PC028-812 - Academic Writing for Ministry or Mission

  • 2,976 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 8
    AQF level
  • Category advanced unit
    C
  • pastoral churchUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code PC704-4.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

Demonstrate Advanced knowledge and understanding of the elements and techniques of academic writing and publishing on selected ministry/mission topics

B. Be able to

1. Examine the theoretical and methodological issues in academic writing for ministry and mission

2. Demonstrate skill in utilising scholarship and learning in writing for popular and peer audiences

3. Present Research-Aware evidence-based perspectives on academic writing for ministry and mission topics

C. Be in a position to

Applying Advanced perspectives and skills from ‘Academic Writing for Ministry or Mission’ in producing  research and publication as a reflective practitioner

Content

  • Critical principles of logical argumentation for scholarly articles
  • Using search engines and appropriate parameters to construct a finite meta-analysis or literature review
  • Criteria affecting the choice of appropriate academic journals for publication of ideas
  • Matching writing style and format to the intended audience
  • Making your writing style flow; heading use and paragraphing
  • Clarity, simplicity and the balance between verification and argumentation
  • Academic writing styles contrasted with opinion piece styles
  • Referencing, quotations, plagiarism and honoring one’s sources
  • Writing Abstracts, Introductions and Conclusions
  • The use of electronic research programs such as N-Vivo for categorizing large volume data
  • Presenting Biblical and other language and transliteration options
  • Presenting diagrams, the use of spreadsheets, computations and tables
  • Proof-reading, proof-readers and the ethical limits of assistance
  • Writing in partnership with peers and superiors.
  • The psychological aspect of confident writing: self-sabotage and publication anxiety
  • Typical protocols in the submission of journals, conference papers and displays.

The bulk of the content for the whole of the semester involves the production of an independent study contract between the candidate and appointed mentor.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Belcher, W L.  Writing Your Journal Article in 12 Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success (Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2009)

Hartley, J. Academic Writing and Publishing: A Practical Guide (Milton Park, UK: Routledge, 2008)

Patience, G, Boffito, D & Patience, P. Communicate Science Papers, Presentations, and Posters Effectively (Heidelberg: Elsevier, 2016)

Sword, H. Stylish Academic Writing (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2012)

Turabian, K. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers, 8th Edition (Revised by W Booth, G Colomb et al., University of Chicago Press, 2013)

Vyhmeister, N & Robertson, T D. Quality Research Papers: For Students of Religion and Theology (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2014)

Walton, H. Writing Methods in Theological Reflection (London: SCM, 2014)