ORIENTATION AND RESEARCH METHODS SYLLABUS

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1 Billy Todd RS101 Orientation & Research Methods, Fall 2014 WSC 209A Section A: Tue./Thur. 9:10 10:25 a.m. ORIENTATION AND RESEARCH METHODS SYLLABUS I. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course is designed to guide students in the use of library materials, computerized databases, and bibliographic resources. It provides instruction in research strategies, thesis topic selection, and the proper form and style for papers and theses. In addition, this course provides an orientation to the educational philosophy of biblical, theological, and ministry-related studies at Dallas Seminary. 1 hour II. COURSE OBJECTIVES A. Cognitive. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should: Understand the use of library bibliographic resources in researching a topic. Know the elements of a properly researched and well-written paper. Know the required form for research papers at DTS and understand how to use computer resources to simplify adherence to the form. Know the elements and processes involved in writing a Master s thesis. B. Conative. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should: Develop skills in selecting and narrowing a topic for research and establishing a thesis statement for that topic. Develop skills in research and writing techniques suited to church, parachurch, and scholarly contexts. C. Affective. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should: Adopt the value of asking good questions and researching convincing answers at the boundaries of any given field of study. Desire to glorify God through efficient and effective research and writing. III. TEXTBOOKS A. Required 1. Dallas Theological Seminary Thesis Style Committee. Supplement to Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 8 th ed. Dallas, TX: Dallas Theological Seminary. Available for download at 2. Dallas Theological Seminary. The Long Guide to Using BIBLOS. Dallas, TX: Dallas Theological Seminary, Available for download at 3. MS Word Turabian templates for research papers and theses and associated files are available at 4. Strunk, William, Jr. and E. B. White. The Elements of Style. 4 th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. 8 th ed. Revised by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013.

2 RS101 Orientation and Research Methods 2 B. Supplementary Bibliography 1. Alexander, Patrick H., and Society of Biblical Literature. The SBL Handbook of Style: For Ancient Near Eastern, Biblical, and Early Christian Studies. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Barber, Cyril J., and Robert M. Krauss, Jr. An Introduction to Theological Research: A Guide for College and Seminary Students. 2 nd ed. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams. The Craft of Research. 2 nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, Part I of the Turabian manual (8 th ed.) is an adaptation of this book. 4. Kiernan, Vincent. Writing Your Dissertation with Microsoft Word: A Step-by-Step Guide. Alexandria, VA: Mattily Publishing, Mauch, James E., and Jack W. Birch. Guide to the Successful Thesis and Dissertation: A Handbook for Students and Faculty. 4 th ed. New York: Marcel Dekker, The Chicago Manual of Style. 16 th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, Part II and III of the Turabian manual (8 th ed.) is a condensation of this manual for academic settings. 7. Vyhmeister, Nancy Jean. Quality Research Papers: For Students of Religion and Theology. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS A. Reading Assignments Students are required to read assigned portions from Turabian and the DTS Turabian Supplement. In addition to this, a scan reading of Strunk and White will be required for awareness of content and future reference. Students must report their completed reading on the date listed on the assignment schedule using the Reading Report for the course. The Reading Report is available for download on CampusNet under Class Schedule / Course Materials. B. Written Assignments These written assignments are intended to be more illustrative than work-intensive. 1) Bibliography Form Assignment. Due class session 4 according to the assignment schedule. Each student is required to submit a bibliography of ten entries arranged in proper form according to Turabian bibliography style (Turabian, chapters 15-17). These must be taken from the ten sample title pages provided to you on a class handout. Except for your personal information at the top (name, box number, and course section), your assignment should look exactly like the bibliography page for a course paper in which you have used these ten sources (e.g., page heading and numbering, alphabetical arrangement of entries, paragraph and indent style, margins and spacing, and form and punctuation of the entries). 2) Library Assignments. Due class sessions 5 and 6 according to the assignment schedule. The two library assignments are to be completed using the BIBLOS and ATLA systems in Turpin Library or via the internet ( The first assignment should be completed, printed out, and brought to class for discussion in session 5. The second assignment should be completed, printed out, and brought to class for discussion during session 6.

