Instructor(s)

Course Description

This course, made up of two parts, I and II, is aimed at providing students with theoretical and practical know how and confidence to perform worthwhile theological research in service of the Kingdom. Its interim goal is to prepare students to produce their MA thesis which is a requirement for obtaining the degree. But in the long term it will also serve as providing the foundations for future postgraduate theological research and ultimately foster a culture of consistent Christian scholarly theologians and pastoral practitioners.

 The first part (Theological Research Methods I) focuses on broad foundations of theological research, acquisition and honing of research ideas, construction of topic and detailing concise research concepts. The second part (Theological Research Methods II) focuses more on the research journey, choices of methods and the construction and defense of the research proposal. Topics covered include conceptual issues in research, research ethics, literature review, research design, techniques for data collection, tools for data coding and analysis, various qualitative methods of data collection, analysis and publication. Basic statistical methods will also be covered even though not exhaustively. Students will be introduced to the use of software in data analysis (NVIVO for qualitative research).

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Course objectives 

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: 

1. Be exposed to the variety of methods used in different types of theological research. 
2. Sharpen your existing research skills and introduce you to new techniques. 
3. Be able to conduct and critique social scientific research on religion and theology.

Course Content 

Topics for Pat I

1. Introduction to Module & Part 1
2. Theoretical Overview of Research
3. Research Methods in Biblical Studies
4. Research Methods in Systematic Theology
5. Research Methods in Practical Theology I – Church
6. Research Methods in Practical Theology II – Society
7. Collecting, Processing and Analyzing Research Data
8. Writing Research Topic & Concept
9. Research Problem & Questions
10. Summary & Research Concept Clinic 

Topics for Part II

1. Introduction to Research Proposal Writing
2. Efficient Literature Search
3. Reviewing the Literature
4. Designing the Research
5. Research Ethics and Challenges
6. Writing the Research Proposal
7. After the Research Proposal Defence
8. Scholarly Writing
9. The Research Process: From Idea to Dissertation
10. Summary & Research Proposal Clinic

Mode of Delivery

Through Lectures, group discussions and presentations, reading and assignments.

Reading Materials

1. Asamoah, M. K. (2012). Research Methods Made Very Simple. Accra: Advent Press.
2. Beneito-Montagut, R. (2011). Ethnography goes online: Towards a user-centered methodology to research interpersonal communication on the internet. Qualitative Research, 11(6), 716-735.
3. Christensen, M. S. (2015). Appearances can be deceiving: Risks interpreting data in online ethnographic research. In Perspectives on Qualitative Research (pp. 437-456). 
4. Pazmino, R. W. (2009). Doing Theological Research. Eugene, OR.: Wipf & Stock.
5. Smith, K. G. (2016). Writing and Research: A Guide for Theological Students. Carlisle: Langham Global Library.