Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary EMMC 605 Introduction to Theological Studies Fall 2016 September 8-11 Jamaica Thursday-Saturday 8:30am-5:30pm Sunday 8:30am-3:30pm Dr. David A. Escobar Arcay M.Ed., M.Div, Th.M., Ph.D. drdescobararcay@gmail.com www.david-escobar.com If you win the whole world and lose the mind of the world, you will soon discover you have not won the world. Indeed it may turn out that you have actually lost the world... Responsible Christians face two tasks that of saving the soul and that of saving the mind. Charles Malik, The Two Tasks I. COURSE DESCRIPTION EMMC605 is a basic and foundational course for biblical and theological studies. Its purpose is four-fold: 1. To expose the student to the mission and faith statements as well as the need, goals and objectives of a seminary education. Particular attention is given here to GCTS (Diploma, Master of Arts in Religion, Master of Divinity). 2. To introduce students to the fields of biblical and theological studies. Of particular importance is the distinction between different theological disciplines (systematics, biblical theology, practical theology, church history, apologetics etc.) and sub-disciplines (anthropology, pneumatology, soteriology etc.) as well as to underscore the different meanings and uses of Scriptures, Creeds, Dogmas, Confessions etc. 3. To introduce students to library, bibliographical resources and to research methods and skills. 4. To introduce students to strategies on how to conduct biblical (word studies) and theological studies 5. To expose students to resources that are useful for building a personal/academic library and for building and cultivating biblical, historical and systematic vocabulary and terminology. 6. To introduce students to the components of the course syllabus as well as the Turabian format for citation for writing papers. 7. To explain the process and the key parts of the critical book review, the theological and the exegetical papers. II. REQUIRED COURSE TEXTS 1 (4) (YOU MUST PURCHASE 1, 4, 5, 6) 1 Please bring your Bible. I recommend the following versions: KJV, NKJV, ESV and ASB.
1. Duvall, J. Scott, Hays, J. Daniel. Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012). ISBN- 10: 0310492572 or ISBN-13: 978-0310492573 PLEASE ALSO PURCHASE THE FOLLOWING: GRASPING GOD'S WORD WORKBOOK o ISBN-10: 0310492599 or ISBN-13: 978-0310492597 GRASPING GOD'S WORD LAMINATED SHEET PAMPHLET o ISBN-10: 0310275148 or ISBN-13: 978-0310275145 2. The Exegetical Paper from a Passage on Ephesians. In Duvall, J. Scott, Hays, J. Daniel. Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible. 3. How to Write a Theological Paper. Appendix F in John M. Frame. The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. P&R, 1987. (Professor Escobar will make this available). 4. Kelly Kapic, A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2012). ISBN 9780830839759. 5. Lawrence, Michael. Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church. Crossway, 2010. ISBN-10: 1433515083 or ISBN-13: 978-1433515088 6. Kibbe, Michael. From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2016. ISBN-10: 0830851313 or ISBN-13: 978-0830851317 You are also required to read the following: http://www.adventus.org/en/wp-content/documents/theology201part1.pdf STRONGLY RECOMMENDED ESPECIALLY ON RESEARCH 7. Bradley, James E. and Richard A. Muller. Church History: An Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods. 2 nd ed. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2016.
