This course on research methods for theology and religious studies is required for all first year MA students. The aim is to help students identify research questions, and learn the tools needed in order to formulate a research project or a practical project portfolio, including relevant methods and theoretical approaches. For all students, topics discussed will be defining theology and religious studies, methods include sociology of religion, critical theory, and comparative religion/interreligious dialogue. For the research track, methods include document analysis, hermeneutics, ethnography, and the foundations of theology and ethics. Tools include identifying the elements and standards of effective graduate-level academic writing, and the construction of well-researched papers: a solid thesis, supporting evidence, original voice, suitable academic style, and proper citations. For the professional track, methods include discourse analysis, qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. Tools include participant observation, facilitation of focus groups, human subject protocols, and the formulation of a research portfolio.