3.4 Research Seminars - Blended Learning Model
In each research seminar, doctoral students pursue lines of inquiry in course assignments that are related to both the seminar topic and individual student research interests.
The goal of the research seminars is for doctoral students to explore the subject matter at a doctoral level in order to inform and equip the student for research in that area. Research papers will involve study of primary sources to deepen one’s understanding of Scripture.
Each course includes:
- A foundational research component
- A research seminar component
- An advanced research component
Each course syllabus reflects the three components with educational objectives designed specifically to link each component of the research triad. Internet-based discussion groups and seminar resources allow for mediated instruction immediately prior to and following the on-campus seminar experience.
3.4.1 Online Foundational Research (Pre-Seminar)
During the first half of the course, prior to the first session of the on-campus research seminar, students are required to complete readings and research corresponding to the educational objectives of that seminar. Specific assignments are found in the course syllabus available through the program web site.
Students are also required to post responses to the questions asked by the professor at least twice each week in addition to regularly reading and responding to other classmate's posts. Quality participation in the online discussion groups is required. Expected time involvement is approximately three hours per week. Frequent participation in the discussion groups is an integral part of each seminar experience.
3.4.2. On-Campus Research Seminar (Face-to-Face)
Research seminars are conducted on campus. Each research seminar counts as four semester hours of credit and consists of 24 hours of classroom instruction built upon the foundational research component completed prior to coming to campus and preparatory for the advanced research component following the on-campus seminar.
Research seminars engage students in critical reflection and dialogue. Research seminars also assist the doctoral student in preparing to meet educational objectives for the advanced research component that follows on-campus study.
Students are physically on campus three times per year. The seminar dates are posted at the start of each new cohort and are rarely changed; this allows students to make travel plans and arrangements with their employers well in advance of the seminar. CSGS does retain the right to make changes to the calendar as necessary, but will inform students in adequate time for students to make adjustments to their travel plans.
Seminars are three days in length, scheduled from 8 AM to 5 PM. The first seminar begins on Monday and continues to Wednesday evening. The second seminar begins Thursday morning and continues to Saturday evening.
3.4.3 Online Advance Research (Post-Seminar)
During the second half of the course, following the last session of the on-campus research seminar, students are required to complete readings and research corresponding to the educational objectives of that seminar. Specific assignments are found in the course syllabus. Online Advance Research participation expectations and requirements are the same as Online Foundational Research participation (3.4.1 above)