DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - Catalogcatalog.swbts.edu/catalog/assets/File/Theology/doctor_of_philosoph… · The Doctor of Philosophy Handbook also provides faculty with information necessary

Revised 7/2013

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

HANDBOOK

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

School of Theology

2013-2014

Associate Dean for the PhD Program

George L. Klein

Revised 7/2013

CONTENTS

PURPOSE OF THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY HANDBOOK ................................................. ii PREFACE ...................................................................................................................................... iii

Purpose of the PhD Program...................................................................................................... iii Accreditation .............................................................................................................................. iii PhD Program Majors ................................................................................................................. iii PhD Program Minors ................................................................................................................. iv

Establishment of Majors and Minors ......................................................................................... iv

Time Limit ................................................................................................................................. iv

Appeals Process ......................................................................................................................... iv

ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM ............................................. 1

Admission to the Seminary ......................................................................................................... 1

Prerequisites for Admission to the PhD Program ....................................................................... 1

PhD Application Process ............................................................................................................ 2

Fall Matriculation Time Line ...................................................................................................... 3

Spring Matriculation Time Line ................................................................................................. 3

Academic Requirements ............................................................................................................. 3

Research Language Requirements .............................................................................................. 4

Admissions Decisions ................................................................................................................. 5

Post-Notification Procedures ...................................................................................................... 6

New Student Orientation............................................................................................................. 6

TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAM ................................................................................... 7

Leave of Absence ........................................................................................................................ 8

Withdrawal from the PhD Program ............................................................................................ 8

COST OF THE PROGRAM ........................................................................................................... 9

SEMINARS .................................................................................................................................. 10

General Information .................................................................................................................. 10

Faculty Supervisors ................................................................................................................... 10

Registration ............................................................................................................................... 10

Grading ..................................................................................................................................... 11

Focused Field Study .................................................................................................................. 11

Seminar Requirements .............................................................................................................. 11

Recommended Seminar Sequence ............................................................................................ 12

Transfer Credit .......................................................................................................................... 13

Special Categories of Seminar Participation ............................................................................. 13

Research Standards for Seminar Papers ................................................................................... 13

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS ..................................................................................... 14

Comprehensive Bibliographies ................................................................................................. 14

Comprehensive Examination .................................................................................................... 14

THE PROSPECTUS ..................................................................................................................... 16

General Information .................................................................................................................. 16

Selection of Dissertation Supervisor ......................................................................................... 16

Writing the Prospectus .............................................................................................................. 17

Submission of the Prospectus ................................................................................................... 17

THE DISSERTATION ................................................................................................................. 19

Student Progress in Dissertation Stage ..................................................................................... 19

Writing the Dissertation ............................................................................................................ 19

Format of the Dissertation Defense Draft ................................................................................. 19

Abstract ................................................................................................................................. 19

Arrangement of Dissertation ................................................................................................. 19

Style ...................................................................................................................................... 20

Length ................................................................................................................................... 20

Printing .................................................................................................................................. 20

Evaluation of the Dissertation Defense Draft and Oral Defense .............................................. 20

Dissertation Grading ................................................................................................................. 21

Dissertation Evaluation Timetable ............................................................................................ 22

The Preservation and Use of Dissertations ............................................................................... 23

APPENDIX A: PHD OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................. 24

APPENDIX B: PHD PROGRAM SUPERVISION ..................................................................... 26

APPENDIX C: PHD SEMINAR TIMESLOTS ........................................................................... 30

APPENDIX D: ENTRANCE PAPER RUBRIC .......................................................................... 31

APPENDIX E: ENTRANCE EXAM RUBRIC ........................................................................... 36

APPENDIX F: SEMINAR PAPER RUBRIC .............................................................................. 41

APPENDIX G: ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION RUBRIC .................................. 47

APPENDIX H: DISSERTATION DEFENSE DRAFT RUBRIC................................................ 52

APPENDIX I: PROGRAM FORMS ............................................................................................ 58

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PURPOSE OF THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY HANDBOOK

The Doctor of Philosophy Handbook serves only as a guide and in no way functions as a contract. The PhD student acknowledges that the requirements for the program and the evaluation of the student’s work lie solely with Southwestern Seminary and its personnel. Moreover, the Doctor of Philosophy Handbook is subject to periodic revision. PhD students must follow the guidelines of the current revision of the Handbook.

The Doctor of Philosophy Handbook also provides faculty with information necessary to fulfill their teaching and supervisory responsibilities for PhD students.

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PREFACE

Purpose of the PhD Program

The PhD program prepares persons of exceptional ability to serve as teachers in specialized areas of theology and as pastors, chaplains, denominational leaders, or authors. The PhD program emphasizes the attainment of expertise in a theological discipline, resting upon competence in both biblical and non-biblical languages through quality research and critical evaluative skills, resulting in a significant contribution to the student’s field. PhD study requires a high degree of originality, independence, analytical research, judgment, and skill in articulating research findings.

Accreditation Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award degrees at the Masters and Doctoral levels. Additionally, Southwestern Seminary and the Doctor of Philosophy degree are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

PhD Program Majors The School of Theology PhD program offers the following areas of study (majors) within its divisions: Biblical Studies Theological Studies Old Testament Systematic Theology New Testament Church History & Historical Theology* Archaeology and Biblical Studies**

Ethics and Philosophical Studies Preaching and Pastoral Studies Christian Ethics Preaching Philosophy of Religion Pastoral Studies Faculty availability and specializations determine seminar offerings and dissertation supervision. *All Church History & Historical Theology majors must choose one of the following specializations in lieu of a minor: Early Church Studies Reformation Studies Baptist and Free Church Studies Modern Church Studies **For more details about the development of the Archaeology and Biblical Studies major, please contact Dr. Steve Ortiz ([email protected]).

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PhD Program Minors

PhD students in the School of Theology may apply to a minor in any area in which the seminary offers minors. All PhD applicants must declare their intended minor at the time of application. Applicants may petition their supervisor and the PhD office to minor in their major field. Please contact the PhD office for further information. The School of Theology PhD program offers the following minors within its divisions: Biblical Studies Theological Studies Old Testament Systematic Theology New Testament Church History & Historical Theology New Testament Theology Early Church Studies (New Testament majors only) Baptist and Free Church Studies Archaeology and Biblical Studies Reformation Studies Biblical Theology Modern Church Studies

Ethics and Philosophical Studies Preaching and Pastoral Studies Christian Ethics Preaching Philosophy of Religion Pastoral Studies Students must complete the comprehensive bibliography, reading seminars in the minor, and the comprehensive exam in their minor area.

Establishment of Majors and Minors

New PhD majors and minors must be approved by the supervisors overseeing the proposed field, the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, the Dean, and the Provost.

Time Limit

The PhD must be completed within seven years from matriculation to the doctoral program. Extensions may be granted to students who are serving on an international mission field or in cases of extenuating circumstances.

Appeals Process

Student appeals of academic decisions flow sequentially first to the supervisor, then the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, the Dean, the Provost, and finally the President. A request to appeal to a higher level does not guarantee that the question will be entertained further.

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ADMISSION TO THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM

Admission to the Seminary

Applicants who have not previously attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary must submit a complete application for general admission to the seminary through the Office of Admissions. General admission application forms can be found online at www.swbts.edu. All applicants must gain admission to the seminary prior to receiving admission to the PhD program. Current students or alumni of SWBTS who have graduated within the last three years must complete a Continued Studies Request or a Former Student Enrollment Update Request. These forms are available from the Office of the Registrar. Those alumni or former students who have not attended SWBTS within the last three years must reapply for admission.

Prerequisites for Admission to the PhD Program

Applicants must hold a master’s degree in biblical and theological studies from a regionally accredited college, university, or seminary. Acceptable degrees for entrance into the PhD program include the Master of Theology (ThM) and the Master of Divinity (MDiv). The Master of Arts in Theology (MATh) may be acceptable for some majors depending on the overall content of the degree curriculum in relationship to the desired area of study. All applicants to the program must possess exegetical competence in Biblical Hebrew and Greek. Exegetical competence in the biblical languages minimally includes the following:

1. Appreciation of the basic structure and features of the biblical languages.

2. Capability of analyzing syntax at both the level of word and clause.

3. Ability to discern the meaning of a biblical word in context by using primary sources, while avoiding common fallacies

4. Facility in using the best critical resources, including lexicons, technical commentaries,

historical and other specialized sources.

5. Awareness of basic hermeneutical conventions.

6. Understanding of the basic text critical issues in both testaments.

7. Ability to determine the central point and purpose of a passage in context.

8. Reasonable reading skills in Greek and Hebrew as appropriate. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.3 or higher in graduate studies in Bible and theology. If an applicant has not completed the degree program, transcripts verifying the possibility of attaining a 3.3 must be submitted before an application will be considered.

