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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

An introduction to various research methods in the study of missiology, from qualitative and quantitative empirical methods to theological and historiographic methods. Academic writing, use of library and archival sources, ethics in research and related topics will also be addressed.?NB: To be taken during the first 16 credit hours of the PhD/Theology and Culture program.

Provides doctoral students with the opportunity to design, conduct, and evaluate a supervised professional development activity that integrates academic expertise, vocational calling, and ministry practice. Activities may include teaching, consulting, curriculum development, coaching, pastoral ministry, grant writing, or other approved engagements. Students may propose Trinity-related or external opportunities, and must initiate planning conversations with their program director prior to the practicum semester.

An introduction to the field of anthropology and the contribution it makes to the discipline of missiology. The seminar encourages participants to develop a model they can use in studying and ministering in specific societies and cultures. Attention is given to a study of the issues involved in cross-cultural communication, contextualization, and social transformation in evangelism and church planting in cross-cultural settings.

An introduction of the field of sociology and the contributions it makes to the discipline of missiology. Attention will focus on issues such as globalization, new religious movements, gender, social capital, communication and media. Theoretical foundations and methodological questions will be introduced, and practical implications for ministry will be explored.