Course syllabus

THEOREL 310: Directed Studies in Theological and Religious Studies

• Semester 2 2018
• 15 Points
• Prerequisites: THEO 201 or THEOREL 201 plus 15 points at stage II from the BA schedule.
• Course convenor: Joseph Bulbulia:  j.bulbulia@auckland.ac.nz

Description

The course leads you through the process of conducting a short research project on your chosen topic, with assistance of a supervisor.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Critically investigate a topic or issue of interest in the field of Theological and/or Religious Studies.
2. Develop a research proposal relevant for the selected project
3. Locate research resources of a range and quality appropriate to an undergraduate research project
4. Present findings in a research essay that shows evidence of critical engagement with scholarship on the chosen topic

Assignments

1. Research proposal, 500 words, 10% 
2. Five discussions x  500 words each, 40% 
3. Research essay, 3000 words    50%     

Tuākana

• David Tuipulotu-Tuinukuafe

Late policy

Course worksubmitted after the due date (except discussions - see special policy under first pinned discussion) will lose 5% for the first day it is late, and 1% per day thereafter. If work is over 2 weeks late, it will not be marked and will receive 0. In extenuating circumstances, short extensions may be given, but only if these extensions are requested prior to the due date. Extensions of a week or more must be supported by a medical certificate or equivalent. Social commitments, or having more than one assignment due on the same day are not adequate reasons or an extension.

Meetings and supervision

Because it is a directed research project, this course has no lectures; there will be an initial meeting with the course coordinator on Wednesday 18 July, 11-12pm (Arts 1 room 401).

Thereafter, you should arrange regular meetings with your supervisor. If you have not yet decided what your essay will be about, I will help you develop a potential project and will direct you to a supervisor at the initial meeting.

If you have a serious reason for not coming to this meeting, you must contact me beforehand so we can arrange an alternative time to meet.

To succeed in this course you need to be proactive in managing your time, and you need to show initiative in finding, evaluating and preparing material for the project selected. But assistance will always be available from your supervisor and from our subject librarian Mark Hangartner m.hangartner@auckland.ac.nz. Make use of them!

For all questions relating to the course in general, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Joe

Workload and deadlines for submission of coursework:           

The University of Auckland's expectation is that students spend 10 hours per week on a 15-point course, including time in class and personal study. Students should manage their academic workload and other commitments accordingly. Deadlines for coursework are set by course convenors and will be advertised in course material. You should submit your work on time. In extreme circumstances, such as illness, you may seek an extension but you may be required to provide supporting information before the assignment is due. Late assignments without a pre-approved extension may be penalised by loss of marks – check course information for details.