Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: I can't work out what to read
A: You don't have to read every document in the
reader. Check the weekly email which will usually suggest one of the
readings. Discuss it with a friend or with someone else doing the
course.
Q 2: Can I get an extension for my
assignment?
A: It is usually possible within reason. Email the
Tutor explaining your situation and suggesting a workable finish
date.
Q 3: I can't keep up with the reading.
Can I drop my weekly discussion emails?
A: They count towards the grade, but more
importantly they enable you to engage with the course and your
fellow students. So, not if you can help it.
It is better to get an extension on an essay
than drop out of the weekly discussions.
Q 4: Where can I get some resources for
the assignment?
A: You can do a lot with the readings and the
internet. You should always find someone to have a conversation with
about the question - even if you know more about it than they do
(seriously!).
If you have access to a theological library pay them a
visit. You can also borrow books by post from the Hewitson Library, Knox
College, Arden Street, Dunedin 9010. Email
hewitson@xtra.co.nz
Q 5: How many references should I have?
A: Always use multiple sources for any question. One reference per 100 words is a rough guide. So a 1000 word
assignment should have at least ten references.
Q 5: What sort of references should I
consult for my assignments?
A: Your bibliography should include a good balance
of references from the worldwide web, from people you have
interviewed, from books and from journals.
Q 6: What about Wikipedia?
A: It is helpful for making sense of information that you can
reference from other sources. For this course I encourage you to
consult Wikipedia and list it in your bibliography as a web source
but not to quote it.
This may seem strange advice! I suggest you consult Wikipedia because unless a topic is controversial it usually provides a readable introduction. However don't quote it because at a university level Wikipedia is not yet accepted as an authority and there have been problems with students using it too much and too uncritically.