GTU MA RESEARCH METHODS (MA-1000)

his course introduces students to master’s level research methods and writing for religious studies. The course will begin with a brief introduction to religious studies as an academic discipline, focusing on major theorists, methodological and theoretical approaches, and bibliographic resources. The remainder of the course will address effective reading and research methods; clear, graduate-level academic writing; and the construction, from start to finish, of well-researched papers that contain a solid thesis, supporting evidence, original voice, suitable style, and correct citations. By the end of this course each student will complete several short writing assignments, a draft thesis proposal, and a 10-12-page research paper in the student's area of interest.  This course is intended primarily for GTU MA students but is also open to other master’s level students focusing on academic research. This course is offered every semester, either in-person or concurrent hybrid. Course is taught by PhD student Nosizwe Breaux-Abdur-Rahman with a Newhall award, under the supervision of Dr. Diandra Erickson. [Auditors excluded]