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PhD Application Process

Application for admission to the PhD program is made through the PhD Office. International applicants must submit their transcripts to the World Education Services (www.wes.org; P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745; 800-937-3895; fax: 212-739-6100) for evaluation. The evaluation service sends evaluation results directly to the PhD office. Each applicant must submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam Standard Examination (GRE). The GRE should be taken at least four months prior to the entrance examination and must have been taken no more than five years prior to applying for admission to Southwestern’s PhD program. Applicants must take the GRE at a testing center, since Southwestern Seminary does not administer the GRE. The GRE may be taken more than once, but only one score will be considered with the application. Each applicant must take the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing portions of the General Test. International applicants must complete the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign language) with a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test or 250 on the computer-based test. Students who do not complete the internet-based TOEFL must also complete the TSE (Test of Spoken English). International applicants who have successfully completed an accredited English-language based degree may petition the PhD office to have this requirement waived. Each applicant must submit a substantial research paper on a subject in the student’s chosen major representing the applicant’s best research and writing. The use of primary sources and the biblical languages (where applicable) will be examined carefully. The argumentation of the paper, including the clarity of the thesis, evaluation of evidence, and exercise of critical thought (as opposed to descriptive treatments), plays an essential role in the faculty’s assessment of research papers. The form and style should follow the Southwestern Seminary Manual of Style. Each applicant must provide three confidential recommendations by former graduate level professors. Reference forms are distributed by the PhD office directly. These forms must be submitted separately by the professors electronically or in sealed envelopes over which the professor has signed his or her name across the seal. Applicants whose application form, research document, standardized test scores, and academic reference forms are posted by the deadline may be invited for an interview and asked to write an examination in their major field. The entrance examination probes the applicant’s knowledge in the major field and tests the ability to organize and express those thoughts logically and clearly. Entrance examinations require two hours. Those who have completed their application requirements will be notified by the PhD office of the time, date, and place for the examination. Study aids for this exam are available from the office of the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. Professors in the major division will interview qualified applicants.

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Fall Matriculation Time Line Timeframe Action Preliminary Step Academic year prior to the intended beginning of PhD studies.

Applicant requests application materials (applications forms, including a list of required documents to support the application).

Application deadline By the last Friday in January. Items mailed must be postmarked by the last Friday in January.

Applicants must submit to the PhD office: PhD application, official transcripts, GRE scores, WES (if applicable), TOEFL (if applicable), and substantial research paper.

Intent to sit for Entrance Exams 2nd Friday in February

Applicants invited to take the entrance exams must confirm by returning the reservation form sent with the invitation.

Entrance Exams and Interview 1st Monday in March Major Exam: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. As scheduled

Applicants write the entrance exam in their major field. Applicants interview with the major field faculty.

Spring Matriculation Time Line Timeframe Action Preliminary Step Academic year prior to the intended beginning of PhD studies.

Applicant requests application materials (applications forms, including a list of required documents to support the application).

Application deadline By the last Friday in August. Items mailed must be postmarked by the last Friday in August.

Applicants must submit to the PhD office: PhD application, official transcripts, GRE scores, WES (if applicable), TOEFL (if applicable), and substantial research paper.

Intent to sit for Entrance Exams 2nd Friday in September

Applicants invited to take the entrance exams must confirm by returning the reservation form sent with the invitation.

Entrance Exams and Interview 1st Monday in October Major Exam: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. As scheduled

Applicants write the entrance exam in their major field. Applicants interview with the major field faculty.

Each applicant will be contacted by the Department Chair in the major field to arrange the faculty interview. The faculty in the area of the intended minor may wish to interview the applicant.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must have completed elective work in their desired field of study beyond the introductory courses required in a standard MDiv degree. Each applicant’s portfolio will be evaluated by potential faculty supervisors. Admission decisions rest totally on the strength of the complete portfolio. Those deemed insufficiently prepared will be denied admission.

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In addition to exegetical competence in both Biblical Hebrew and Greek, each division of the School of Theology requires graduate-level preparation that applicants must complete prior to beginning seminars. PhD supervisors in the applicant’s major field, in consultation with the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, determine what leveling course work must be completed on the basis of the applicant’s graduate transcripts.

Research Language Requirements

Each major in the School of Theology requires two research languages as research tools and determines specific research language competencies. Applicants who must complete leveling work should pursue research language studies while doing leveling work, provided that taking electives in the major and minor remains the priority. The Research Language program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offers courses in Theological German, French, Latin, Spanish, and Arabic. The seminary also offers Rhetoric and Advanced Logic. The supervisor in the applicant’s major normally assigns two research languages, based on divisional guidelines, in which the student must attain competency. English may not serve as one of the two research languages. Students are strongly encouraged to follow the “Recommended Seminar Sequence” (p. 11), completing their research languages at the end of the first year of seminar study. For those who anticipate taking more than three years to complete their seminars, the first research language must be completed at the end of the first year of seminars and the second research language by the conclusion of the second. Normally, students may not enroll in research seminars in the major until both research languages have been completed. Students must document competency either by transcripted hours or a letter from the Director of the Research Language Program at Southwestern Seminary verifying that the student has successfully passed proficiency examinations. Failure to meet the division’s required research language competencies may result in the student’s termination from the program. Major Field Research Language Competencies:

Biblical Studies Old Testament and New Testament

German French

Archaeology and Biblical Studies* Arabic Modern Greek French Modern Hebrew German Turkish Italian

Theological Studies

Systematic Theology, Church History and Historical Theology German Latin

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Ethics and Philosophical Studies Christian Ethics, Philosophy of Religion

Intermediate Logic** German, French, or Latin

Preaching and Pastoral Studies

Preaching, Pastoral Ministry Division approved graduate-level courses in rhetorical theory Intermediate Logic** German, French, Latin, or other approved research language

*For specific direction about research languages for Archaeology and Biblical Studies, please contact Dr. Steve Ortiz ([email protected]). **To meet this requirement, students must show proficiency in Modal, Symbolic, and Quantification Logic. Critical Thinking, or an equivalent introductory class in logic, is a prerequisite for Intermediate Logic. Incoming students who are missionaries may petition their supervisor and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program to use an appropriate language from their mission field as a research language, provided that the language will serve as a research tool during doctoral studies. Language substitution petitions require the approval of the major supervisor and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. Minor Field Research Language Competencies:

PhD program minors do not require additional language competencies.

Admissions Decisions

The applicant’s admission to the PhD program does not rest on a single factor but on the strength of the entire portfolio, demonstrating readiness for PhD work. PhD program faculty in the applicant’s major and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program evaluate the applicant’s fitness for doctoral studies. Students will be notified by mail after taking the entrance examinations whether they have been accepted into the PhD program. PhD applicant decision letters are generally sent out in mid to late April for fall matriculation, and mid to late November for spring matriculation. After all admissions materials have been compiled, the Department Chair calls a meeting of all faculty supervisors in the applicant’s major. After carefully reviewing all documents in an applicant’s portfolio, faculty supervisors in the student’s major field recommend admission or rejection to the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. While the supervisors’ recommendation is normally accepted, should the Associate Dean reject their recommendation, he will do so only after further consultation with the supervisors and the approval of the Dean. Applicants denied admission to the PhD program may reapply only once. All application materials are confidential. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program and faculty have no obligation to divulge information regarding admission decisions.

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Students admitted to the PhD program who do not begin seminar studies within one and one-half years from the time of admission must submit a new application both for PhD study and for general admission to the seminary. Prior to beginning seminars, newly admitted PhD students may opt to defer their doctoral studies for one or two semesters by giving written notice to the PhD office. Failure to matriculate within one year of acceptance to the PhD program will necessitate reapplication to the PhD program.

Post-Notification Procedures

Upon admission to the program, the student will be assigned a major and a minor supervisor, in consultation with the major supervisor and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. The supervisors will be members of the Southwestern faculty who specialize in the student’s areas of research. The student will schedule a meeting with the major supervisor to determine the student’s area of specialization within the major. The major and minor supervisors constitute the student’s Seminar Supervisory Committee. After being admitted to the program, the student will receive seminar information for the next academic year. With the approval of the major and minor supervisors, the student will register for seminars during a registration period posted by the PhD office. Newly admitted students also receive comprehensive bibliographies in their major and minor areas. Students should begin reading from the bibliographies immediately and continue to do so until completing their comprehensive exams.

New Student Orientation

Prior to the beginning of their first semester, all incoming PhD students must attend PhD orientation. The PhD office provides incoming students with the orientation schedule and venue.

