DIS911-U/101/2012
DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY,
CHURCH HISTORY AND MISSIOLOGY
Discipline: Missiology
Tutorial Letter for DTh Students
101/2011
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Table of Contents
1
Outcomes and assessment
3
2
Introduction
3
3
Requirements for a doctoral thesis at Unisa
4
4
What makes a thesis missiological
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5
Elements of a thesis proposal
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6
Some practical hints
10
7
Checklist for submission of thesis
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Publication of your thesis
13
9
Journal article
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10
Conclusion
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11
References cited
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Further reading
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Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4
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Responsibilities of the promoter
Responsibilities of the joint promoter
Responsibilities of the student
Contract
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DIS911-U/101
Dear Student
1
OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT
This tutorial letter concerns the writing of your thesis proposal and thesis. The specific outcomes of a DTH in
missiology are:
D Th graduates in Missiology can:
1. Integrate their own personal, social, religious, and cultural within the framework of a contextual
approach to doing missiology.
2. Engage in critical and creative reflexive thinking about missiological issues and their influence on
societal and ecclesial concerns.
3. Undertake ethical research and meaningful participation in missiological discourse.
4. Respond to real life problems and develop missiological strategies appropriate to a specific
context.
5. Play a moral and constructive leadership role in a faith community and the community at large.
6. Publish scholarly articles and essays that give evidence of continuing engagement in the
missiological enterprise.
7. Participate in the worldwide missiological discourse through membership in local, national and
international conferences.
8. Make a contribution to the transformation of society through critical scholarship, action for justice
and compassion toward those who are suffering that is rooted in an informed missiological
perspective.
Assessment of doctoral work takes the form of critical and constructive comments and advice in response to the
chapters that are submitted for evaluation by the student to his/her promoter. Chapters are judged in terms of
their:
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logical and coherent development of a topic
accurate and ethical referencing
the quality of the missiological argumentation
academic standard of analysis of relevant research
technical presentation
standard of academic writing
the quality and use of pertinent academic sources.
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INTRODUCTION
We work on the assumption that, in consultation with your promoter, you have formulated your thesis topic (at least
in a preliminary form). This tutorial letter then is concerned with the process from that point on. So we will begin by
reviewing the Unisa requirements of an acceptable thesis, then we will explain the elements that need to be
included in a thesis proposal and conclude by looking at the responsibilities of a promoter and the responsibilities
of a doctoral student. Our hope is that this tutorial letter will help to clarify some of the questions you might have in
regard to doing a doctorate in missiology at Unisa.
In this letter we deal with general concerns. You should feel free to communicate regularly and freely with your
promoter either in person, by telephone, e-mail or letter.
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3
REQUIREMENTS FOR A DOCTORAL THESIS AT UNISA
Every university has established criteria for judging the academic merit of a thesis. Unisa is no different. In this
section we explain the requirements that examiners keep in mind when evaluating a thesis. It is important to keep
these in mind.
3. 1 A doctoral thesis should show evidence of original work and constitute a decided contribution to the
knowledge of and insight into the subject.
This can rightly be considered the most important and indeed the decisive requirement for a thesis, as this
requirement sets academic work on the doctoral level apart from academic work at undergraduate, honours and
masters levels. Structure, method, sources, etc., are requirements when one is writing an assignment, essay or
paper at any level for any degree. But the need to be original and to make a contribution to the subject is
characteristic only of the requirements for a doctoral thesis. To put it in other words: your thesis must show that you
have something to say which has not been said before, and it must advance our missiological understanding and
knowledge. Let us try to expand and deepen our appreciation of these characteristics.
i) It is not sufficient motivation to write a thesis if you feel that you can better formulate something that some other
missiologists have already said (you can write an article about that, but not a thesis), nor is it sufficient to formulate
a synthesis of already existing points of view. (This would indeed have been quite acceptable for your master’s
dissertation, but it is inadequate for a doctoral thesis). The research librarian for theology, Ms Elsabé Nell, can be
of assistance to you in this regard. She can be reached at 012-429-3633 or by e-mail at nelle@unisa.ac.za. She
can check databases to see if the topic you want to write about has already been written about by another author.
If this is the case, you would then need to reformulate your topic and research question.
Ms Nell can be of help to you also by drawing up a preliminary bibliography for you. You need to supply her with an
outline of your thesis and a list of key words and phrases. As you continue your research you can ask her to do
other searches. Please be patient because Ms Nell serves all the M & D students of the School of Religion and
Theology.
This is very important because you need to include a literature review in your thesis either as a part of your first
chapter or as a separate chapter. Nelle Bak (2004:17) makes the following points about a literature review:
In this section you need to make explicit the interpretation and application of the central issues
that will structure (shape and organise) the research. You do this by engaging with the relevant
literature. Merely appealing to your own experiences or general knowledge is not enough.
Bak formulates some important questions that should be kept in mind when doing your literature review:
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What does the literature in general reflect about the development of the issue?
In what context (historical, geographical, social, intellectual0 is most of the
literature located? What is the history of your area of study? What gaps and contradictions exist among
these findings?
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What are some of the specific interpretations of concepts or issues in the literature you will be drawing on
? How will you interpret some of the key concepts? What is you point of departure in relation to the
literature in the field? What theoretical model or framework will you use in your analysis and
interpretation?
