COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

This is a core doctoral course in basic research and design and survey of methodologies.  During these sessions, the student’s “Program Focus” gradually emerges. 

For D.Miss. students, the overall Learning Contract for completion of the program is drafted and approved, and the individual’s doctoral committee is formed. 

For D.Min. students, personal and ministry assessments are made, with goals established for the program and integrative strategies are discussed.  Emphasis is given to determining a project-dissertation, writing and research skills, and putting together a proposal.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 

As a result of this course, the student should be able to: 

1)         Establish a strategic plan for the doctoral program, that builds on one’s strengths and

            needs in ministry;

2)         Gain an understanding of both research and design methodology;

3)         Appreciate excellence in designing research and deciding on the choice methodology;

4)         Learn the basics for research at doctoral level, including the use of library and internet,

            writing skills, proposal writing and selection of methodology for ministry application and

            dissertation completion;

5)         Become familiar with proper form and style;

6)         Write a Dissertation-Project Proposal.

 

REQUIRED TEXT

 

Creswell, John W.  Research Design: Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches.  CA: Sage Publications, Inc. 1998.

 

D.Miss only:

Creswell, John W.  Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing Among Five Traditions.  CA: Sage Publications, Inc. 1998.

 

D.Min. only:

Myers, William R.  Research in Ministry: A Primer for the Doctor of Ministry Program.

Chicago: Exploration Press, 2000 (3rd edition)  

Zinsser, W. On Writing Well. HarperResource; (September 18, 2001)

 

COURSE SCHEDULE

(Note: joint session in the morning; separate sessions for D.Miss. & D.Min. in the afternoon)

 

            TOPIC                                                                                                INSTRUCTOR

 

1.   INTRODUCTION                                                                                                      J.

2.   DEFINING A PROJECT/DISSERTATION                                                                J/E

3.   DISCOVERING THE PROBLEM I WANT TO ADDRESS                          J/E

4.   CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH TOPIC                                         J/E

5.   CONTEXT OF THE PROBLEM: WHO AM I WRITING FOR?                               J/E

6.   DETERMING THE FORMAT:

     ARCHIVAL, EDUCATIONAL, EXPERIMENTAL                                       J/E

7.   DEVELOPING THE STRUCTURE OF A PROJECT                                     J/E

8.   CRITERA FOR AN EXCELLENT PROJECT &

     REVIEWING EXCELLENT PROJECTS                                                                    J/E

9.   WRITING SKILLS                                                                                                     J/Poole

10.  RESEARCH METHODS:

      USE OF LIBRARY, INTERNET, ETC.                                                                     TBA

11.  TYPES OF RESEARCH                                                                                            E

12.  USING THE COURSE WORK AS PREPARATION FOR PROJECT &

       PREPARING FOR THE PROJECT BEFORE REGISTERING                                J/E

13.  WORKING THROUGH STYLE & FORMAT                                                          TBA

D.Min. only

1.         WORKING THROUGH THE ASSESSMENT TOOL

2.         NATURE OF D.MIN RESEARCH

3.         WRITING A D.MIN. PROJECT PROPOSAL

D.Miss. only:  see separate sheet

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

(Personal choice for assignment is to be approved by the instructor for better coordination. Further instruction will be given in class personally)

 

1.         RRE-SESSION PREPARATION (10%)

Students are expected to do the reading of the designated texts to prepare for participation in class discussion actively.

 

2.         WRITING A WORKING DRAFT OF PROPOSAL (90%)                                                                                                               

2A)      Compiling a bibliography on the topic of your choice (10%)

           

            2B)      Drafting a research design with major elements, e.g. purpose statement, research

questions, etc. (40%)

 

            2C)      Design a program for your future field research with selected methodology(ies)                          (40%)