Theology in Context Seminar

THEOLOGICAL METHOD

REL472 / 4 Credits / Northwestern College / Spring 2005

Instructor:  Michael Andres    andres@nwciowa.edu     http://home.nwciowa.edu/~andres/               

Office/Hours:  VPH 115, ext. 7079     MWF 3:30-5:00 / Tu 3:00-5:00 

Class Time:     TuTh  9:25-10:55                       Class Location:  VPH 305

Course Description: 

This course is a research seminar in which students will explore contemporary questions and issues in light of the Christian religious theological tradition.  It features the writing and presentation of a major paper, discussions, analysis and critique of research.  This semester we will explore issues surrounding theological method.

Course Objectives:

(1)     To further develop careful research and analytical skills.

(2)     To reflect carefully on the meaning and application of the biblical witness in theological method.

(3)     To grasp the historical development of Christian theological method up to the current time.

(4)     To think more clearly, consistently, historically and biblically about theological method, how to construct doctrine, and how to be responsible in one's religious beliefs.

 Primary Texts:

Bible (modern translation; bring to every class period). 

Walter Brueggemann, William Placher, Brian Blount, Struggling with Scripture (Westminster John Knox, 2002).

Gordon Kaufman, An Essay on Theological Method, 3^rd ed. (Scholars Press / American Academy of Religion, 1995).

Philip Satterthwaite and David Wright, eds., A Pathway into the Holy Scripture (Eerdmans, 1994).

John Stackhouse, Jr., ed., Evangelical Futures: A Conversation on Theological Method (Baker, 2000).

Howard Stone and James Duke, How to Think Theologically (Fortress, 1996).

 Course Requirements:

(1)     Class attendance/participation: Participation and attendance are mandatory; one express purpose of this course is to discuss theological issues in a seminar format.  After three unexcused absences, students will be graded down one half letter grade for every subsequent unexcused absence.

(2)     Readings:  Reading should be completed before class time listed.  It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of forthcoming reading assignments given in syllabus.

(3)         Written Projects: Three written analyses are required, including a major integration paper.

(4)         Oral Presentation:  One oral presentation is required.

 Guidelines for Written Projects:

See specific guidelines at end of syllabus.  For formatting guidelines see Writing and Submission Guidelines.  Please note that a hard copy of written assignments should be submitted to instructor and an electronic copy to www.turnitin.com

 Assessment of Written Projects:

Students will be evaluated according to the comprehension, analysis, and quality demonstrated in their analyses.  Be sure to give a clearly elucidated argument for the views and claims made in the paper. For further clarification on assessment see Grading Guidelines.

 Course Assessment:

Preparation/Participation (10%) = 50 points

Oral Presentation (10%) = 50 points

Written Analyses (40%) = 200 points/100 points each

Integration Paper (40%) = 200 points

Final Exam Schedule:

No final exam.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

Northwestern College is a Christian academic community committed to integrity and honesty in all intellectual and academic matters. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to follow the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior. In addition, as members of the campus community all students, faculty, and staff have a responsibility to help other members of the community to demonstrate integrity in their actions. Behavior that violates academic integrity can take a variety of forms including, but not limited to, cheating on tests, quizzes, papers, and projects; plagiarism using unauthorized material; willful misrepresentation of evidence and arguments.

Plagiarism is the unacknowledged use of someone else's words or ideas, with the intent of deceiving the reader concerning the origin of the words, ideas, or images.  Plagiarism can also occur in the fine arts. It is the responsibility of the artist to acknowledge the work of others; the means of acknowledgment could be in the title or in some artistic reference within the work itself.  (Excerpts from NWC Student Handbook, 11)

Course Assistance:

I have an open door policy.  Please come by my office, preferably at office hours, if you have any questions or are having any problems with the reading, lectures, note taking, written project, etc.  Or come by for a cup of tea and chat about life.  For further assistance in academic matters help is available through Patti Thayer at Academic Support (VPH 125B).  Academic Support is there to help you so if you are having difficulties do not hesitate to ask for assistance.

 Course Schedule:

Guidelines for Written Project #1:

(2000 words / 100 points / Due Feb 22)

Compare and contrast a Historical-Critical, Postliberal, and Evangelical doctrine of Scripture.  Include discussion of key topics such as Scripture's origin, inspiration, canon, interpretation, illumination, veracity (e.g. infallibility, etc), historicity, literary features, and especially its role as witness/authority.  Your essay should cite, integrate, and interact with assigned texts and articles, as well as show further research -- do not use course texts exclusively as your resources.  The extent of your research should be reflected in your bibliography.  Students will be evaluated according to their overall grasp of the subject matter, the clarity of explanation, the fairness of analysis, and the quality of research demonstrated in their paper.  Grammar and spelling are important. See Writing and Submission Guidelines.

