Your MA in Theology: A Study Skills Handbook

by Zo Bennett, Carol Reekie, Esther Shreeve

Overview

• A hands-on practical handbook for the growing number of students studying practical, pastoral, contextual and applied theology at MA level. • Useful guidance for all moving from undergraduate to postgraduate study and for those returning to study after years in ministry. • Zoe Bennett has run a successful MA programme in Pastoral Theology for many years and has guided and successfully supervised a large number of MA students. • SCM is the UK’s leading publisher in Practical Theology and has published all the key thinkers in this field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780334044918
Publisher:	Hymns Ancient & Modern
Publication date:	01/31/2014
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Zoe Bennett is Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies in Pastoral Theology at Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge Theological Federation.

Table of Contents

1. What Does It Mean To Study at Taught Master's Level? 2. Core Study Skills for Master's Student 1 Reflection Writing 3. Core Study Skills for Master's Students 2 Reading Using the Library - Carol Reekie Seminar Skills Specific Learning Difficulties - Esther Shreeve 4. Integrating Theory and Practice at Master's Level 5. Being Scholarly 6. Commitment versus Critique 7. Especially for International Students 8. Doing your Dissertation

Editorial Reviews

Giving crystal clear guidance to students starting out to ‘master’ theology, this book will reassure them about their capacity for the task. It explains what’s involved clearly and succinctly, and lays out how to proceed with such calmness and sense of order that the challenge, while not underplayed, appears perfectly manageable. What’s expected at master’s level, how to rise to it, and the skills and working procedures to develop along the way are all detailed. It is especially helpful about the reflexive and self-implicating character of theological enquiry. The book is itself a model of the kind of good clear writing, research, presentation and exposition that, as a dissertation, would attract a high distinction. It will be a great help to both master’s students and teachers.

James Sweeney

Doing an MA in Theology is a serious commitment of time and effort. This book will enable you to get the most out that investment leading to personal enrichment as well as academic success. An essential starting point and on-going source of inspiration.

Helen Cameron

Beginning Masters level theological study and wanting to know what you are letting yourself in for? Drawing on her wide experience of postgraduate theology programmes, Zoe Bennett steers her readers through its joys and pitfalls. Whether for crafting skills in reflective practice or developing a thesis proposal, or whether for acquiring a scholarly voice or using library resources well, this is an essential guide for students and staff alike.

David Allen David Allen

In Bennett’s office is a poster that reads: “Theory is when you understand everything and nothing works. Practice is when everything works but you don’t understand why. Here we have brought the two together: nothing works and no one knows why!” (p.71) Your MA in Theology takes readers on the opposite path – taking seriously both the experience of faith, and understanding the underlying reasons why. As a handbook it would be an invaluable addition to every theology student and teacher’s desk.

Darren Cronshaw

Beginning Masters level theological study and wanting to know what you are letting yourself in for? Drawing on her wide experience of postgraduate theology programmes, Zoe Bennett steers her readers through its joys and pitfalls. Whether for crafting skills in reflective practice or developing a thesis proposal, or whether for acquiring a scholarly voice or using library resources well, this is an essential guide for students and staff alike.

David Allen