The Institute of Advanced Christian Research (IACR) emerges as a pioneering beacon at the confluence of faith and academic inquiry, where the fertile plains of intellectual curiosity intersect with the enduring pillars of Christian faith. Our institution is dedicated to crafting an academic journey that not only deepens research skills but broadens understanding across the diverse landscape of Christian Studies.
Learning Objectives for "Biblical Foundations of Creation"
Upon completing this course, students will:
Understand the Genesis Creation Narrative: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the creation narrative as presented in the Book of Genesis, including its theological, historical, and cultural contexts.
Compare and Contrast Ancient Narratives: Analyze the Genesis account in comparison to other ancient creation narratives, identifying similarities, differences, and the unique message and implications of the Biblical narrative for Christian faith and theology.
Examine Key Theological Themes: Examine key themes within the Genesis creation narrative, such as the nature of God, humanity’s creation in the image of God, and the concept of stewardship over creation.
Synthesize Insights from Various Sources: Synthesize insights from classical and modern sources to formulate a comprehensive understanding of how the Bible articulates the origins of the universe and life, and its implications for contemporary Christian thought.
Develop a Research Methodology: Design a research methodology appropriate for investigating a specific aspect of the Biblical creation narrative, reflecting an understanding of its theological significance and ethical dimensions.
Critically Engage with Scholarly Debates: Critique various interpretations and scholarly debates surrounding the Biblical creation narrative, using evidence from both classical texts and modern research to support your analysis.
Produce a Scholarly Research Paper: Create a research paper that integrates insights from the Biblical creation narrative with contemporary theological discussions, demonstrating an ability to communicate complex theological ideas effectively.
Classical Books from Project Gutenberg
Considering the focus on the Biblical creation narrative, students should engage with classical theological and philosophical works that provide a foundation for understanding ancient views of creation, as well as the context for Biblical interpretation:
"Confessions" by Saint Augustine - Includes Augustine’s reflections on the Genesis creation narrative and its theological implications.
"City of God" by Saint Augustine - Offers Augustine’s perspective on divine providence and the creation of the world.
"Summa Theologica" by Thomas Aquinas - Contains Aquinas’ theological exploration of creation and the nature of God.
"The Guide for the Perplexed" by Moses Maimonides - Provides a philosophical exploration of Biblical texts, including discussions on creation.
"Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes - While not a direct commentary on Genesis, Hobbes’ work includes discussions on the nature of man and society that can provide contrast to the Biblical view of humanity.
"Pensées" by Blaise Pascal - Includes reflections on the Christian faith and the order of the world.
"The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas à Kempis - Offers insights into Christian piety and the moral life that can enrich understanding of the Biblical narrative's implications for humanity.
"Ethics" by Benedict de Spinoza - Provides a philosophical framework that can contrast with theological interpretations of creation.
Modern Texts (Available in the LIRN University Library Subscription)
Students should utilize the LIRN database to access modern theological and scholarly works that directly address the Genesis creation narrative, its interpretation, and its significance in contemporary Christian theology. While specific titles will depend on the library’s current subscriptions, areas of focus should include:
Modern theological commentaries on Genesis.
Scholarly articles on the historical and cultural context of the Genesis creation narrative.
Comparative studies of ancient Near Eastern creation myths and the Genesis account.
Works on the theological significance of humanity's creation in the image of God.
Student-Selected Books
In addition to the texts provided, students are encouraged to select at least 2 other books or significant articles that align with their specific research interests related to the Biblical foundations of creation. This could include focused studies on particular aspects of the Genesis narrative, in-depth analyses of its theological implications, or works exploring the relationship between the Biblical creation account and contemporary environmental stewardship.
These selections will complete their reference list, ensuring a well-rounded and in-depth exploration of the course’s themes in their research paper.
Course Schedule and Structure
The "Foundations of Christian Psychology" course is tailored to support a correspondence-based learning approach, allowing students the flexibility to engage with the coursework at their own pace within a structured framework. This setup ensures a personalized learning experience that is both reflective and comprehensive. Below is the detailed course schedule and structure, highlighting essential milestones and checkpoints for effective progress through the course.
Initial Consultation
The course begins with a mandatory one-hour phone call between each student and the instructor. This initial meeting is crucial for reviewing course expectations, discussing the research paper in depth, and establishing a working relationship. It also serves as an opportunity for students to clarify any questions and articulate their learning objectives for the course.