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TERMINATION FROM THE PROGRAM Termination from the program may occur for the following reasons:

Failure to meet research language competencies during the first two years of seminar work. Failure to complete the program in the allotted time. Students have seven years to complete the course of study, calculated from the first semester of enrollment in seminars and terminating on the last regular business day of August in the seventh year. The time missionaries serve on foreign fields does not count against their seven year deadline. Failure to maintain continuous enrollment. Each student must enroll in the fall and spring semesters each year and pay the required fees from the time seminars begin until graduation. The seminary grants exceptions to missionaries serving on foreign fields who must enroll and pay fees when on stateside assignment. If a missionary wishes to work on a dissertation with faculty supervision while abroad, the student must pay the continuous enrollment fee while doing so, and the time will be counted among the seven years allowed to complete the program. No PhD seminars are offered during summer sessions. Consequently, no continuous enrollment fee is required during those sessions. Failure to pay enrollment fees results in termination from the program. Failure at any stage of the program. Failure of seminar work, comprehensive examinations, or dissertation stage work results in termination from the program. See information elsewhere in the Doctor of Philosophy Handbook regarding grading at each stage.

In case of failure at the comprehensive examination or dissertation stages, the Associate Dean for the PhD Program may recommend to the faculty the awarding of a Master of Theology degree upon the request of the student and the major supervisor. Decisions regarding a student’s continuance in the program will be made according to the policies of the PhD program in the School of Theology. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program and the faculty of the School of Theology reserve the right to decline admission or continuance to those failing to meet the established criteria, including those who conduct themselves in ways inconsistent with a calling to Christian ministry. Ethical and moral concerns, as determined by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, will be referred to the Vice President for Student Services for disposition. Academic concerns, as determined solely by the program faculty and Associate Dean for the PhD Program, will be addressed by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, in consultation with the Supervisory Committee. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program makes the final decision according to policy.

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Matters that are in the judgment of the Associate Dean for the PhD Program neither solely ethical and moral nor solely academic will be addressed by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program in consultation with the appropriate seminary officer(s). The Associate Dean for the PhD Program, in consultation with the Supervisory Committee and the Dean, will make the final decision on such matters.

Leave of Absence

PhD students who face personal crises may petition the Associate Dean for the PhD Program to take a one-semester leave of absence to address their problems. The Associate Dean for PhD Program, in consultation with the student’s major (and minor) supervisor(s), approves or denies requests for a leave of absence. Students normally do not receive more than a single, one-semester leave of absence during their doctoral programs. Receiving a leave of absence does not extend the deadline for completing PhD studies. A leave of absence exists solely for emergency situations.

Withdrawal from the PhD Program

PhD students in good standing may withdraw from the PhD program by notifying the Associate Dean for the PhD Program in writing of their intent. Students who withdraw from the PhD program may subsequently apply for readmission. However, readmission cannot be guaranteed. Students who have withdrawn from the PhD program must first gain readmission to Southwestern Seminary. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program and the applicant’s former major (and minor) supervisor(s) make readmission decisions. If readmitted, the student’s deadline remains the same as if no withdrawal occurred. The current Doctor of Philosophy Handbook governs all PhD students, including those returning to the program after a hiatus.

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COST OF THE PROGRAM Each PhD student is required to pay the general matriculation fee and all student fees of the institution as well as the PhD studies fee each semester until the degree has been completed. Fees are established by the seminary administration, not by the PhD office, and are subject to change. Tuition* - Southern Baptist (per semester, Cooperative Program Scholarship) $2,800.00 Tuition* - Non-Southern Baptist (per semester) $5,600.00 *Research language courses and Focused Field Study Courses are not included in this amount. These courses will be billed at the hourly rate for masters courses. Financial assistance is not available through the PhD office. However, a Research Doctoral Grant is provided to PhD students of good standing during the first eight semesters of their study at Southwestern Seminary. All inquiries regarding the grant or any other financial assistance should be made through the Student Financial Aid office of the seminary (http://www.swbts.edu/index.cfm?pageid=720).

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SEMINARS

General Information

At the beginning of seminar studies, PhD students may request a carrel in Roberts Library. The Coordinator for Doctoral Carrels in Roberts Library makes carrel assignments annually, renewable upon student request. PhD students must follow all Roberts Library regulations, including those pertaining to carrel use.

Each PhD student must complete the Graduate Research Seminar, four reading seminars in the major field, two reading seminars in the minor field, four research seminars in the major field, two research seminars in the minor field, and the Teaching in Higher Education Seminar. Completion of the Master of Theology at Southwestern Seminary may reduce seminar requirements.

A student may not enroll in the DMin degree while studying for the PhD degree. For general information concerning the scheduling of reading seminars and research seminars, see APPENDIX C.

Faculty Supervisors

Each seminar stage student will be assigned a Supervisory Committee comprising two professors who guide the student’s study in the major and minor areas. Faculty supervisors give counsel concerning study programs, approve seminar selection, as well as prepare and evaluate the comprehensive examinations at the conclusion of seminars. The faculty supervisor in the major requires his PhD students to pursue the field of study in which he researches. Should beginning PhD students desire to pursue another area within their major, they may petition the Associate Dean for the PhD Program to change supervisors. Students who have been in the PhD program for some time should not normally seek to change supervisors. PhD supervisors may determine that a student lacks doctoral level competence in English, the Biblical languages, or other areas of such significance that the student’s academic progress is in jeopardy. In such cases the supervisor, in consultation with the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, will require the student to complete remedial studies in the area(s) of weakness. The major supervisor usually guides students throughout the entire PhD program. The Supervisory Committee guides students through the seminar stage and comprehensive examinations and differs in composition and purpose from the Dissertation Supervisory Committee.

Registration

The PhD office schedules seminar registration approximately four months prior to the beginning of the academic year. Each student receives an email with seminar schedules, exact dates for registration, and other information. All registration decisions require the approval of the student’s supervisors. After receiving signed registration forms, the PhD office then enrolls

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students for their chosen seminars through the Office of the Registrar. The Office of the Registrar distributes official schedules and fee statements. Since professors structure seminar requirements to the individual members of their seminars and give advance assignments, students are not allowed to drop or add seminars after the conclusion of the registration period unless compelling reasons for an exception exist. Exceptions require the approval of the professor(s), supervisor, and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. Students who do not complete the drop process and do not participate in a seminar in which they are enrolled will receive a failing grade for the seminar and will be placed on probation.

Entrance into any PhD seminar outside the major or minor disciplines requires the approval of the seminar professor and the major or minor supervisor.

Grading Each professor determines the requirements and method of evaluating students in the seminar. Any grade lower than “B” is a failing grade. Any student who fails a seminar may be dismissed from the program or placed on academic probation and closely monitored until such time as the Associate Dean for the PhD Program removes the probation. Failure of any two seminars results in immediate dismissal from the PhD program.

The Associate Dean for the PhD Program reviews the progress of each student based upon reports from the Supervisory Committee. Students may be terminated from the program if the reports indicate that their work, in the judgment of the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, in consultation with the Supervisory Committee, does not merit continuing in the PhD program.

Focused Field Study

All incoming PhD students will enroll in two semesters of Focused Field Study, advanced master’s electives in the student’s major field, during the first year of PhD studies. Faculty from the student’s major field and the PhD office will determine the Focused Field Study coursework for each incoming PhD student. If deemed exceptionally prepared by the faculty from the student’s major field and the PhD office, students may be exempted from this requirement.

Seminar Requirements

At least four research seminars (four hours each) and a major area reading seminar (eight hours: two hours per semester for two consecutive semesters and the first and second summer of PhD studies) in a particular area of study constitute a major. Two research seminars (four hours each) and a minor field reading seminar (four hours: two hours per semester for two consecutive semesters) in an area of study distinct from the major constitute a minor.

In addition, students take the Graduate Research Seminar (two hours) during the first year of seminars unless they have already taken it as part of master’s level study. The Graduate Research Seminar probes the nature and methods of research as well as argumentation.

The Teaching in Higher Education Seminar (two hours) falls at the conclusion of the seminar stage. This seminar introduces the standard organization and policies at institutions of higher education.

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Students must complete all seminars prior to taking comprehensive exams (with the possible exception of the Teaching in Higher Education Seminar). Students must successfully complete their comprehensive exams before submitting a dissertation prospectus.

The Supervisory Committee must approve the selection of all seminars.

Once accepted into the PhD program, a student may change majors only in exceptional circumstances with the approval of the student’s Supervisory Committee, the supervisor in the intended major, and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. The student must pass the entrance exam of the proposed major before changing majors. Students who change majors must complete all requirements of their new major irrespective of work completed in the old major and retain the original deadline for completion of PhD studies. Changing majors is tantamount reapplying to the PhD program. Students desiring to change minors must obtain the approval of the major supervisor, faculty in the minor field, and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program.

