Overview of Class Structure
Christ Theological Seminary students can expect a standardized workload across the curricula and should complete each class according to these guidelines. All CTS instructors have developed and will oversee their classes accordingly.
- Mastery of key principles in each subject area is the primary goal. Instructors should avoid the temptation to expect exhaustive
knowledge of every possible aspect of their subject. Principles should be inculcated that equip the student for a lifetime of study. Descending unnecessarily into the minutia of a given subject will hinder the student’s progress and discourage him. Instructors must focus upon the essential elements of each subject area in recognition that every aspect of a subject area cannot be given the same degree of attention.
- The material of each class is divided into four sections, with the work evenly balanced between them. Students will complete critical concept essays at the conclusion of each section. At each section break, student-instructor tutorial sessions should take place.
- Each class will have a maximum of four (3-4) page essays that focus upon critical aspects of the subject area, with the understanding that if the student displays proficiency at these points, he has likely mastered lesser points of significance.
- Most classes will have one final term/research paper, of 15-20 pages in length upon an issue of relevance to the class and interest to the student, with the approval of the instructor. The paper should follow a recognized format.
- Reading and tape material summaries are required; these should not be in the form of detailed, multi-level outlines of the material. The goal is to ensure student understanding and completion of assigned class materials.
CTS endeavors to maintain a balance between reading and tapes/ videos. The following is our approved guideline:
| Pages* |
Tapes* |
Essays + Final Paper |
Tutorials* |
| 750 |
30 |
4+1 |
4 |
| 1500 |
0 |
2+1 |
4 |
| 3000 |
0 |
0+1 |
4 |
(* denoted in hours)