Fall 2009
Mondays 4:00-5:40 Gunderson 121
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.
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.
- Research Reports (20%)
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.
- 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 16 November 2009. 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, 9 December 2009. The Format Sampler must be satisfactorily completed to receive credit for the course.
- Final Exam (30%)
There will be final exam on December 7. The exam will cover sections from Turabian and the TIU Style and Format Guide covered up to that point, as well as class lectures.
- 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
- Required Texts
TIU Style and Format Guide (current edition). Note: this is a free download from
https://www.tiu.edu/files/library/Style_and_Format_Guide_2008.pdfTurabian, 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.
- 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. (on reserve in library)
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.
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. 15th ed. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2003. (Ref LB 2369 .C49x 2003)
COURSE SCHEDULE
| Date | Lecture Topics |
Readings/Handouts |
|
Aug 26 |
Course Overview Thesis Deadlines/Proposal |
|
|
Aug 31 |
Plagiarism Copyright Law |
Chicago Manual of Style, 105-121 |
|
Sept 14 |
Selecting a Topic From Topic to Question |
Turabian, chaps. 1-2 |
|
Sept 21 |
LC Classification http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/ LC Subject Headings
|
Turabian, chaps. 3-4 TIU Style Guide, chap. 1 |
|
Sept 28 |
TrinCat, I-Share & WorldCat Citing Books |
Turabian, chap. 5 TIU Style Guide, chap. 2 |
|
Oct 5 |
Finding & Citing Journal Articles |
Turabian, chaps. 6-7 TIU Style Guide, chap. 3 |
|
Oct 12 |
Finding & Citing Essays in Online Databases Finding & Citing Reference Sources |
Turabian, chap. 9
TIU Style Guide, chap. 4 |
|
Oct 19 |
Finding & Citing Dissertations & Theses Turabian |
Turabian, chap. 10 TIU Style Guide, chaps. 5 and 8 May combine RR 5 and RR 6 |
|
Oct 26 |
NO CLASS | |
|
Nov 2 |
Finding, Using, & Citing Microforms Finding & Citing Book Reviews |
Thesis Evaluations |
|
Nov 9 |
Finding & Citing Internet Sites Archives & Unpublished Sources |
Thesis Evaluations |
|
Nov 16 |
The Thesis |
Format Sampler M.A. Academic Handbook, chap. 6 Thesis Evaluations |
|
Dec 7 |
Final Exam |
|
|
|
|
|
