This course is designed to assist the student in developing writing skills for his work in the Doctor of Philosophy program. It is designed to cover the basic elements of form and style appropriate for doctoral studies and to give a general overview of the preparation of a doctoral dissertation. The course is for four semester hours of credit but is not included in the requirements for the doctoral seminars regularly assigned to meet the qualifications for the major and minor fields.

This course is designed as a study of the philosophy and methodology of teaching at the postsecondary level. The seminar will include necessary elements for the preparation of teaching a graduate-level course. These elements include creating a syllabus, stating objectives, preparing assignments, meeting the class for the first time, understanding learning theory and motivation, and understanding teaching methodology. The course is for three semester hours of credit but is not included in the requirements for the doctoral seminars regularly assigned to meet the qualifications for the major and minor fields.

This course is designed to aid students in their proficiency in social science methodology. Equivalent work from another recognized institution may be accepted in fulfillment of this requirement at the discretion of the doctoral programs committee. A prospective PhD student who has earned a Master of Divinity or is in his last year of the MDiv program may be allowed, with permission from the doctoral programs committee, to enroll in this course. This course may be used as a substitute for one classical or modern language requirement.