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Introduction to Theological Research

This guide is publicly accessible for anyone who would like to learn more about researching and critically evaluating sources, in seminary or in general. It also serves the 1-credit "Introduction to Theological Research" course as the site for homework pr

A Note

PLEASE NOTE: The worksheet we've asked you to complete this week (attached under the "Class Prep: Do" box) will take you a little time to complete. Be prepared to set aside at least two hours to work on it. This is a longer assignment than usual, but learning to cite your sources takes hands-on practice, and will be extremely important for all your seminary assignments.

Class Prep: Read

  • Read: “Quotation, Paraphrase, Summary, and Analysis” (George Mason University Writing Center)
  • Read: “General Introduction to Citation Practices” (pp. 139-147/sections 15.1 “Reasons for Citing Your Sources,” 15.2 “The Requirements of Citation,” 15.3.1 “Notes Style,” 15.4 “Electronic Sources,” and 15.5 “Preparation of Citations” in your Turabian textbook)
  • Explore: The Library's "Guide to Chicago/Turabian Style for Seminarians." You can also find this by going to the Library home page --> Research Guides --> All Guides --> Guide to Chicago/Turabian Style for Seminarians.
  • Skim: Chapters 16 & 17 in your Turabian textbook. These chapters are the main reason this book is required, and why it will keep being useful to you throughout seminary!
  • Visit: The Library webpage on making ILL requests (https://library.upsem.edu/services/richmond-campus-services/interlibrary-loan/). You’ll find it under the “Services” menu on the Library home page.

Class Prep: Do

  • Google: Identify which word processing software you’re using to write your papers (MS Word, Pages, Google Docs, other). If you don’t already know how to add a footnote to a document using the “Insert” feature, Google it and find out!
  • Worksheet: Practice worksheet (PDF below) on citing sources in Turabian style. We will discuss the worksheet in class, and the answer key is also located below. I know that may tempt you to not take the time to practice doing citations on your own first. Practice is the only way this process gets easier, though.