3 RS101 Orientation and Research Methods 3 3) Formatted Research Paper Assignment. Due last class session according to the assignment schedule. Each student is required to submit a mock research paper (to be described in class). The paper will be graded on form not content. It must be formatted according to Turabian style with ten footnotes and bibliography entries taken from title pages of source material that will be given out in class (already used for the Bibliography Form Assignment). The paper should evidence the use of Turabian, the DTS Turabian template, and the DTS Supplement. Fifty percent of the research paper grade will be based on page and layout matters: title page; headings and subheadings to at least three levels; margins, spacing and indentation including one section of block quotation; page numbers, footnote placement; and bibliography page layout. Fifty percent of the grade will be based on correct footnote and bibliographic form (be sure to make corrections as necessary from your Bibliography assignment). C. Quizzes and/or Exams There are no quizzes or examinations in this course. Informal question and answer sessions will take place in class, but these do not contribute to the final grade. V. COURSE POLICIES A. Letter/Numerical Grade Scale A B C D F A B C D A B C D B. Weighing of Course Requirements for Grading Bibliography Form Assignment... 15% Library Assignment # % Library Assignment # % Formatted Research Paper... 40% Readings... 25% C. Class Participation It is expected that the student will arrive in class with assigned reading completed and will be ready to interact with the material at a meaningful level both by asking and answering questions pertinent to the session s topic. Participation is expected from all members of the class. If you have a laptop computer, bring it to class for your use during computer program demos. D. Late Assignments Assignments are due in the class session listed on the assignment schedule. Late assignments will not be accepted except in the case of an emergency or unless prior arrangements have been made with the professor. Please notify the professor as soon as you realize there may be a problem in completing an assignment on time. No assignment can be reworked and submitted for a higher grade.

4 RS101 Orientation and Research Methods 4 E. Absences Prompt attendance is expected at every class session. Excessive absences will be detrimental to the student s ability to fulfill the objectives of the course. VI. COURSE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION A. Communication Competency Criteria The faculty has established criteria for measuring desired student competency in the area of communication as reflected in the chart below. In light of this, we have set forth specific competencies that the student should develop and demonstrate as a result of completing RS101. This course helps the student develop and demonstrate proficiency in written communication competency at Level 1 (correct form), Level 2 (using computer tools to prepare for writing an evaluative essay on a topic), and Level 3 (appropriate research and documentation). Communication Level 5 to be attained by all Th.M. students before graduating. Level 4 Level 3 to be attained by all master s-level students before graduating. Level 2 Level 1 to be attained by all students by the end of their first semester, if not at matriculation. The student is able to persuade others effectively with respect to biblical and theological truth through oral, written, and electronic media. The student is able to write an acceptable summative research thesis or paper (RS102) and preach a sermon that is audience-focused in its structure, proofs, and application, with a delivery (voice and body) that is natural for the speaker. The student is able to write a paper that reflects sound exegesis and theological reflection and preach a sermon with a clear central proposition, structure, and application that reflects sound exegesis of and theological reflection on a biblical text. The student is able to write an appropriately researched and documented paper on a biblical and/or theological topic and deliver an oral presentation designed to influence listeners toward change, using audience-focused learning objectives and appropriate methods. The student is able to write an evaluative essay on a biblical and/or theological topic reflecting vocabulary appropriate to the subject and deliver an interesting oral presentation on a biblical and/or theological topic with congruent nonverbal expression. The student is able to write a cogent essay using correct form, grammar, and spelling and deliver a cogent oral presentation reflecting basic oral communication skills. B. Disability Accommodation Policy Dallas Seminary does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of any of its programs and activities. To avoid discrimination the student is responsible for informing the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities and the course instructor of any disabling condition that will require modifications.

5 RS101 Orientation and Research Methods 5 VII. COURSE LECTURES AND ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE Date Topic of Study Reading Due Assignment Due 10/30/14 Introduction to the Course Introduction to DTS Turabian templates 11/4/14 What Is Research? Definition, Task, and Value Research Process and Ministry Turabian, chaps. 1-2, /6/14 Introduction to Turabian Form Formatting Bibliography Entries Formatting Footnotes 11/11/14 What Should I Write About? Selecting an Area of Research; Isolating a Specific Topic 11/13/14 Where Do I Get Information? Library Assignment #1: BIBLOS Turabian, chaps. 3-4, DTS Supplement to Turabian The Long Guide To Using BIBLOS Bibliography Assignment (10 entries) Library Assignment #1 (bring to class) 12/2/14 Where Do I Get More Information? Library Assignment #2: ATLA etc. Begin scan of Strunk and White Library Assignment #2 (bring to class) 12/4/14 Note Taking and Outlining Using Styles: Turabian Specifics 12/9/14 Quality Research Procedures Avoiding Plagiarism 12/11/14 Where Do We Go From Here? The Thesis Process / The RS102 Class Formatting Questions / Writing Style Turabian, chaps. 5-6 Turabian, 7.4, 7.9; chap. 25 Finish scan of Strunk and White Turabian, chap. 11 Formatted Research Paper