Questions and Topics We Can Help to Answer
Instructions:
This project involves researching the way one theologian deals with one theological question.
a. A 1 to 2-Page preview (proposal) of the paper: This assignment will require that you first survey the topics and questions covered in the required books to get an idea of what topic you might want to pursue, keeping in mind that your topic can be changed later if necessary. Then, write (a) a statement of the question to be asked in the paper (see below under the paper itself), (b) your reasons for choosing the topic and the theologian, (c) an outline of the structure of the paper and (d) a list of at least 5 sources, including at least one primary source (i.e. a source written by the theologian you are writing on). You can use the Bible and required course texts in your paper, but these do not count in your list of 5 or more sources. Further, no more than half of your sources can be websites (unless it is a republication of a book or article). You must provide full bibliographic information for all of the sources (using a standard style, like Chicago, Turabian, MLA, etc.). Submit the preview assignment by attaching it in the appropriate location within the Assignments section of the course website. The instructor will return these previews with feedback that should help you to write your paper.
b. Lastly, the final research paper itself. Note that the last item in the rubric below includes the element of cultural analysis, in which the students will compare the relationship of the question and the thesis to two distinct cultural and religious contexts. As noted under the Research Preview, you may use any standard style of citation; however, if you use APA style, you need to modify APU style by using page numbers (or section numbers) for all citations, not only quotations. This research paper should be between 2600 to 3400 words (about 8-10 pages) and will be graded based on the following criteria:
Format and Style (30%)
___ (5%) Appropriate length & format (2400-3600 words, 12 pt./Times New
Roman font)
___ (10%) Consistent, clear citations (a rule of thumb: use at least one citation
including specific page numbers per paragraph in the paper; no plagiarism!)
___ (10%) Good organization/structure, with intro., body & conclusion
___ (5%) Paper free of spelling, punctuation, grammatical errors
Presentation of the Theologian’s Viewpoint (35%)
¬¬¬___ (12%) Demonstrates accurate understanding of the person’s views
(comprehension)
___ (9%) Demonstrates clarity in thinking and writing (clarity)
___ (7%) Demonstrates adequate use of primary and secondary sources
____(7%) Covers the main elements of the question at hand (comprehensiveness)
The Student’s Viewpoint (25%)
___ (9%) Effective critical evaluation of the theologian’s viewpoint (critical
thinking)
___ (8%) The student’s own view (clarity and reasonable support are important)
___ (8%) Explanation of the significance of the topic and/or your viewpoint on it
to both North American and African cultural contexts.
___ TOTAL out of 90%