Recommended Seminar Sequence

Prior to Matriculation: Research Language Study

First Year Fall Semester / Hours Spring Semester / Hours Graduate Research Seminar (2) Focused Field Study Focused Field Study Major Field Reading Seminar (2) Major Field Reading Seminar (2) Minor Field Reading Seminar (2) Minor Field Reading Seminar (2) Research Language Study* Research Language Study*

Summer of First Year: Reading Comprehensive Bibliography Major Field Reading Seminar (2) Research Language Study

Second Year Fall Semester / Hours Spring Semester / Hours Research Seminar in Major Field (4) Research Seminar in Major Field (4) Research Seminar in Minor Field (4) Research Seminar in Minor Field (4)

Summer of Second Year: Reading Comprehensive Bibliography Major Field Reading Seminar (2)

Third Year Fall Semester / Hours Spring Semester / Hours Research Seminar in Major Field (4) Comprehensive Exams Research Seminar in Major Field (4) Submission of Dissertation Prospectus Teaching in Higher Ed. Seminar (2)

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* Research language study is required but not credited as hours toward the PhD degree.

Transfer Credit

No credit toward the PhD degree will be given for work done at another institution unless the student has already been admitted to the PhD program at Southwestern Seminary and directed to do work at another institution by the student’s Supervisory Committee and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. The maximum amount of external study that may be credited to a student’s program is the equivalent of two research seminars (eight hours).

Special Categories of Seminar Participation

Currently enrolled PhD students may take more seminars than their course of study requires. The additional seminars may be taken either before or after the comprehensive exam. Additional seminars also require full participation in the seminar and completion of all requirements. No auditors may enroll in PhD seminars without the approval of the professor, the supervisor, and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. The seminar professor determines the requirements for auditors in seminars. Visiting scholars whose status is approved by the Provost may attend seminars as space allows, with the approval of the seminar professor and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program.

Research Standards for Seminar Papers

The purpose of the seminar determines the nature of the seminar paper. Each seminar paper must comply with the Southwestern Seminary Manual of Style. The preparation of seminar papers allows students to prepare to write their dissertation. Each seminar paper should thus uphold the same high standards as the dissertation itself. Seminar papers must rely on primary sources and must give evidence of meticulous research, incorporating non-English sources where appropriate. Seminar papers must reflect formal English style, suitable as a typescript for publication. Any seminar paper that falls short of PhD program standards will be failed (see Appendix F).

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COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS

Comprehensive Bibliographies

The comprehensive bibliography has been defined by the faculty as the “canon” of literature in a field with which any mature scholar in that discipline would be conversant. Comprehensive bibliographies should include older works which have defined the discipline as well as more contemporary works which direct present discussions in the field. When a field regularly incorporates biblical material, the bibliography must include required readings from the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. The length of the bibliography should allow students to complete the readings after three academic years of aggressive effort, including the works completed in the reading seminar, research seminars, and all other occasions when seminars are not in session, particularly summers. Comprehensive bibliographies should be revised regularly to reflect developments in the discipline. Comprehensive exams are based on the body of material contained in the comprehensive bibliography, not solely on the content of seminars. Please implement the following procedure for revising comprehensive bibliographies:

1) The department chair distributes electronic copies of the comprehensive bibliography to all faculty who teach in the major, requesting that they note entries they want to delete and others to add; 2) The department chair collates faculty recommendations and distributes them to the department members prior to a departmental meeting; 3) The department chair calls the necessary departmental meeting(s) to finalize the current edition of the comprehensive bibliography; and 4) The department submits the approved version of the comprehensive bibliography to the PhD office for final review and implementation.

Comprehensive Examination

Comprehensive examinations require mastery of the field bibliographies distributed at the beginning of the student’s program. The major and minor supervisors may make minimal alterations to their respective bibliographies throughout the seminar stage, but no later than four months prior to the comprehensive examinations. Any change to a comprehensive bibliography must be communicated both to the student and to the PhD office in writing. The Supervisory Committee guides the student in finalizing preparation for the comprehensive examinations.

The entirety of the field bibliography must be read prior to the student notifying the Supervisory Committee and the PhD office in writing of readiness to take the major and minor

15

comprehensive examinations. The Supervisory Committee must grant its approval for the PhD office to schedule the student’s examinations. Supervisors prepare the comprehensive examination questions. The supervisor must draw comprehensive exam questions from the field bibliography. Student responses to comprehensive exam questions must interact with works found in the field bibliography. The oral comprehensive examination for the major and the minor lasts three hours. The PhD office schedules the times and locations of comprehensive examinations. Students may not use study aids during comprehensive examinations. Comprehensive examinations will receive a grade of Excellent, High Pass, Pass, Fail (Retake Permitted), or Fail (No Retake Permitted) with the supervisor’s recommendation that the student be terminated from the program (see Appendix G). A student who fails a comprehensive examination may receive one additional opportunity to pass the examination upon the recommendation of the Supervisory Committee and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. Students who do not pass their comprehensive examination may petition to be considered for a Master of Theology degree in recognition of their seminar work.

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THE PROSPECTUS

General Information

The student may submit a dissertation prospectus only after successfully completing the comprehensive examination. The major supervisor directs the preparation of the prospectus. The student should discuss dissertation topics with the faculty throughout the seminar stage of the program. As soon as a viable topic is identified, the student should begin to conduct initial research to test its potential. The student should report the results of such research to the supervisor. After completing comprehensive examinations, the student must register for Dissertation Research and Writing while conducting research on a topic suitable for a dissertation. When the major supervisor approves the prospectus, the student submits the prospectus for evaluation by the departmental faculty and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. Dissertations must make original contributions to knowledge in their field. The student should determine that no other dissertation has been written about the proposed topic, has treated the topic in the same way, and has drawn similar conclusions. The student should complete a dissertation search using Dissertation Abstracts, in addition to the normal processes of building a bibliography using indexes, catalogs, and the bibliographies and footnotes of works consulted. The student may need to use other resources to discover dissertations completed abroad. For more information about researching dissertations, contact the Reference Librarian in Roberts Library. The student who does not complete the prospectus by the end of the first semester of Dissertation Research and Writing may register for Dissertation Research and Writing for a second semester.

Selection of Dissertation Supervisor

Normally, the major supervisor during seminars also serves as the first reader on the dissertation and head of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee. To change the first supervisor requires the approval of the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. The first supervisor and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program identify a second dissertation supervisor, normally also from the same general field as the major supervisor. The first and second dissertation supervisors compose the Dissertation Supervisory Committee. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee guides the student throughout the preparation of the dissertation and must approve written work before submission to other readers or to the PhD office. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee, along with a third reader appointed by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, have the responsibility to evaluate the dissertation.

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Writing the Prospectus

The student begins by identifying the research question, followed by the establishment of the method of research and resulting thesis statement (proposed answer to the research problem). Out of the thesis statement flow the dissertation’s argument, structure, and title. The title of the dissertation should be concise and clear. The prospectus must carefully communicate the purpose and methodology of the investigation. The student may make some minor modifications later as the dissertation develops, in consultation with the Dissertation Supervisory Committee. However, any change in the title or major points of the outline or any major change in approach or methodology requires prior approval of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program.

The prospectus includes proposed chapter divisions, detailing each chapter’s subheadings.

A working bibliography will receive careful scrutiny. The bibliography should be sufficiently detailed to indicate that enough material exists to develop the dissertation. Primary sources should receive special attention. Students must not overlook foreign sources in the preparation of the bibliography. The prospectus should give the faculty confidence that the student has read widely from the bibliography and possesses sufficient maturity to articulate the general direction of the research.

The prospectus must adhere to the Southwestern Seminary Manual of Style. The body of the prospectus should not exceed 26 pages double spaced, using Times New Roman 12 point font. The prospectus must include the proposed title page.

Submission of the Prospectus

With the approval of the student’s dissertation supervisor, the student bears the responsibility to submit both five (5) paper copies of the prospectus and a .pdf copy by email to the PhD office. The student’s dissertation supervisor may recommend readers for the student’s prospectus to the department chair in the student’s major field. Four (4) copies of the prospectus go to the student’s Department Chair for distribution to the departmental faculty. One (1) copy remains with the Associate Dean for the PhD Program for evaluation. The Department Chair in the student’s major calls a departmental faculty meeting to assess the prospectus. The departmental faculty decline, return for further development, or approve the prospectus. If the prospectus is approved, departmental faculty recommend a second reader for the student’s dissertation to the PhD office.

18

The supervisor sends letters to the student, the PhD office, and the Division Chair, outlining the departmental faculty’s decision. The supervisor meets with the student to explain the faculty’s decision. The supervisor works with the student to make any changes desired by the faculty, and if required by the departmental faculty, the student resubmits both five (5) paper copies of the revised prospectus and a .pdf copy by email to the PhD office by the end of the semester (a one-semester extension may be granted). Students attain PhD candidacy status upon the approval of the prospectus by the divisional faculty and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program.

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THE DISSERTATION

Student Progress in Dissertation Stage

The student preparing a dissertation must enroll each semester in Dissertation Research and Writing. Each semester the supervisor sets objectives by which the student’s work will be graded. If the work fails to meet expectations, the supervisor notifies the PhD office which places the student on probation. Normally, two successive semesters on probation result in termination from the program.

