A8100 Critical Academic Skills in Theological Studies

Unit code A8100

Unit name Critical Academic Skills in Theological Studies

Unit weighting 9 cp

Prerequisites N/A

Exclusions A7100

Curriculum objective This graduate course unit provides structured, practical instruction in the nature and skills of critical thinking, reading and writing in a theological context. It is designed as a generic introduction to the academic skills relevant to the various disciplines in theological studies.

Learning outcomes At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Evaluate the relative merits of statements of thought, opinion, fact, belief, and knowledge
2. Analyse arguments in readings drawn from a range of theological disciplines to identify valid conclusions based on authentic evidence
3. Access and process with critical empathy a diverse range of relevant primary and secondary theological research resources
4. Construct evidence-based arguments in a range of theological disciplines
5. Produce a cogent piece of extended critical writing utilising appropriate critical methods and academic presentation conventions

Content

1. Critical Thinking
   • (a) The Nature of Critical Thinking
     • Fact and opinion
     • Belief and knowledge
     • Creative critical writing
   • (b) Critical Argument
     • Evidence-based analysis
     • Valid conclusion
     • Creative critical writing
     • Academic tone
2. Critical Reading
   • (a) Purpose and techniques
   • (b) Critical Resources
     • Primary and secondary sources: distinction and use
     • Qualitative and quantitative data
     • Accessing sources
   • (c) Reading Theological Documents
     • Bible sources and documents
     • History sources and documents
     • Pastoral sources and documents
     • Theology sources and documents
     • Evaluating sources
3. Critical Writing
   • Writing Theological Documents
     • Organising research
     • Constructing an essay
     • Presentation conventions

Assessment profile In this unit, the required assessment tasks will enable students to demonstrate how successfully they can:

1. Evaluation of the validity and relative merit of the arguments presented in a range of source materials [Outcomes 1, 2]
2. Compilation and justification of a diverse range of primary and secondary sources for the construction of a valid argument in theological research [Outcomes 1, 3, 4]
3. Production of a cogent piece of extended critical writing utilising appropriate critical methods and academic presentation conventions [Outcomes 3, 4,5]