Duration and Pace
The course is designed to be completed within a 6-month period, though students have the flexibility to finish sooner if they choose. To maintain satisfactory academic progress, students must not allow more than 4 weeks to pass without a checkpoint with the instructor.
Checkpoint Flexibility
After the first scheduled meeting, subsequent checkpoints can occur over any medium preferred by the student, including phone, ZOOM, or email. This flexibility ensures that students can choose the communication method that best suits their needs and learning style while maintaining consistent contact with the instructor.
Course Progression Steps
Selecting a Research Topic: Students will identify and refine a research topic of interest within Christian psychology, laying the groundwork for their research paper.
Selecting a Research Methodology: Based on the chosen topic, students will select and justify an appropriate methodology for their research.
Conducting a Literature Review: A comprehensive review of relevant literature, including critical analysis of the 8 classical texts provided and 2 modern resources selected by the student, will be conducted.
Summary of Each of the 10 Books: Students will summarize and analyze each of the 8 provided classical texts and 2 additional modern resources, highlighting their relevance to the research topic.
Drafting the Research Paper: Students will draft their research paper, integrating insights and evidence from their literature review.
Revising the Research Paper: Following instructor feedback, students will revise their paper to enhance arguments, clarity, and adherence to academic standards.
Final Submission: The completed research paper will be submitted for final evaluation, showcasing the student's ability to conduct in-depth research and contribute to the field of Christian psychology.
Regular Checkpoints
To ensure continuous progress and adherence to academic standards, students are required to schedule regular checkpoints with the instructor at each major step of the course. These checkpoints are essential for receiving guidance, feedback, and support throughout the research and writing process.
Research Paper Sections and Outline:
Minimum paper length is 5,000 words.
Title Page
Title of the Research Paper
Student's Name
Course Title
Instructor's Name
Date
Abstract
A brief summary of the research topic, methodology, key findings, and conclusions.
Table of Contents
Include headings and subheadings with page numbers.
Introduction
Introduction to the research topic, outlining the purpose and significance of the study.
Statement of the research question or hypothesis.
Overview of the paper's structure.
Literature Review
Comprehensive review of the 8 classical texts provided, summarizing key concepts, theories, and findings relevant to Christian psychology.
Analysis of 2 modern resources selected by the student, integrating contemporary insights with classical foundations.
Identification of gaps in the existing literature and justification for the current study.
Methodology
Detailed description of the research design and approach.
Justification for the selected research methodology, explaining how it aligns with the research question.
Procedures for data collection and analysis (if applicable).
Analysis
Presentation of the research findings, structured according to the research question or hypothesis.
Critical analysis of how the findings integrate with or challenge existing theories and literature in Christian psychology.
Discussion
Interpretation of the findings in the context of the broader field of Christian psychology.
Discussion of the implications of the findings for theory, practice, and future research.
Reflection on the integration of Christian theology and psychology as observed through the research process.
Ethical Considerations
Discussion of the ethical dimensions of the research topic and methodology.
Reflection on how Christian ethical principles informed the research process and analysis.
Conclusion
Summary of the key findings and their significance to the field of Christian psychology.
Restatement of the research question and how the findings address it.
Suggestions for future research based on the study's limitations and findings.
References
Comprehensive list of all sources cited in the paper, formatted according to APA style. This includes the 8 classical texts, the 2 modern resources selected by the student, and any additional scholarly articles or resources referenced.
Appendices (if applicable)
Any supplementary material relevant to the research (e.g., data tables, additional analyses, research instruments).
Conducting Research: A Guide for Students
Embarking on academic research is a profound journey of discovery, analysis, and contribution to your field of study. At the Institute of Advanced Christian Research, we provide an array of resources and tools designed to support you through this process. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the research landscape, highlighting our university library, including LIRN, our index of the Syntopicon, and our digital catalog of Project Gutenberg books.
1. Utilizing the University Library and LIRN
The university library, accessible through the Library and Information Resources Network (LIRN), is your gateway to hundreds of professional subscriptions, journals, and databases. LIRN offers unparalleled access to a vast array of academic resources that are essential for conducting thorough and informed research.
Getting Started: Begin by accessing LIRN through the university’s portal. Familiarize yourself with the interface and the variety of resources available.
Keyword Searches: Use specific keywords related to your research topic to find relevant articles, books, and journals. Refine your search using filters to narrow down results by publication date, subject, or type of resource.
Saving and Organizing Resources: Utilize the platform's tools to save your searches, organize resources into folders, and keep track of your references.
