THEO 626
RESEARCH PROJECT: FINAL SUBMISSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
The final submission of the research project serves as the culmination of the student inquiry into
the relevant theological research question. While many papers are simply thoughts and
arguments of others pieced together to meet a length requirement, a quality research paper
instead will thoroughly investigate the topic, analyze the material, and present the results in an
original and creative way.
INSTRUCTIONS
The paper will be submitted in four phases. The first phase (Annotated Bibliography) will
be submitted in Module 2: Week 2; followed by the second phase (Thesis/Summary) in
Module 4: Week 4; the third phase (Outline and Introduction) in Module 6: Week 6; and
the fourth (Final Submission) in Module 8: Week 8.
Students will complete a 12 – 15-page research paper on a specific area within the study
of the doctrine of God (page count does not include title page or bibliography). One
should avoid topics that are extremely broad in their range (the Trinity, the sovereignty of
God, openness theology). While any of these three broad areas might properly be
explored, entire books are standard fare to do so. Thus, some further limitation is
necessary for a paper of only 12 – 15 pages. Note that the first page of the paper (not the
Contents page or Title page) should be page 1. That is where the page count begins.
The paper must include sections giving a brief synopsis on the history or development of
this doctrine (1 – 2 pages) and an application of this doctrine for the church today (1 – 2
pages). There must be at least one academic source per page in length: therefore, for a 13-
page paper, at least 13 bibliographic sources which are incorporated into the writing of
the body of the paper (not just listed at the end). Any source listed in the bibliography
which is not cited in the paper does not count. Course texts may be included in the final
bibliography and writing of the paper but do not count as sources for the paper. Be sure
there is an approximate 50/50 balance of scholarly books and journals.
In general, avoid websites, dictionaries, and encyclopedias as sources. The latter two
should serve as outside/supplemental tools for gathering information, but a theological
research paper demands more than Webster’s Dictionary for a source. Also, the sources
should be centered on the topic of the paper. Thus, works with ‘Introduction’ or ‘Survey’
in the title generally are of little use to develop a thesis.
Be certain to incorporate needed changes/updates/corrections from the previous phases of
the paper into the final submission.
Follow the Liberty Writing Guide, Sample Paper, and Turabian Template available for
use either with or without headings (check with professor as to which style to follow).
[See Academic Success Center online].
Edit for typos, spelling, grammar, and style based on current Turabian formatting (which
includes a title page and proper page numbering).
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