Writing the Dissertation

The PhD dissertation must argue for a clearly articulated thesis which constitutes a contribution to scholarship in its field. It should demonstrate the candidate’s ability to design a viable research project, pursue the research in relative independence, and write with clarity and force (see Appendix E).

No dissertation may be dedicated to a member of the faculty of Southwestern Seminary. The student works with the Dissertation Supervisory Committee throughout the preparation of the dissertation. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee must approve the student’s Dissertation Defense Draft prior to formal submission to the PhD office. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee and the PhD office identify the third reader for the student’s dissertation no later than the submission of the student’s dissertation defense draft. The Dissertation Defense Draft forms the basis for the dissertation defense. Submitting the draft does not guarantee that the dissertation will pass.

Format of the Dissertation Defense Draft

Abstract

An abstract, 350 words in length (double-spaced), must accompany the dissertation. It should include the following:

Purpose of the dissertation Direction taken in developing the thesis Principal conclusions

Arrangement of Dissertation

The arrangement of the dissertation follows:

Front Blank page (required) Not counted, no page number Title page (required) Counted, but not numbered Copyright page (required) Counted, but not numbered Approval Sheet (required) Counted, but not numbered Dedication page (not required) Counted, but not numbered Abstract (required) Counted, but not numbered

20

Table of Contents (required) Numbered, roman numerals List of Abbreviations (if used) Numbered, roman numerals List of Figures (if used) Numbered, roman numerals List of Tables (if used) Numbered, roman numerals List of Plates (if used) Numbered, roman numerals Preface (required) Numbered, roman numerals Body of Text (required) Numbered, arabic numerals Appendixes (if used) Numbered, arabic numerals Bibliography (required) Numbered, arabic numerals Back Blank page (required) No page number

Style

The dissertation must adhere to the Southwestern Seminary Manual of Style. On matters not specifically addressed by the seminary style manual, the dissertation should adopt a clear and consistent style.

Length

Dissertations must be a minimum of 150 pages in length and may not exceed 250 pages without the approval of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. This page limitation applies to the body of the dissertation and excludes bibliography and appendices (if any).

Printing

The four copies of the dissertation draft may be submitted on 20 lb. copy paper. The four copies submitted for binding must be printed on 24 lb. weight, 100% cotton rag paper.

Evaluation of the Dissertation Defense Draft and Oral Defense

The PhD office distributes the Dissertation Defense Draft to the Dissertation Supervisory Committee and a third reader appointed by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, in consultation with the supervisor. Students must also submit a draft dissertation abstract for distribution to those from the faculty and student body of Southwestern Seminary who will observe the oral defense. Readers have 45 days to evaluate the dissertation. Each faculty reader will return the graded dissertation along with evaluative comments directly to the PhD office. Normally, no dissertation will receive a passing grade if one of the three readers assigns a failing grade. In the unlikely event that a question arises about the equitableness of a grade given by a faculty reader, the Associate Dean for the PhD Program will bring the issue to the Dean. If assigned a failing grade, the student must revise the dissertation according to the recommendations of the three faculty readers. Dissertation drafts which fail the evaluation of their readers do not proceed to an oral defense. The revised dissertation may not be submitted to the PhD office until the Dissertation Supervisory Committee gives its approval. After the three dissertation readers recommend the dissertation for oral defense, the PhD office schedules the defense. Faculty and students of Southwestern Seminary may observe the oral defense.

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If the dissertation is not successfully defended, the student may be given one final opportunity to rewrite the defense draft with a deadline set by the Dissertation Supervisory Committee. In this case the student must defend the dissertation again. If the committee determines that the student has failed a second time to defend the dissertation successfully, a Master of Theology degree will be awarded to the student.

The PhD office has the responsibility to communicate the outcome of the faculty evaluation of the dissertation, including the dissertation defense. Students will not learn the grades assigned by individual faculty members from the Dissertation Supervision Committee. The student will have up to four weeks to complete these revisions. After the first supervisor verifies that the final revisions are complete, the student must submit four copies of the defended and revised dissertation to the PhD office no later than two weeks before the next scheduled commencement. All four copies of the revised, approved dissertation that has been successfully defended should be submitted to the PhD office on paper that is 24 lb. weight, 100% cotton content.

Dissertation Grading

Dissertations will be evaluated with reference to style and content by the two faculty members comprising the Dissertation Supervisory Committee and one additional faculty member chosen by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, in consultation with the supervisor. The faculty members will complete their evaluation without benefit of consultation with each other. At the conclusion of the dissertation defense, the Dissertation Supervisory Committee grants a grade to the dissertation, contingent upon the completion of final revisions. The potential grades are:

Excellent: A rare grade, awarded in recognition of exceptional research and argumentation. The oral defense identifies various matters which the student must correct before the final copy of the dissertation will be accepted.

Pass: Solid research and argumentation. The oral defense identifies various matters

which the student must correct before the final copy of the dissertation will be accepted.

Fail: Unacceptable research and/or argumentation. The oral defense identifies (Revision various matters of such gravity that the dissertation must be rewritten. The Permitted) student has an opportunity to revise and resubmit the dissertation. Fail: Unacceptable research and/or argumentation. The student may not revise and (No resubmit the dissertation. Revision)

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Dissertation Evaluation Timetable

Fall Deadlines 2nd Friday in August Oral defense draft of dissertation due 2nd Friday in October Evaluation of dissertation by three readers and convening oral defense (8 weeks) 2nd Friday in November Revisions made (3 weeks) 3rd Friday in November Major supervisor checks final revisions (1 week) 4th Friday in November Final draft due in PhD office, approved by supervisor (2 weeks) Modify slightly for Thanksgiving 2nd Friday in December Graduation

23

Spring Deadlines 2nd Friday in January Oral defense draft of dissertation due 2nd Friday in March Evaluation of dissertation by three readers and convening oral defense (8 weeks) 1st Friday in April Revisions made (3 weeks) 2rd Friday in April Major supervisor checks final revisions (1 week) 3rd Friday in April Final draft due in PhD office, approved by supervisor (2 weeks) 1st Friday in May Graduation

The Preservation and Use of Dissertations

The graduation fees cover the cost of binding the four copies of the dissertation—one copy for the student, one copy for the main dissertation supervisor, one copy for the reference section of Roberts Library, and one copy for the Roberts Library Archives. The copyright to the dissertation belongs to the student. The student may bind extra copies at personal expense. Every dissertation should carry the notation that no portion of the dissertation may be reproduced without prior written permission from the copyright owner. Roberts Library has the authority to make copies for accredited institutions. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program may consider other requests. The PhD office limits the number of extra copies of dissertation projects and those received in the library for binding to two (2) beyond those required by each program.

APPENDIX A: PHD OFFICE RESPONSIBILITIES

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Responsibility for implementing policy decisions and administering the PhD program rests with the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, under the supervision of the Dean of the School of Theology. The responsibilities of the Associate Dean for the PhD program include:

1. Establishing the annual calendar for the PhD program. 2. Preparing and distributing application materials to prospective PhD students. 3. Administering the entrance examinations in consultation with the faculty supervisors.

4. Assessing the exegetical competence of prospective PhD students. 5. Receiving, processing, and forwarding application materials to the appropriate faculty. 6. Revising faculty recommendations regarding admission to the PhD program. 7. Orienting new students into the PhD program. 8. Overseeing the preparation of comprehensive bibliographies in each major and minor

area, maintaining current files for each bibliography. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program works directly with faculty supervisors in the preparation of these bibliographies.

9. Administering the comprehensive examination in consultation with the faculty

supervisors. 10. Receiving dissertation prospectuses and distributing them for evaluation to the

appropriate departmental/divisional supervisors.

11. Appointing the third reader for the student’s dissertation in consultation with the student’s Dissertation Supervisory Committee.

12. Receiving the dissertation defense draft and scheduling the oral defense, in consultation

with the appropriate supervisors. 13. Considering requests and appeals from students in the program, in consultation with the

appropriate faculty supervisor.

14. Maintaining accurate and complete files on students in the program. 15. Recommending candidates for the PhD degree to the School of Theology faculty.


25

16. Encouraging placement of PhD graduates with the assistance of the seminary’s placement office.

17. Assessing the PhD program continually, recommending any changes to the

Administrative Council and the School of Theology faculty which are beneficial to the program.

18. Assisting the Dean in evaluating faculty, especially in relation to faculty qualification

for and participation in doctoral level supervision.

APPENDIX B: PHD PROGRAM SUPERVISION

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APPENDIX B: PHD PROGRAM SUPERVISION I. Admissions

a. Complete transcript evaluation for applicants. b. Faculty members agree to serve as major and minor supervisors for each applicant

recommended for admission. If no faculty member agrees to serve as supervisor, the applicant will not receive an invitation to enter the PhD program.

c. At matriculation, the student’s major and minor supervisors sign the Supervisory Committee form.

d. Both major and minor supervisors approve the seminars their student takes and sign the annual registration form.

