Courses

Practice Led Research (PLR) is at the heart of the Doctor of Practical Theology (DPT) degree, This course will introduce the practice led method by addressing the theoretical, conceptual and practical skills needed to engage in graduate level practice led research. The course will explore the theoretical foundations of PLR, examine a range of practice led research methodologies, provide an orientation to foundational graduate level research skills and ultimately aid students in the initial development of their dissertation topic.

As a hybrid course we will be using a course shell provided by McMaster Universities “Avenue to Learn” as well as other online technology. Information about accessing and using these sites will be provided prior to the beginning of the course and as needed. If you have questions about the technological aspects of the course, or have any problems with the technology please contact the instructor. I will do my best to help and if I am not able to answer your questions I will work with our IT support team to get an answer for you as soon as possible.

Knowing

• Upon completion of this course students will be able to articulate a basic overview of the practice – led research method.
• Upon completion of this course students will have a basic understanding of a number of different practice focused research methods that can be used in practice – led research.

• Upon completion of this course students will have an introductory understanding of how to develop a DPT dissertation proposal.

Being

• Upon completion of this course students will have begun to develop their identity as researching practitioners.
• Upon completion of this course students will gain a greater appreciation of the integration between their ministry practice, their academic research and their personal formation.

Doing

• Upon completion of this course students will be able to identify data that they need for the dissertation project and some possible approaches they can use to get that data.
• Upon completion of this course students will be able to analyze and assess their practice in order to determine the direction and nature of their research.