8. Leedy, Paul D. and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. Practical Research: Planning and Design. 11 th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, 2015. 9. Vyhmeister, Nancy Jean. Quality Research Papers for Students of Religion and Theology. 3 rd ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014. 10. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 8 th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2013. OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER): How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren Is there a Doctor in the House?: An Insider's Story and Advice on Becoming a Bible Scholar by Ben Witherington A Little Exercise for Young Theologians Paperback by Helmut Thielicke Literary Introductions to the Books of the Bible by Lelan Ryken How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth & How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour by Gordon Fee Who Needs Theology?: An Invitation to the Study of God by Stanley J. Grenz & Roger E. Olson How to Think Theologically by Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke The Pastor as Public Theologian: Recovering a Lost Vision by Kevin J. Vanhoozer and Owen Strachan The Pastor Theologian: Resurrecting an Ancient Vision by Gerald Hiestand and Todd Wilson The Pastor Theologian by Albert Mohler (pamphlet)
A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised Edited by Miles V. Van Pelt A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized Edited by Michael J. Kruger III. COURSE EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS Classroom/Bibliographic Exercises (12%) Book Review (60% - 15% points each) Read Books A, B, C & D. Write a 3-page paper outlining the following: (1) a summary of its main contents or core argument (page 1); (2) a critical assessment of the contents or core argument of the book (page 2) and (3) an evaluation as to how the contents of this book or its core argument apply to your current ministry (page 3). In addition to these 4 pages, please include a first presentation page and subject or conform your paper to Turabian 2 format guidelines. (Microsoft Word format only 12-point Times New Roman & 1-inch margin with the student s name and course number as the title of the document). A. A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology B. Biblical Theology in the Life of the Church C. From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to Theological Research D. On the Character of a True Theologian 3 by Herman Witsius Research/Issue Paper (28%) Identify an issue in your church practice or ministry or a theological problem. Take a position meaning propose a thesis. Defend your claims by presenting both sides. Write a conclusion. Your paper must be between 6-8 pages exclusive of presentation and references pages. You must have a minimum of 6 scholarly sources which includes or could be a combination of books and journal articles. (Microsoft Word format only 12-point Times New Roman & 1-inch margin with the student s name and course number as the title of the document). SEND THE BOOK REVIEWS, BOOK SUMMARY AND EMMC605 PAPER TO DRDESCOBARARCAY@GMAIL.COM. Please write in the subject line of the email the name of course EMMC605. The paper will be returned electronically with the instructor s comments later. - Late Papers will be docked a letter grade for each day they are late. - All citations (footnotes) should be in Turabian format. IV. Tasks (Papers) & Deadlines (Dates) & Criteria for Evaluation Assignments Deadlines Points Classroom/Bibliographic Exercises & Participation (4 in class 12 exercises, 3 points each) Book Critical Review A Little Book for New Theologians: Why and How to Study Theology November 1 st, 2016 15 2 see Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1996. 3 You have an option here. Instead of On the Character of True Theologian you can read and write a critical book review on the following: Richard Baxter s The Reformed Pastor.
Book Critical Review Biblical Theology in the Life of the November 1 st, 2016 15 Churc Book Summary From Topic to Thesis: A Guide to November 1 st, 2016 15 Theological Research Book Critical Review On the Character of a True November 1 st, 2016 15 Theologian 4 Research/Issue Paper December 1 st, 2016 28 Total Points = 100 Criteria for Evaluation see Rubrics at the end of the syllabus for the book reviews, book summary and the EMMC605 paper. V. GRADING SCALE (TAKEN GCTS CATALOG) The following numerical values are assigned to the letter grade evaluations for purposes of determining grade point average: A+ = 4.0; A = 4.0; A- = 3.7; B+ = 3.3; B = 3.0; B- = 2.7; C+ = 2.3; C = 2.0; C- = 1.7; D+ = 1.3; D = 1.0; D- = 0.7; F = 0.0. Grade point averages are never rounded off. No exceptions are granted to this method of computing a student's grade point average. VI. COURSE CALENDAR/SCHEDULE Introduction Greetings Who are we? First Day Thursday, September 8, 2016 TOPICS/THEMES/PRESENTATION GCTS DIPLOMA AND MASTER S PROGRAM OBJETIVES AND GOALS & MISSION AND FAITH STATEMENTS INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL STUDIES INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Second Day Friday, September 9, 2016 TOPICS/THEMES/PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION TO THE LIBRARY AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL MATERIALS READINGS/TASKS BY NUMBERS ON REQUIRED READINGS GCTS FAITH AND MISSION STATEMENTS DIPLOMA, M.A. & M.DIV. GOALS, REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS 1, 4, 5 & OTHER RESOURCES TO BE GIVEN BY THE PROFESSOR Please know that at the end of every session in groups all students will be assigned an exercise (4 exercises in total) from Duval s et. al. workbook based on his textbook. READINGS/TASKS BY NUMBERS ON REQUIRED READINGS 4 You have an option here. Instead of On the Character of True Theologian you can read and write a critical book review on the following: Richard Baxter s The Reformed Pastor.
