General
The course is offered as a freestanding course. It is part of the Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology, 60 credits.
Course Description
This course is a preparation for writing a research paper in Religious Studies and Theology. The students choose one of three subjects, which they have previously chosen as their specialisation: Biblical Studies with History of Religion, or Church History with Systematic Theology, or Practical Theology with Religious Behavioral Science. In the first part of the course, the students learn the basics of writing a research paper and how to present their findings. The second part discusses how to make a problem statement and a research question, and how to apply theories to a particular material or research object. In the third part the students become acquainted with theories and the use of particular methods within the subject. In the final part the students, in cooperation with their supervisors, choose their own literature related to their problem statement.
Learning Outcomes
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. Knowledge and understanding:
1.1 explain theories and methods in religious studies and theology;
1.2 relate theories in religious studies and theology to methods in religious studies and theology;
2. Competence and skills:
2.1 apply theories and methods to the field chosen;
2.2 employ various writing techniques provided in the course;
3. Judgement and approach:
3.1 independently compare, evaluate and argue for the choice of methods, based on a problem statement;
3.2 identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.