II. Seminar Stage Supervision a. Supervisors must help their supervisees plan their entire seminar stage course of

study, including granting formal approval for all seminar selections and Focused Field Studies.

b. Supervisors review their supervisees’ unofficial transcripts through WebAdvisor each semester to help monitor academic progress.

c. Supervisors may determine that a student lacks doctoral level competence in English, the Biblical languages, or other areas of such significance that the student’s academic progress is in jeopardy. In such cases the supervisor, in consultation with the Associate Dean for the PhD Program, will require the student to complete remedial studies in the area(s) of weakness.

d. Supervisors may slightly modify the official bibliography for each supervisee on the basis of individual research goals.

i. Supervisors notify the PhD office in writing of all changes made to the bibliography and for whom the changes apply.

ii. Supervisors may modify the comprehensive bibliography up to five months prior to the student’s comprehensive exam.

e. Supervisors monitor their student’s preparation for their comprehensive exams. f. Supervisors consult with their students regarding possible dissertation topics. g. Supervisors evaluate student requests for a leave of absence (subject to final

approval by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program).

III. Comprehensive Exams a. Supervisors guide their student’s final preparation for their comprehensive exams. b. Supervisors prepare comprehensive exams, in consultation with the Associate

Dean for the PhD program, drawing all comprehensive examination questions from the field bibliographies.

i. The student notifies the Supervisory Committee and the PhD office in writing of readiness to take the major and minor comprehensive exams.

ii. The Supervisory Committee grants written approval for the PhD office to schedule the comprehensive exams.

iii. The major and minor supervisors prepare the comprehensive exams. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program evaluates the comprehensive exams to ensure equity in terms of the comprehensive bibliography upon which it is based and equity compared to comprehensive exams in other fields.


27

iv. The comprehensive exams for the major and minor require four hours each. The PhD office schedules the times and locations of the exams.

v. Students may not use study aids, but the PhD office makes available reference tools (such as Hebrew and Greek texts) as specified by the supervisors.

vi. The PhD office provides paper and administers the exams. Computer-based examinations may be available with approval.

vii. The supervisors evaluate the comprehensive exams and assign a grade. viii. The supervisor determines whether an oral examination is required to

address weakness identified in the written exam. If warranted, the supervisor works with the PhD office to schedule the oral exam.

IV. Submission of the Prospectus a. The student submits his prospectus to his Dissertation Stage Supervisor. b. When the supervisor determines that the prospectus is acceptable, the student

submits the prospectus to the PhD office. i. The student submits 5 copies of the prospectus to the PhD office, along

with a signed copy of the Prospectus Supervisor Approval form. ii. The PhD office attaches the necessary forms and sends 4 copies of the

prospectus and forms to the Department Chair over the student’s major field.

iii. After the departmental faculty make their recommendations, the Division Chair returns the evaluation forms and the Division Action Form to the PhD office. The PhD office sends an official letter to the student stating the results of the departmental meeting.

1. If the prospectus is denied, the student consults with his supervisor, makes the required revisions, and resubmits the prospectus for departmental review.

2. If the prospectus if approved with amendments, the student consults with his supervisor, makes the required revisions, and resubmits the prospectus to his supervisor. No further administrative action is required.

a. If the supervisor approves the required revisions, the supervisor sends the completed forms to the PhD office.

b. The department recommends the second reader for the student’s dissertation.

V. Submission of Dissertation Draft a. When completed, the student submits the dissertation draft to his Dissertation

Supervisory Committee. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee and the PhD office determine the third reader for the student’s dissertation, if the determination has not yet been made.

b. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee determines if the draft merits submission for formal evaluation.

i. If approved, the supervisor signs the Dissertation Supervisor Acknowledgement of Dissertation Draft Submission form.


28

ii. If declined, the supervisor returns the dissertation draft to the student with instructions for revision. Once corrected, the student again submits the draft to his Dissertation Supervisory Committee. For review.

c. Once approved for formal evaluation, the student submits four copies of the dissertation draft to the PhD office.

VI. Evaluation of Dissertation Draft a. The supervisor and second reader comprise the Dissertation Supervisory

Committee, plus one additional reader assigned by the Associate Dean for the PhD Program in consultation with the supervisor.

b. The PhD office provides each reader with one copy of the dissertation draft and an evaluation form, including the deadline for submitting the completed evaluation to the PhD office.

c. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program compiles the grades for review and confirmation.

i. If the dissertation draft passes, the PhD office contacts the supervisors to confirm the Oral Defense.

ii. If the dissertation draft fails, two options exist: 1. Fail with revisions permitted: The supervisor provides the student

with the required revisions. The student completes the revisions and resubmits the dissertation draft the following semester, following the procedures outlines previously.

2. Fail without revisions permitted: The PhD office notifies the student in writing of the failure and that they will be awarded a ThM degree.

VII. Oral Defense a. Scheduling

i. When the student submits the dissertation draft to the PhD office with the approval of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee, the office sets a tentative oral defense date.

ii. When the dissertation draft is approved, the oral defense date is confirmed.

b. Presentation of Oral Defense i. Active Participants

1. The Associate Dean for the PhD Program chairs the oral defense. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee, plus the third reader, actively participate in examining the student.

2. Other faculty and students are invited to the oral defense and may participate in the defense as time permits.

ii. Evaluation 1. At the conclusion of the oral defense, the Associate Dean for the

PhD program briefly dismisses the student and other attendees. 2. The Dissertation Supervisory Committee and the third reader

evaluate the dissertation and the defense, and assign the final grade to the dissertation.


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3. The student returns to learn the outcome of the oral defense. a. A Passing Grade

i. The faculty evaluating the dissertation notify the student of any required revisions which must be completed within three weeks.

1. The student must obtain the supervisor’s written approval that the necessary revisions have been made.

2. The student submits four (4) copies (on 24 lb, 100% cotton paper) of the defended and revised dissertation to the PhD office no later than two (2) weeks prior to the next scheduled commencement.

ii. The student completes all necessary paperwork for graduation.

iii. The student submits the forms and copies of the dissertation to the library by the published deadline.

b. A Failing Grade i. The faculty evaluating the dissertation notify the

student of the failure and instruct the student to rewrite and resubmit the defense draft with a deadline set by the Dissertation Supervisory Committee.

ii. A second oral defense is scheduled upon the recommendation of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee.

APPENDIX C: PHD SEMINAR TIMESLOTS

30

APPENDIX C: PHD SEMINAR TIMESLOTS

APPENDIX D: ENTRANCE PAPER RUBRIC

31


Student: Intended Major:

Evaluator:

Clarity & style of writing:

1 2 3 4 5

No clarity at macro or micro levels, full of errors

Lacks clarity & coherence, numerous errors

Readable but lacks clear organization, frequent errors

Organized, clear, limited number of errors

Well-organized, careful & clear presentation, virtually free of errors

Comments

Interaction with Hebrew & Greek (includes lexicography, syntax & structure) if applicable:

N/A 1 2 3 4 5

Not Applicable Failure to interact with original language

Severely limited &/or erroneous interaction

Insufficient interaction & understanding

Careful but less than complete interaction

Competent & careful interaction at all levels

Comments

Interaction with assigned sources (range & quality):

1 2 3 4 5

Failure to use appropriate sources

Severely limited range & interaction with sources

Minimally acceptable sources & interaction

Reasonable sources but lacking range & thorough interaction

Clear, careful, & critical interaction with appropriate sources


32

Comments

Adherence to assigned topic

1 2 3 4 5

No conformity Minimal conformity Limited conformity Substantive conformity

Virtually complete conformity

Comments

Critical Analysis

1 2 3 4 5

Descriptive study, failure to employ critical analysis

Generally descriptive, severely limited critical analysis

Minimally acceptable evidence of critical

analysis

Reasonable evidence of critical analysis

Careful critical analysis

Comments


33

Mastery of the field: 1 2 3 4 5

Failure to understand

crucial issues in the field

Severely limited understanding of issues in the field

Minimally acceptable understanding of crucial issues in the field

Reasonable understanding of crucial issues in the field

Mature understanding of crucial issues in the field

Comments

Originality of scholarship 1 2 3 4 5

No contribution to the

field Severely limited contribution to the field

Minimally acceptable contribution to the field

Reasonable contribution to the field

Significant contribution to the field

Comments

Integrity of research & writing: 1 2 3 4 5

Evidence of

misrepresentation of sources and/or plagiarism

Responsible use of sources with appropriate citation


34

Comments

Overall Grade:

H: Outstanding, exceptional

S: Acceptable, reflecting no major problems

L: Poor, deficient

F: Not acceptable

Please note additional comments below as appropriate.