AND RESOURCES online databases, software programs, etc. INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHOD AND SKILLS THE TURABIAN FORMAT REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITING A PAPER 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & OTHERS RESOURCES TO BE GIVEN BY THE PROFESSOR Please know that at the end of every session in groups all students will be assigned an exercise (4 exercises in total) from Duval s et. al. workbook based on his textbook. Third Day Saturday, September 10, 2016 TOPICS/THEMES/PRESENTATION BIBLICAL & THEOLOGICAL STUDIES Word Studies, literary forms, etc. READINGS/TASKS BY NUMBERS ON REQUIRED READINGS BUILDING A PERSONAL/ACADEMIC LIBRARY BUILDING AND CULTIVATING BIBLICAL/HISTORICAL & SYSTEMATIC VOCABULARY & TERMINOLOGY 1 & OTHER RESOURCES TO BE GIVEN BY PROFESSOR Please know that at the end of every session in groups all students will be assigned an exercise (4 exercises in total) from Duval s et. al. workbook based on his textbook. First Day Sunday, September 11, 2016 TOPICS/THEMES/PRESENTATION READINGS/TASKS BY NUMBERS ON REQUIRED READINGS THE SYLLABUS & ITS COMPONENTS 2, 3 & OTHER RESOURCES TO BE THE CRITICAL BOOK REVIEW GIVEN BY PROFESSOR THE THEOLOGICAL PAPER THE EXEGETICAL PAPER Please know that at the end of every session in groups all students will be assigned an exercise (4 exercises in total) from Duval s et. al. workbook based on his textbook. Please notice that on Sakai I will provide the following: A copy of On the Character of a True Theologian by Herman Witsius How to Write a Theological Paper. Appendix F in John M. Frame. The Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. P&R, 1987. Copies of most resources as announced above under READINGS/TASKS BY NUMBERS ON REQUIRED READINGS
RUBRIC FOR EVALUATION OF BOOK REVIEWS & SUMMARIES (15%) 4 GRADING AREAS = CONTENT, PROCESS, FORMAT & GRAMMAR COMPONENTS POINTS REFLECTION/DESCRIPTION/EVLUATING CONTENT, KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING 3 Does your review shows understanding of content and of summarizing strategies (concept, relationships among ideas, using key vocabulary)? THINKING, PROCESSING 3 Does your review clearly and thoroughly explain the key message/purpose of the book? COMMUNICATION 3 Does your review communicates ideas in a logical order? CONVENTIONS, 3 Does your review follow standard English grammar GRAMMAR FORMAT, TURABIAN conventions? 3 Does your review adhere the Turabian 5 format? RUBRIC FOR EVALUATION FOR EMMC605 RESEARCH/ISSUE PAPER (28%) 4 GRADING AREAS = CONTENT, PROCESS, FORMAT & GRAMMAR 25-28 points: The submission provides a thorough review and addresses all required content areas and questions; is scholarly, relevant and well-written; and meets all other established submission requirements. The student s paper demonstrates an understanding of the relevant particulars and larger context. The formats for writing and citing sources fully align with APA rules and guidelines. 19-24 points: A scholarly response that is well-written and referenced. The student demonstrates that he/she understands the relevant particulars and content areas as addressed in the assignment instructions and questions. There are a few grammatical errors or minor violations of APA writing standards and/or guidelines for citing sources. 13-18 points: The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the relevant particulars and content areas, but has difficulty applying research and concepts to the topics and issues inherent in the assignment instructions and questions. Very little research is conducted, and the quality of writing may contain grammatical and structural errors. There are several errors in APA writing standards and/or guidelines for citing sources. 5 see Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th Edition. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1996.
7-12 points: The paper falls short of a thorough review, and may omit discussion on areas relevant to the topic as addressed in the assignment instructions and questions. Comments are not based on relevant content and literature, and there is little to no research. The entry contains grammatical and structural errors, and the submission is late and/or incomplete. There is little observance of APA writing standards and/or guidelines for citing sources. 0-6 points: The paper is minimal and does not meet the scholarly expectations for the assignment. There is little to no research, and the entry may contain significant grammatical and structural errors. The basic criteria regarding content, research, length, sources, due dates, etc. have not been met. APA rules and guidelines are not utilized.