Courses

Teaches various qualitative methods oriented towards dissertation research in theology and culture including observation and interviewing skills and the analysis of verbal data. Other topics include ethical issues in research, the place of theory in qualitative research, proposal writing for qualitative research, and recent controversies over how one 'represents' others in one's writings. NB: Students are encouraged to take THC 941 prior to this course.

Workshop addressing the purpose, expectations and methodology of preparing for the comprehensive exam, dissertation proposal, and dissertation writing. It includes class instruction, reading of exemplary field statements and proposals, and active participation in the various oral hearings. Credit/No Credit.

Facilitates student preparation for the comprehensive examination in their discipline. Students review and synthesize core disciplinary literature, theories and methods, while preparing to demonstrate their readiness for dissertation research.

An independent study for students to research a topic of study and prepare a proposal for their dissertation project. PhD/THC students may repeat this course twice for 2 sem. hrs. total.

Students write a dissertation which embodies the results of their original research and makes a genuine contribution to knowledge in the field of concentration.

Permits students who have completed all required dissertation credits to work toward the completion of their dissertation.

Develops reading competence in theological German through study of grammar, syntax, and core theological vocabulary. Students engage representative texts to build facility in recognizing complex sentence structures and interpreting academic prose, access primary and secondary theological literature in German, and progress toward advanced language proficiency. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.

Advances reading proficiency in theological German through sustained engagement with primary and secondary sources from the Reformation to modern theology. Students expand discipline-specific vocabulary, refine grammatical accuracy, and develop efficient scanning strategies for academic research. This course emphasizes translation of complex texts and preparation for graduate German proficiency examination. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.

Develops foundational reading proficiency in theological French through guided engagement with selected theological texts and focused review of grammar and vocabulary. The course establishes the grammatical and lexical grounding necessary for interpreting theological terminology and syntactical structures with care and growing confidence, preparing students for advanced study and engagement with French theological scholarship. This course carries graduate credit but does not apply toward program requirements or electives.