Professor Name Date


35

Additional Comments

APPENDIX E: ENTRANCE EXAM RUBRIC

36


Student: Intended Major:

Evaluator:


1 2 3 4 5






Comments


N/A 1 2 3 4 5






Comments

Interaction with assigned sources (range & quality):

1 2 3 4 5







37

Comments


1 2 3 4 5



Comments

Critical Analysis

1 2 3 4 5




analysis



Comments


38








Comments

Originality of scholarship 1 2 3 4 5






Comments


Evidence of




39

Comments

Overall Grade:

H: Outstanding, exceptional

S: Acceptable, reflecting no major problems

L: Poor, deficient

F: Not acceptable


Professor Name Date


40

Additional Comments

APPENDIX F: SEMINAR PAPER RUBRIC

41


Student: Professor:

Seminar: Term:

Clarity & style of writing & adherence to Southwestern Manual of Style:

1 2 3 4 5






Comments

Precision & originality of thesis:

1 2 3 4 5

No thesis or goals stated

Not clear, specific, or manageable

Lacking in precision but manageable & understandable

Reasonably precise & manageable

Well focused, clearly stated & reasonable

Comments


N/A 1 2 3 4 5







42

Comments

Interaction with primary sources (range & quality):

1 2 3 4 5






Comments

Interaction with non-English works (range & quality): 1 2 3 4 5

Failure to use

appropriate sources Severely limited range & interaction with sources




Comments


43

Interaction with secondary sources (range & quality): 1 2 3 4 5

Failure to use





Comments


1 2 3 4 5



Comments

Strength of reasons & evidence supporting thesis:

1 2 3 4 5

Failure to recognize & present reasons &

evidence

Severely limited presentation

Minimally acceptable presentation

Reasonable but limited presentation

Clear, careful presentation


44

Comments








Comments

Originality of scholarship: 1 2 3 4 5






Comments


45


Evidence of



Comments


Professor Name Date


46

Additional Comments

APPENDIX G: ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION RUBRIC

47


Student:

Major:

Major Supervisor (Committee Member 1):

Minor:

Minor Supervisor (Committee Member 2):

Supervisory Committee Member 3:

Clarity of responses:

1 2 3 4 5



Understandable but lacks clear organization, frequent errors



Comments

Adherence to assigned questions

1 2 3 4 5

No conformity Minimal conformity Limited conformity Substantive conformity Virtually complete conformity

Comments


48


1 2 3 4 5






Comments


N/A 1 2 3 4 5






Comments


Failure to use






49

Comments

Critical analysis

1 2 3 4 5




analysis



Comments








Comments


50

Overall Grade:

Excellent

High Pass

Pass

Fail (Retake Permitted)

Must take another oral exam

Recommended Date:

Fail (No Retake Permitted)

Recommend termination from the PhD Program


Major Supervisor Name

Minor Supervisor Name

Committee Member 3 Name

Associate Dean for Doctoral Programs Name

Date


51

Additional Comments

APPENDIX H: DISSERTATION DEFENSE DRAFT RUBRIC

52

APPENDIX H: DISSERTATION DEFENSE DRAFT RUBRIC Dissertation Title:

Student: Supervisor:

2nd Reader: 3rd Reader:


1 2 3 4 5






Comments

Precision & originality of thesis:

1 2 3 4 5

No thesis or goals stated

Not clear, specific, or manageable

Lacking in precision but manageable & understandable

Reasonably precise & manageable

Well focused, clearly stated & reasonable

Comments

Strength of reasons & evidence supporting thesis:

1 2 3 4 5

Failure to recognize & present reasons &

evidence

Severely limited presentation

Minimally acceptable

presentation

Reasonable but limited presentation

Clear, careful presentation


53

Comments


N/A 1 2 3 4 5






Comments


1 2 3 4 5






Comments


54

Interaction with non-English works (range & quality): 1 2 3 4 5

Failure to use





Comments


Failure to use





Comments


Failure to

understand crucial issues in the field






55

Comments

Originality of scholarship: 1 2 3 4 5

No contribution to

the field Severely limited contribution to the field




Comments


Evidence of



Comments


56

Overall Grade:

Excellent

A rare grade, awarded in recognition of exceptional research and argumentation. The oral defense identifies minor corrections that the student must address before the final copy of the dissertation will be accepted. The supervisor will delineate corrections for the student.

Pass

Solid research and argumentation. The oral defense identifies various matters which the student must correct before the final copy of the dissertation will be accepted. The supervisor will delineate corrections for the student.

Fail (Revision Permitted)

Unacceptable research and/or argumentation. The oral defense identifies various matters of such gravity that the dissertation must be rewritten. The student has a one-semester opportunity to revise and resubmit the dissertation. The supervisor will delineate revisions required.

Rewrite Due by:

Fail (No Revision)

Unacceptable research and/or argumentation. The student may not resubmit the dissertation.

Recommend awarding Master of Theology degree


Professor Name Date

Additional Comments


57

APPENDIX I: PROGRAM FORMS APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO THE PHD PROGRAM SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

58

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

School of Theology PhD Program P.O. Box 22448 Fort Worth, TX 76122-0448

Phone: (817) 923-1921 x. 4650 Email: [email protected]

Application Instructions

1. Please type in the appropriate fields. Provide all information requested on this application form. 2. Application to the PhD Program is a two-step process. First, you must apply for general admission to

Southwestern Seminary. Former students who have not attended Southwestern for three years must reapply for general admission. You may acquire the forms for general admission on the Southwestern Seminary website, www.swbts.edu. Please contact the Southwestern Seminary Admissions Office if you have any questions relating to general admission requirements ([email protected]). Second, you must also apply to the PhD program through the School of Theology PhD office.

3. Submit this completed application form and all PhD application materials to the PhD office by the last Friday in January preceding the fall semester for which you seek admission, and by the last Friday in August preceding the spring semester for which you seek admission.

4. If you are not a current student or graduate of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, request all transcripts from your undergraduate program(s) and your graduate study program(s) to be sent directly to the Associate Dean for the PhD Program (address above).

5. Submit a substantial research document, using the Southwestern Seminary Manual of Style form and style, on a topic in your desired major field.

6. Submit GRE and TOEFL (if applicable) scores by the last Friday in January preceding the fall semester for which you seek admission, and by the last Friday in August preceding the spring semester for which you seek admission. (See the program information packet for specific test requirements.)

7. Qualified applicants will be invited to take an entrance exam and interview with faculty in the proposed PhD major.

Current Date: Applying for Semester and Year:

First Name: Middle Name: Last Name:

Mailing Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone Number: Email Address:

Date of Birth: Occupation:

Marital Status (Spouse’s Name): # of Children:

Denominational Affiliation:

Present Church Membership:

Present Ministry Role:

Are you an International Student?

If you are a former SWBTS student, have you updated the personal information on your student records through the seminary Registrar’s office?

Yes Yes

No No


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Schools Attended* Degree Earned &

Date of Graduation Major

Additional Studies

*Applicants from institutions outside the United States must submit their transcripts to the World Education Services (P.O. Box 745, Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745; www.wes.org; 1-800-937-3895; fax: 212-739-6100) for evaluation. The WES evaluation service sends evaluation results directly to the PhD office.

1. Desired PhD major:

Research Interest:

2. Desired PhD minor/ CHAHT specialization:

3. What are your goals for doctoral study? (150 words or less)


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4. What are your future vocational plans? (200 words or less)

5. Name, school, and phone number/email address of your academic references:

Name School Email address

Please inform each of your academic references that they will be receiving a confidential reference form from the PhD office by email. It is my desire that these letters of reference be written in confidence. I therefore waive any rights of access I have to these letters of reference. ___________________________________________________ ____________________________ Applicant Name Date

APPENDIX I: PROGRAM FORMS

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PhD Program Letter of Reference School of Theology

SEND TO: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary School of Theology PhD Program P.O. Box 22448 Fort Worth, TX 76122-0448

Applicant Information

NAME (Please print or type) PhD Major: Last First Middle

ACADEMIC EVALUATION TO BE COMPLETED BY RECOMMENDER

The Associate Dean for the Doctor of Philosophy Program would appreciate a statement from you concerning the applicant named above. Please use an attached sheet to comment in detail concerning the applicant’s accomplishments, abilities, character, and capacity for success

in our program. Please list the name and address of any person who may give us additional information. In addition to your written statement, please indicate below how you would rate the applicant.

How long have you known the applicant? In what relationship?

Reference Recommendation Please check one

I recommend with enthusiasm. I recommend with some reservation.

I recommend with some confidence. I do not recommend admission.

Superior Above Average Average Below

Average Unable to

Answer

Intellectual ability to do Ph.D. work Work ethic and perseverance Knowledge of chosen field of study Intellectual creativity Critical judgment Ability to write cogently Ability to speak logically and clearly Spiritual vitality and maturity Emotional stability Social skills Potential as a minister of the Gospel Potential as a teacher Potential as a research scholar

Signature: Date: Printed Name: Position: Institution or Organization: Address:


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PhD Program Major Supervisor Agreement Form

I, , agree to serve as major supervisor for

.

