Writing Theology Well

Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Garber

E-mail: jgarber@iliff.edu Office: S-136

Course Synopsis

This course focuses on the practice of writing in a graduate school of theology as an academic discipline. By the end of the course, the student will have learned to present clear arguments in their own voice, using correct citation and formal academic language, in several theological genres such as theology, sermon writing, and biblical exegesis. We will analyze and summarize in-class readings by Iliff professors and also use the writing and research process on assignments in other classes in which students are currently enrolled. This class will aid writers at all levels of writing development, from students new to writing in theological humanities to experts looking to sharpen their rhetorical style and personal theological voice. It will also aid students from non-majority backgrounds and cultures in understanding the cultural conventions of Western academic writing.

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Course Overview

This course focuses on the practice of writing in a graduate school of theology as an academic discipline. By the end of the course, the student will have learned to present clear arguments in their own voice, using correct citation and formal academic language, in several theological genres such as theology, sermon writing, and biblical exegesis. We will analyze and summarize in-class readings by Iliff professors and also use the writing and research process on assignments in other classes in which students are currently enrolled. This class will aid writers at all levels of writing development, from students new to writing in theological humanities to experts looking to sharpen their rhetorical style and personal theological voice. It will also aid students from non-majority backgrounds and cultures in understanding the cultural conventions of Western academic writing.

 

Course Objectives

Learning Outcomes

 

Iliff Degree Learning Goals

Grades will be based on the Weekly Assignments, a combination of the theological exercises in the Yaghjian text and discussion of those exercises and of the faculty readings on the weekly discussion pages. Exercises and discussion will be graded for clarity; accuracy of summary of the readings and exercises; fairness to opposing points of view; grammar, style, and spelling; and creativity of argumentation, style, and voice.

Remember that at the Iliff School of Theology and graduate school in general, a B is an acceptable grade. If you do everything I ask you to do, you will receive a B. Points will be deducted for failing to address the assignment as described by me or in the text. Points will be added for creativity of style, insights, or additional research or incorporation from other classes. 

If students want to take the course pass/fail, they will need to request that grade in writing to me by the end of Week One (January 12). If I grant a pass/fail, you may not switch back to grades at the end of the quarter (it's a gamble!). As an adjunct instructor, I cannot grant an Incomplete Grade as per the Masters Student Handbook.


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