Wondering where to get the most magnificent material to write excellent essays? Of course you are! ๐
Unless you're directed otherwise by your lecturer, I would recommend starting with the following resources (roughly) in order of priority:
Prescribed text for the unit
Class readings
Texts from 'Further Reading', 'Bibliography' or 'Extended Bibliography' lists for the unit
ARK Learning management system (Provided by the University of Divinity)
LEAN Library (an extension of ARK
Class notes
Any renowned related text
Recent related journal articles
Good librarians, such as we have currently at EBC, are an incredibly valuable human resource that should not be underestimated nor underutilised.
With any theological unit, it should go without saying (but I'll say it anyway, just to be on the safe side) that the Bible, and possibly biblical commentaries or dictionaries, are well worth employing where appropriate.
Finally, don't overlook the people in your life - family, friends, fellow students and staff. Provided you reference these conversations appropriately, and don't overdo such a source, these discussions can open up yours and other's thinking, bringing an essay topic to life and injecting a dose of everyday reality into your work.
You want to be a semi-expert on your subject in the end. If you've written an assignment on 'What is Theology?', for example, it would be nice to be able to tell someone, in a sentence or two, what you think it actually is. And if they're interested, to say a few more intelligent words as well.
The only thing worse than not having a qualification in a field you're expected to know something about, is having a qualification in a field you're expected to know something about, and still not knowing. Most people will extend grace in this anyway - a degree in Theology will not mean you know all things theological - but I'm sure you get my point.
So as you research, remain open-minded, expect the unexpected, and try to unearth and include a broad range of thinking on your essay subject, as well as something of depth and substance too. Take ownership of your assignments, and your learning. Invest yourself into the process with passion, and try to keep in mind the bigger picture of what these assignments seek to contribute to your training, formation and future service.
Next Post: Argument
March 2018 (Updated January 2021)