____________________________________ (Supervisor signature) _____/_____/_____ (Date)

Major:

Minor:


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PhD Program Minor Supervisor Agreement Form

I, , agree to serve as minor supervisor for

. ____________________________________ (Supervisor signature) _____/_____/_____ (Date)

Major:

Minor:


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SOUTHWESTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY RESEARCH DOCTORAL STUDIES GRANT

DEADLINE: AUGUST 10TH FOR FALL JANUARY 11TH FOR SPRING

NAME IN FULL____________________________________ STUDENT ID #______________

DEGREE: (Please Check Appropriate Line) ______PhD TH ______PhD ED ______DMA _____ PhD EVM SEMESTER COMMENCING SEMINARS__________________ YEAR_______________ ANTICIPATED DATE FOR COMPLETION_______________________________________ PART I: PROCEDURES

The research doctoral grant is provided to PhD and DMA students of good standing during the first 8 semesters of their study at Southwestern Seminary. All research doctoral students in good standing may receive the grant which is in the amount of $300 per semester. To receive the grant, a student must apply using this form. Application need only be made once. The grant will automatically be applied to the student’s account against tuition for up to 8 semesters. The following guidelines will apply:

1. The grant will only apply against tuition charges. Therefore the grant will not be given when a

student is on leave of absence or in any semester in which a student does not pay tuition. Should a student's registration bill be paid in full by other sources (i.e. spousal benefit, outside foundations, etc.) the doctoral grant will not be released for other use and will be forfeited.

2. The student must be in good standing in order to receive the grant. The grant will not be given when

a student is on probation. If a student is on probation, he or she will not receive the grant for that semester and that semester will count against the 8 eligible semesters.

3. All seminary charges must be paid in full before the start of any semester in order to receive the

grant for that semester.

4. The student must at all times keep the doctoral office of his or her school informed of any change of address or marital status.

5. The student must read completely the doctoral handbook from his or her school and verify the

reading by signing this application form in order to begin receiving the doctoral grant. If a student forgoes the grant at the beginning of his or her program, subsequent application may be received, but only for the remainder of the first 8 semesters of good standing in his or her program.

6. The Student Financial Aid Department must be contacted regarding changes in status, address, or

marital status. PART II: PERSONAL DATA HOME PHONE__________________________ WORK PHONE_________________________

For Office Use Only

Starting Semester of Seminars:___________________________ Approving Signature:________________________________________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________


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CAMPUS EMAIL ADDRESS______________________________________ STREET ADDRESS_____________________________________________________________ CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE________________________________________________________ NAME OF SPOUSE_____________________________________________________________ NAME AND AGES OF CHILDREN________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ HOME TOWN___________________________________________________ HOME CHURCH AND ADDRESS_________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ PRESENT CHURCH AND ADDRESS______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ PART III: PERSONAL AFFIRMATION I have read the Procedures for receiving the Research Doctoral Studies Grant listed above. I understand that I may receive the grant only for semesters in which I am registered and am a student in good standing. I understand that I will forfeit the grant during any semester that I am on probation and that that semester will count against the 8 eligible semesters for the grant. ______________________________________________________________________________ (Signature) I have read in its entirety the doctoral handbook for my school and agree to abide by the policies and procedures contained therein. ______________________________________________________________________________ (Signature)

Completed application must be returned to the doctoral secretary of your school by the above deadline.


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PHD STUDENT REGISTRATION, 2013–2014 SEMINAR STAGE REGISTRATION

School of Theology Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

[email protected]

Instructions:

1. Please use ink, write legibly, and complete all blanks in first section completely. 2. Supervisors must give approval before the student can register. 3. Submit this form and any required attachments to the PhD office during the registration period.

Student Name Student ID

Address City, State & Zip

Phone (home) Phone (mobile)

E-mail Major Field: Major Supervisor:

Minor Field: Minor Supervisor: SEMINARS

FALL SEMINAR NUMBER

SPRING SEMINAR NUMBER SEMINAR TITLE MAJOR/

MINOR/

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS must register for the Graduate Research Seminar unless already taken. (RSTCH 7552 Fall Semester Monday, 10:30 am – 12:00 noon)

RESEARCH LANGUAGES (must be completed by the conclusion of the first year of PhD studies)

FALL COURSE NUMBER

SPRING COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE

DROP/ADD: Since professors structure seminar requirements for the individual members of their seminars and give advance assignments, students are not allowed to drop or add seminars after the conclusion of the registration period unless compelling reasons for an exception exist. Exceptions require the approval of the professor(s), supervisor, and the Associate Dean for the PhD Program. Students who do not complete the drop process and do not participate in a seminar in which they are enrolled will receive a failing grade for the semester and will be placed on probation. Student: I have read and fully understand the PhD program policy regarding dropping or adding seminars. MAJOR AND MINOR SUPERVISORS: I have distributed the major and minor comprehensive bibliographies to my student and explained their purpose. Student Name Date Major Supervisor Approval Date Minor Supervisor Approval Date


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PHD STUDENT REGISTRATION, 2013–2014 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION STAGE REGISTRATION


[email protected]

Instructions:


Student Name Student ID Address City, State & Zip Phone (home) Phone (mobile) E-mail Major Field: Major Supervisor: Minor Field: Minor Supervisor:

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION DATES (PROJECTED)

Major Field: Minor Field: Student: I have read and fully understand the PhD program policy and I intend to complete my comprehensive examinations by the dates listed above. MAJOR AND MINOR SUPERVISORS: I have distributed the major and minor comprehensive bibliographies to my student and explained their purpose. Student Name Date Major Supervisor Approval Date Minor Supervisor Approval Date


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PHD STUDENT REGISTRATION, 2013–2014 DISSERTATION STAGE REGISTRATION


[email protected]

Instructions:


Student Name Student ID Address City, State & Zip Phone (home) Phone (mobile) E-mail Major Field: Dissertation Supervisor: Second Reader: Third Reader: (if assigned)

DISSERTATION DEFENSE DRAFT AND GRADUATION DATE (PROJECTED)

Prospectus: (if applicable) Dissertation

Defense Draft:

Graduation Date: Student: I have read and fully understand the PhD program policy and I intend to complete my dissertation defense draft and to graduate by the dates listed above. DISSERTATION SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE: I have notified the PhD office of my student’s dissertation progress. Student Name Date Dissertation Supervisor Approval Date Second Reader Approval Date


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SUPERVISOR APPROVAL OF PROSPECTUS School of Theology

TO: George L. Klein, Senior Associate Dean for the PhD Program This is to certify that I have read and approved the dissertation prospectus by:

Print PhD Candidate’s Name I recommend that the following faculty members to be given a copy of the prospectus for

review:

___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ ____________

Supervisor’s Signature Date _________________________________________ Print Supervisor’s Name


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Dissertation Defense Draft Submission School of Theology

Instructions: This form must accompany any dissertation defense draft submitted to the PhD program office in the School of Theology. No dissertation may be submitted without the signatures of the Dissertation Supervisory Committee. Date: _____________________ Candidate’s Name: _________________________________________________ Under our supervision, this candidate has completed his or her dissertation, based upon the division-approved prospectus. I affirm that any minor changes to the title or outline have in no way substantively changed the thesis of the prospectus approved by the division. The dissertation draft may now be submitted. ____________________________________ ______________________________

Major Supervisor Signature Secondary Supervisor Signature ___________________________________ _______________________________ Major Supervisor (Please print) Secondary Supervisor (Please print)


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SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

DISSERTATION SUPERVISOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF

FINAL DISSERTATION SUBMISSION Instructions: This form must accompany any dissertation that is submitted to the PhD program office in the School of Theology. No dissertation may be submitted without the supervisor’s signature of acknowledgement below: Date: _____/_____/_____ Candidate’s Name: _________________________________________________ Under my supervision, this candidate has completed his or her dissertation, based upon the division-approved prospectus. I verify that all necessary revisions specified by the readers have been made and affirm that any minor changes to the title or outline have in no way substantively changed the thesis of the prospectus approved by the division. (See attached revision list and corrections as noted.) Please check one:

The dissertation was successfully defended and no changes were required. The dissertation was successfully defended with minor changes required. The student has made the changes and I verify that the changes are correct and appropriate.

The final dissertation may now be submitted. ____________________________________

(Print Supervisor’s Name) _____________________________________ Acknowledgement Signature of Dissertation Supervisor


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Detailed Report on Corrections Outlined by the Dissertation Readers

Student: Date:

Correction Required How addressed

Documents

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY - Catalogcatalog.swbts.edu/catalog/assets/File/Theology/doctor_of_philosoph… · The Doctor of Philosophy Handbook also provides faculty with information necessary