsis should be turned in on the day of the presentation.

COURSE GRADE

Grading is determined on a credit/no credit basis, with a final average of 70% needed to receive credit.

COURSE TEXTS

1. Required Texts

   TIU Style and Format Guide (current edition). Note: this is a free download from
   https://portal.tiu.edu/files/uportal/teds/resources/TIU_Style_Manual_10.2001.PDF

   Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 7th ed. Revised by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory C. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.

2. Recommended Reference Texts

Barber, Cyril J., and Robert M. Krauss Jr. An Introduction to Theological Research: A Guide for College and Seminary Students. 2d ed. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 2000. (Ref BR 118 .B28 2000)

Bolich, Gregory G. “Part One: An Introduction to Theological Research.” In The Christian Scholar: An Introduction to Theological Research. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 1986. (Ref BR 118 .B558 1986)

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory C. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research.  2d ed. Chicago Guides to Writing, Editing, and Publishing. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2003.

Kepple, Robert J., and John R. Muether. Reference Works for Theological Research. 3d ed. Lanham, Md.: University Press of America, 1992. (Ref BR 118 .K46x 1992)

Strunk, William, and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2004. (On reserve)

Thomas, R. Murray, and Dale L. Brubaker.  Theses and Dissertations: A Guide to Planning, Research, and Writing. Westport, Conn.: Bergin & Garvey, 2000. (Ref LB 2369 .T458 2000)

The University of Chicago Press. The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers. 15^th ed. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2003. (Ref LB 2369 .C49x 2003)

COURSE SCHEDULE

Date	Lecture Topics	Readings/Handouts Assignments Due
Aug 27	Course Overview Thesis Deadlines/Proposal
Sept 1	Plagiarism Copyright Law	www.umi.com/umi/dissertations/ copyright/ Chicago Manual of Style, 105-121 www.copyright.gov/circs/circ1.html
Sept 15	Selecting a Topic From Topic to Question	Turabian, chaps. 1-2
Sept 22	LC Classification http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/ LC Subject Headings	Turabian, chaps. 3-4 TIU Style Guide, chap. 1 Research Report 1
Sept 29	TrinCat & WorldCat Citing Books	Turabian, chap. 5 TIU Style Guide, chap. 2 Research Report 2
Oct 6	Finding & Citing Journal Articles	Turabian, chaps. 6-7 TIU Style Guide, chap. 3 Research Report 3
Oct 13	Finding & Citing Essays in Online Databases Finding & Citing Reference Sources	Turabian, chap. 9 TIU Style Guide, chap. 4 Research Report 4
Oct 20	Finding & Citing Dissertations & Theses Turabian	Turabian, chap. 10 TIU Style Guide, chaps. 5 and 8 Research Report 5 Research Report 6 May combine RR 5 and RR 6
Oct 27	Finding, Using, & Citing Microforms	Thesis Evaluations Research Report 7
Nov 3	Finding & Citing Book Reviews	Thesis Evaluations Research Report 8
Nov 10	Finding & Citing Internet Sites  Archives & Unpublished Sources	Thesis Evaluations Research Report 9
Nov 17	The Thesis	Format Sampler   M.A. Academic Handbook, chap. 6 Thesis Evaluations Research Report 10
Dec 8	Final Exam