Guidelines for Oral Presentation:

(30 minute max. / 50 points):

The objective of the oral presentation is to teach your classmates about your given subject.  Therefore your presentation should be clear, concise, persuasive, and informative.  Demonstrate your superior grasp of the subject, and be prepared to respond to questions.  Please pass out a handout with an outline and any other pertinent information covered in your presentation; at top of handout include your name, REL 472, date, and title of presentation (give me a copy at least one half hour in  advance of class time and I will copy it free of charge).  You may use OHP, video, PowerPoint, marker board, or any other media available to enhance the learning process.  Students may be graded on the material you present to them, so strive for accuracy.

In preparation you should thoroughly research your subject.  You should consult theological dictionaries and encyclopedias, works treating your subject, and journal articles.  Read various sources; be sure to read sources from alternate viewpoints on your subject (e.g. there are differing views on the nature, limits, and value of natural theology).  You should also read relevant portions of primary sources (e.g. actually read relevant parts of Calvin’s Institutes and commentaries)!  You may use a few key quotations but do not flood your presentation with quotes.  As always, do not plagiarize!  You must explain the subject in your own words.

Pick out and focus on key, crucial areas in your subject.  Be discerning.  Put emphasis on main themes (“best”) rather than less-central (“good/interesting”) issues; you do not need to say everything there is to say on your subject.  Include very brief historical background only if necessary, but omit if unnecessary.  Historical background, if given at all, should be at most five minutes of oral presentation.  Focus on the views and arguments of your subject.  Be fair, nuanced, and sensitive to all views on your subject.  This presentation is not designed to be an assault on “false views.”  Carefully present your subject, noting various differing views, then analyze and evaluate (e.g. specify the strengths and weaknesses of Moltmann on creation).  Try to empathize with and understand the persuasive power of the view you are evaluating, even if you do not finally agree with it.  However, do not be afraid to state any fair criticisms of the view.  Evaluation should be based on Scripture, church tradition (key theologians, creeds, and confessions), reasonable arguments, findings from general revelation (other disciplines, science, etc.), and Christian experience (but take care that you do not lapse into mere feelings or opinions).

This is a 400 level, capstone course – the standard is high!  Demonstrate excellence in your presentation.  Be well prepared.  If you have difficulties come see Prof. Andres ASAP.

Guidelines for Written Project #2:

(2000 words / 100 points / Due two weeks after oral presentation)

Communicate material from oral presentation in writing.  The same criteria apply from that of oral presentation.  The written project should, however, be more comprehensive, detailed, and documented.  You can say more in 2000 words written than in 30 minutes spoken.

Students will be evaluated according to the overall grasp of subject matter, the clarity of explanation, the fairness of analysis, and quality of research demonstrated in their paper.  Grammar and spelling are important.  Clearly elucidated reasons for the given evaluation should be evident.  Do not simply regurgitate information.  See Writing and Submission Guidelines.

Guidelines for Integration Paper #3:

(3000 words / 200 points / Due May 5)

This paper consists in two parts:  (1) state and argue for your own view of theological method, and (2) demonstrate how your theological method relates, integrates, and influences other subjects in both religion and the liberal arts.  You need not discuss every single topic and issue listed below, but you should discuss several of the most significant from each paragraph.

(1) Articulate carefully your theological method.  Make sure to include discussion of the authority/witness of Scripture, tradition, reason, science, culture, experience, and the model or type of method.

(2) Explain and demonstrate how your theological method interacts, integrates, supports, challenges, forms and is formed by the following, and give at least one fully developed example of each:

     (a) one theological doctrine (God, humanity, sin, Christ, salvation, sanctification, last things, etc.);

     (b) by other disciplines within the study of religion; e.g. church history, missiology, New and Old Testament studies, Christian ethics, Christian education, youth ministry, philosophy of religion, and so on;

     (c) other disciplines in the liberal arts (e.g. world or American history, psychology, sociology, political science, philosophy, literature, music, arts, and hard sciences like biology, chemistry physics, etc.).

Your essay should show significant research, do not use only course texts as resources.  The extent of your research should be reflected in your bibliography.  Students will be evaluated according to their overall grasp of the subject matter, the clarity of explanation, the extent and depth of integration, and the quality of research demonstrated in their paper.  See Writing and Submission Guidelines.