Choosing a topic that reflects exegetical, theological, historical, or literary interests from within the “Writings,” you will write a 20 to 25 page double spaced research paper following standard Turabian format.
Choosing a topic that reflects exegetical
Research Paper: Final Assignment Instructions
Overview
In the PhD in Bible Exposition, writing and research at the course level is at the core of academic development leading to the point of competency for dissertation writing. The research paper in OBST 860 is an opportunity for students to select a topic of choice within the “Writings,” and thoroughly research that topic to considerable depth. The research paper should include a clear thesis statement that is thoroughly supported by an examination of content and relevant source material.
Instructions
Choosing a topic that reflects exegetical, theological, historical, or literary interests from within the “Writings,” you will write a 20 to 25 page double spaced research paper following standard Turabian format. Students will choose their topic (with faculty direction), research the topic, and develop and defend a thesis through the course of their writing.
The development of this research paper should begin near the start of the 8 week term, with research and writing taking place throughout the class. There is some flexibility in style depending on the topic of the paper (an exegetical paper may have a different look from a historical analysis). Whatever the exact subject, in the end, the paper should reflect PhD level depth and style.
Research is an important component in this assignment, and as determined by the topic, students should utilize 10 to 20 academic sources in their research, including but not limited to academic commentaries, journal articles, and monographs.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This manual is intended as a guide in writing the DMiss dissertation. It sets forth format
requirements that are unique to Andrews University. You must counsel with your adviser concerning any
special departmental requirements that may apply. Your dissertation should be prepared in the format
specified in this manual and in accordance with those special requirements.
STYLE VS. FORMAT
Many students ask, What is the difference between style and format?
Style dictates such matters as whether to use footnotes or in-text references, whether to write
numbers as words or figures; capitalization rules, and whether a bibliography or reference list is
produced. At the beginning of writing, you and your adviser must agree on the style to be used; that style
must be followed throughout the paper.
Andrews University requires a certain format for dissertations (regardless of style chosen), which
includes (1) margins and spacing, (2) the placement and layout of preliminary pages, (3) placement of
page numbers, (4) subheads, and (5) how to display tables and figures.
FONTS, PAPER, AND PRINTING
Fonts similar to Times New Roman, New Century Schoolbook, and Courier are acceptable. A
serif rather than a sans serif typeface (such as Arial) is preferred. The size of the type should range
between 10 and 12 points. Do not use a compressed typeface or any settings on your system that would
decrease the spacing between letters or words. The default settings are normally acceptable.
The final paper must comply with all the rules regarding format (margins, spacing, and page number placement).
All text is double spaced on one side of the paper with block quotes single-spaced. The draft
version of the dissertation for your advisers (if they require it for the defense) may be printed on
multipurpose paper.
You are required to submit a word copy to the dissertation secretary. Un-link any live URLs and
convert these to black text. Convert your electronic file to a pdf, which will embed fonts and preserve
graphics at a print-quality resolution.
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