BRIT 75013 MTS
Colloquium: Advanced Theological Research and Writing (syllabus)
3 semester hours, Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas
Fall 2016; Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm; Moore 114
Instructor: Charles Bellinger c.bellinger@tcu.edu 817-257-7668
Prerequisites: MTS students should be in their next to last (or last) semester.
Course Description: This course is required for MTS students at Brite to prepare for writing their final project.
Course Objectives:
1. To ensure that students have advanced skills in bibliographic searching on a
chosen topic.
2. To give students an opportunity to practice various aspects of composition,
such as planning, drafting, offering and receiving feedback, and revising.
3. To introduce students to rhetorical theory.
4. To allow MTS students at Brite to lay a substantive foundation for their
final projects.
Requirements and grading:
1. research bibliography (20%)
2. academic book review, 3-4 pages (10%)
3. several short papers, 2-3 pages (30%)
4. research paper outline with at least 15 pages of written text (40%)
5. speak with a faculty member about directing the final project
Attendance Policy: Attendance at all class meetings is expected. If you are unable to attend on a particular day, contact me.
Required Texts:
Barreto, Eric D. Writing Theologically:
Foundations for Learning. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2015. ISBN-13:
978-1451483406 $11
Booth, Wayne C. The Rhetoric of Rhetoric: The Quest for Effective Communication. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2004. ISBN-13: 978-1405112376 $24
There may be other assigned readings provided by the instructor.
Schedule:
|
week |
|
topic |
reading assignments |
writing assignments |
|
1. Aug. 23 |
|
I. Introduction to course |
Richard Weaver, "A Responsible Rhetoric" |
|
|
2. Aug. 30 |
|
II. Choosing a topic |
Writing Theologically, 1-58 |
1-2 page preliminary outline of project |
|
3. Sept. 6 |
|
III. Advanced research [optional RefWorks training: Wed., Sept. 28, or Thurs., Sept. 29, 10:00am-12:00pm, in Library Training Room 3202] |
Writing Theologically, 59-102 |
revised outline |
|
4. Sept. 13 |
|
bibliography development continued |
Writing Theologically, 103-148 |
|
|
5. Sept. 20 |
|
IV. Drafting |
|
2-3 pages draft |
|
6. Sept. 27 |
|
|
2-3 pages draft |
|
|
7. Oct. 4 |
|
|
|
2-3 pages draft |
|
8. Oct. 11 |
no class |
Brite reading week |
|
|
|
9. Oct. 18 |
|
V. Introduction to Rhetorical Theory
|
Rhetoric of Rhetoric, 1-83 |
2-3 page response paper |
|
10. Oct. 25 |
|
|
Rhetoric of Rhetoric, 85-128 |
2-3 page response paper |
|
11. Nov. 1 |
|
|
Rhetoric of Rhetoric, 129-172 |
2-3 page response paper |
|
12. Nov. 8 |
|
VI. Academic book review |
|
academic book review, 3-4 pages |
|
13. Nov. 15 |
class ? |
[we will decide later whether or not we need to meet this week] |
|
|
|
14. Nov. 22 |
no class |
Thanksgiving week |
|
|
|
15. Nov. 29 |
|
VII. Offering/Receiving feedback |
|
outline + 15 pages + bibliography |
|
16. Dec. 6 |
no class |
|
|
OUTLINE ASSIGNMENT
This is an amplification of "II. Choosing a Topic" above. Students will produce an outline of their argument, in such a manner that the sub-genre of their essay will become apparent. By sub-genre, I mean that under the general genre of the expository essay, there are many sub-types. For example:
|
Essay Structures |
|
|
literature review with constructive contribution |
author A says this about topic Z, author B says this, author C says this; I think the discussion can be improved by considering this ... |
|
interpretation critique |
author H interprets author B in this way; the strengths and weaknesses of this interpretation are ... |
|
interpretation of biblical passage |
this biblical text has been read in these ways ...; I propose reading it in this way ... |
|
historical study |
this historical topic has not been written on very extensively (or very well); I will write on this topic arguing that ... |
|
application of ideas |
this theological idea can be applied to ecclesial settings in this way ... |
|
polemics |
author A argues in favor of idea N, author B argues against it; I think B is right for the following reasons ... ; I think both are missing the point ... ; this argument could be advanced by considering this ... |
|
interreligious dialogue |
this religion teaches K, this other religion teaches R; I see these similarities / openings for dialogue / etc. |
|
social critique |
this social practice is harmful; movement away from that harm can be made in the following ways ... |
|
doctrinal revision |
theological or ethical doctrine E can be reinterpreted from the perspective of feminist / womanist / black / asian / Whiteheadian, (etc.) thought. |
|
etc., etc. |
|
This list is suggestive; it could be elaborated until it consists of dozens. Students will complete this assignment by first setting out a "formal" structure, such as those just mentioned, before they get to the "content" of their actual argument. The outline will be fairly detailed, showing how the bibliographic resources drawn on will contribute to the development of the essay's argument. The assignment will include at least fifteen pages of written text in addition to the complete outline. Both the text and the outline will be subject to later revision.
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Brite Divinity School complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact TCU’s Coordinator, Student Disabilities Services, located in Sadler Hall 1010. Accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can be obtained from Student Disabilities Services, Sadler Hall 1010, TCU Box 297710, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or at 817-257-6567.
Academic Misconduct (Sec. 5.14 of the Student Handbook):
Any act that violates the academic integrity of the institution is considered academic misconduct. The procedures used to resolve suspected acts of academic misconduct are available in the Student Handbook and the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Specific examples from the handbook can be included.
TCU Campus Resources for Students:
Many resources exist on the TCU campus that may be helpful to students: Mary Couts Burnett Library (817-257-7117); Student Disabilities Services (817-257-6567, Sadler Hall 1010); the William L. Adams Writing Center (817-257-7221, Reed Hall 419; and 817-257-6520, Library Annex); Student Development Services (817-257-7855, Brown Lupton University Union 2003); and The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (817-257-7830, Jarvis Hall First Floor).
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Brite Divinity School educates women and men to lead in the ministry of Christ’s church, the academy, and public life as witnesses to God’s reconciling and transforming love and justice.