Research Project

Bachelor of Science in Religious Studies & Catechetical Instruction

RSC 460

BREYER STATE UNIVERSITY

Instructor: Mark Moran, BS, MA

SYLLABUS

COURSE OVERVIEW: It is of the most extreme importance that any future theologian, scholar, or teacher in Theology or Religious Studies is equipped with the ability to conduct research. It is also of the most extreme importance that he or she is able to weed through the many ideas and properly communicate them in a well organized thesis or research paper. This degree program has already prepared you for some of this with its huge emphasis on written work. By this time, you should probably all ready have your own personal library of your own works. This research course will take all that you have learned to the next level, a level where you will begin your own independent research.

TIME FRAME: This is a twenty-semester hour course. This course is allotted ten weeks of time. You must complete all of the requirements for the course successfully by the end of the ten-week period. The first day of week one will begin the day that you register for the course, or the day which you notify me that your textbooks have arrived and you are ready to begin your studies. Please be cognizant of the time frame. It is rare that extensions of time are permitted, unless you have good justification. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded ten semester hours of credit. Extensions can be granted if needed or necessary.

TEXTBOOKS: You are required to supplement your own textbooks. You will choose which books best fit your thesis or research paper. I expect primary sources and secondary sources. Primary sources are books written by the actual author in question, while secondary sources are books written about the particular subject. These sources restate and analyze. I expect at least 5 good primary sources, and 10 secondary sources with opposing views. In addition to this, do not rule out periodicals and journals as important sources of information. For this reason, I would like you to use at least 1 periodical or journal source that deals with the subject material. Remember you can also find information off microfilm. Libraries carry older documents on microfilm. I want one source from microfilm.

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EXAMINATIONS: There are no examinations for this course. The course is based on the research, and application of that research onto paper.

GRADING: The grading scale for this course is as follows:

90-100%    = A
80-89%      = B
70-79%      = C
Below 70% = Fail

COMMUNICATION: You are encouraged to communicate with me. I am available as a teacher, coach, and mentor to assist you in meeting your goals for this course. Primarily, communication is through email. However, I am also available for conversation by telephone if you would like. Our classroom for this course has a "chat" room. I am also very willing to meet with you one-on-one in the chat room at your request. From time to time, depending on how many students are enrolled in this course at a particular time, we will have some scheduled group chats. You will receive more detailed information at the time such chat sessions are scheduled. Please keep my email address handy so that you can contact me whenever necessary. If at any time during this course you change your email address, please be sure to notify me right away.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR: I hold a MA in Divinity from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. I received my undergraduate degree at Youngstown State University with a Major in History and a dual Minor in Philosophy and Religious Studies. My Master's Thesis was on Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Relations. During my time at JCU, I was a graduate assistant and aided many of the professors in teaching and preparing classes on many of issues addressed in this class. Academic achievements include Magna Cum Laude at YSU, a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, and a member of the Phi Alpha Theta Society for scholarship in History. Outside of academics, I am a member of the Sons of Italy and possess the rank of Eagle Scout within the Boy Scouts of America.

I consider the field of Theology to be an important study because it is the study of my faith. As a theologian, I believe scholarship is important. In this light, I am far from a "fundamentalist" for I do not turn my head from modern techniques of study. I, however, am far from a "progressive" or liberal theologian that so easily denounces the faith of the Church and its many unexplainable mysteries. Unlike many theologians, I am first a believer before an analyzer. As the great St. Augustine once stated, one must believe before one can truly understand. I hope the zeal for Theology I have shines through this course and illuminates you not only in mind, but also in spirit.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

1). Conduct independent research via primary, secondary sources.
2). Use other forms of sources, such as periodicals and microfilm.
3). Organize a massive thesis-like-paper and present it in a logical fashion.
4). Present your ideas, defend them, and contribute to the theological community.

ASSIGNMENTS: For specific assignments, please click on the link "Assignments." Under assignments, you will find your extra readings that are supplements to the text. Once again, keep in mind that the supplemental readings will be on the test.

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism is a theft of ideas and is not acceptable in any academic atmosphere. Breyer State University nor I will accept any work that is not your own. Please remember that proper citation is required when quoting or expressing someone else's idea that is not considered general knowledge. If it is discovered you have committed this academic crime, I will take it to the board of Breyer State and you will receive an F for the course. Please have pride in yourself and maintain the integrity of this university!

INFORMATION: If you have any questions regarding this program, you may address them to adm@breyerstate.com. An administrative faculty member will respond to all questions.

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