2. Exploring the Index of the Syntopicon
Our digital index of the Syntopicon allows you to explore major ideas and themes across a wide range of disciplines. This tool is invaluable for understanding the broader context of your research topic.
Search by Theme: Use the Syntopicon to find themes or ideas related to your research. This can provide new angles or insights into your topic.
Cross-Referencing: The Syntopicon can help you cross-reference themes across different works, offering a multidimensional view of your research area.
3. Accessing Project Gutenberg
Our digitally searchable list of Project Gutenberg books, complete with auto-linking, offers access to a treasure trove of classical texts that are foundational to many areas of study.
Searching the Catalog: Use the search function to find books by title, author, or subject matter. The auto-linking feature makes it easy to access the full text of the books you’re interested in.
Incorporating Classical Texts: Don’t overlook the value of classical texts in your research. These works can provide historical perspectives and foundational theories relevant to your study.
4. Ethical Considerations
Conducting research with integrity is paramount. Always:
Cite Sources Accurately: Ensure all sources are accurately cited in your research to avoid plagiarism.
Respect Copyright Laws: Use copyrighted materials appropriately, adhering to fair use guidelines.
Maintain Objectivity: Approach your research topic objectively, avoiding bias and ensuring your study is balanced and fair.
5. Basic APA Strategies
APA (American Psychological Association) style is essential for formatting your research paper and citing sources. Key strategies include:
In-Text Citations: Include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses when quoting or paraphrasing.
Reference List: All sources cited in your paper must appear in your reference list at the end of your document, formatted according to APA guidelines.
Formatting: Pay attention to APA formatting rules, including title page setup, headings, margins, font type, and size.
6. Orientation to Conducting Research
Develop a Research Plan: Start with a clear research question or hypothesis. Outline your approach, including your methodology, potential sources, and a timeline for your research.
Review Literature Thoroughly: A comprehensive literature review is crucial. Examine existing research to identify gaps and build on the knowledge base.
Analyze and Synthesize Information: Analyze the information you gather and synthesize it to draw new insights or conclusions related to your research question.
Write and Revise: Write your research paper with clarity and precision. Be prepared to revise based on feedback and further insights.
By leveraging these resources and following these guidelines, you are well-equipped to embark on your research journey. The Institute of Advanced Christian Research is committed to supporting you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve academic excellence.
Example Paper: https://iacr.education/images/example.pdf
Grading Rubric for Final Research Paper (Pass/Fail)
For the final research paper to be graded as a pass, each of the following elements must individually receive a pass based on the outlined criteria. Failure to meet the passing criteria for any one of these elements will result in a fail grade for the course. This comprehensive approach ensures that the final paper reflects a high standard of academic research and writing, adhering to the expectations of the course.
Research Question and Originality
Pass: Clearly defined, relevant, and original research question that identifies a gap in the literature of Christian psychology. The topic must demonstrate significance and contribution to the field.
Fail: The research question is vague, irrelevant, or lacks originality, failing to identify a significant gap in the literature.
Literature Review
Pass: A comprehensive and critical review of relevant literature, integrating both classical and modern sources, demonstrating understanding of historical context, current debates, and identifying gaps in research.
Fail: The literature review is incomplete, lacks critical engagement, or fails to integrate sources effectively, showing no clear identification of research gaps.
Methodology
Pass: Appropriately chosen and well-articulated methodology, with a clear justification and detailed description suitable for the research question.
Fail: Inappropriate or poorly described methodology without justification, failing to detail procedures for data collection and analysis.
Analysis and Synthesis
Pass: Demonstrates critical analysis and synthesis of data/information, drawing insightful conclusions supported by research findings.
Fail: Lacks depth in analysis and synthesis, with conclusions not supported by the research.
Ethical Considerations
Pass: Ethical considerations are thoroughly addressed and integrated, demonstrating an understanding of ethical issues in research and Christian psychology.
Fail: Ethical considerations are inadequately addressed or overlooked, showing a lack of understanding of ethical research practices.
Writing Quality and APA Formatting
Pass: The paper is well-written and coherent, with correct APA formatting throughout, including citations and references.
Fail: Poor writing quality with significant errors, incorrect or inconsistent APA formatting, affecting the clarity and coherence of the paper.
Overall Assessment
To pass the course, the final research paper must meet the passing criteria for all the above elements. This ensures that the paper as a whole reflects a comprehensive and rigorous engagement with the research topic, contributing meaningful insights to the field of Christian psychology. Each element of the paper is critical to the overall integrity and quality of the research, requiring careful attention and adherence to academic standards.