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What methodological approaches have been used by researchers on your topic? What results have
previous researchers in your field produced? What are the key methodological issues that have been
addressed (:17-18)?
To summarise: the purpose of a literature review is fourfold:
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To demonstrate a familiarity with a body of knowledge and establish credibility through evaluative
assessment of the literature in question
To show the direction of prior research, your understanding of that research and how the current project is
linked to it
To integrate and summarise what is known in a specific area of study
To learn from others and stimulate the creation of new knowledge.
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ii) Although you are registered for a DTh degree, in other words, a doctorate in theology, you are writing your
thesis in a specific subject, namely missiology. Your thesis must make a decided contribution to missiological
knowledge and insight. It is for this reason that you need to consult your promoter before writing your thesis
proposal so that the subject of your research is clearly missiological. We will say more about the missiological
dimensions of a thesis in section four of this letter.
iii) A doctoral thesis is an academic treatise aimed primarily at an academic community. It is therefore not an
inspirational treatise aimed at the broad Christian community, nor is it a polemical treatise aimed at a specific
segment of that community. It is not a sermon or exhortation that is supported only by a series of biblical texts.
This has very important and specific implications for the sources you use, the style and language you use, the way
you formulate your argument and the choice of references you use to support the development of the main
argument of your thesis.. Academic writing is formal, well-referenced, analytical, and nuanced. Biblical texts can
be used in a thesis, but, not exclusively. You need to support your use of them with the opinion of recognised
biblical scholars. Furthermore, a thesis is not the last word on a particular topic. It is only one new word that you
are sharing with the academic community.
3.2 The scientific and academic research must be of an acceptable academic standard
The following areas require your serious attention in your doctoral work. The university instructs examiners to pay
special attention to the standard of your research.
3.2.1 Research procedures and techniques
Various aspects of your choice of topic may have a decisive influence on the research method(s) you will have to
use. If you have chosen to study, for example, the contribution of a specific mission organisation or mission station
a century or more ago, most of your sources would obviously have to be found in libraries and archives. In this
case an archival and literature study would provide the most beneficial research procedure. If, on the other hand,
you have chosen to study the contemporary approaches of a group of AICs to dreams and visions, you will have to
gather most of your material by way of interviews, recording and analysing sermons, etc. In this case you will have
to do far more empirical research, which involves developing the skills to draw up good questionnaires, win
people’s trust, formulate follow-up questions and general participatory research.
Examiners are instructed to evaluate the quality of your research by determining whether your research procedures
provide for the best method of researching and analysis of your topic. This needs to be done as groundwork before
you even start doing your research. There are some tricks of the trade to every research procedure and technique,
some admittedly are more complicated than others. If you are going to do archival research, it is a very good idea
to have a discussion with a historian who is known for archival work. Otherwise you may simply lose your way and
disappear in the clouds of dust once the librarian starts dumping files and folders full of information in front of you.
It is also very helpful to discuss with a few senior academics their procedures for making and keeping notes on
valuable material found in archives, books or journal articles. A organised and systematic approach will save you
tears and frustration later.
Empirical research is an area where fools may rush in where angels fear to tread. Prof Jaco Dreyer of Unisa’s
Department of Practical Theology explains that: “Empirical research was described as a specific kind of research
in which the researchers’ observations play an important part.” Through this brief description we understand that
empirical takes place in a specific context in relationship to other people, events and has to do with the
researcher’s assumptions, observations and interpretations. You would do well to ask your promoter to suggest
someone who could help you in deciding on a research approach that will yield the most fruitful results. You will
not be wasting any money if you invest in a course or some reliable books on empirical research techniques.
In the Introduction to the second edition of her book, Qualitative researching, Jennifer Mason (2002:7-8) makes
eight important points about qualitative research that are indispensable for an academic research project. We
summarise them for you here:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Qualitative research should by systematically and rigorously conducted.
Qualitative research should be accountable for its quality and its claims. It should not attempt to position
itself beyond judgement, and should provide readers with material upon which they can judge it.
Qualitative research should be strategically conducted, yet flexible and contextual. Researchers should
not take a rigid approach, but be sensitive to changing contexts and situations.
Qualitative research should involve critical self-scrutiny by the researcher, or active reflexivity.
Researchers need to constantly take stock of their actions and their role in the research process, and
subject these to the same critical scrutiny as the rest of their research data. They need to recognise that
researcher is never neutral, objective, or detached. The researcher must continually ask him/herself
difficult questions about his/her role in the research process.
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E.
F.
G.
H.
Qualitative research should produce explanations or arguments, rather than offering mere descriptions.
Qualitative researchers should formulate arguments about which they can be explicit about the logic on
which these arguments are based.
Qualitative research should produce explanations or arguments from which at least some generalisations
can be made.
Qualitative research should not be seen as a unified body of philosophy and practice, whose methods can
simply be combined unproblematically.
Qualitative research should be conducted as a moral practice, and with regard to its specific context.
Keeping in mind Mason’s points will help you to work with the data that you collect in an academically responsible
way.
3.2.2 Methodology
This is a very important area where you must have clarity in your mind BEFORE you begin researching and writing.
A simply definition of methodology is the theory behind your research methods. It informs your approach to the
research of your topic. Your methodology must be clearly defined and explained in your introductory chapter so as
to set the tone for what is to follow. If you have done your BTh, BTh Hons and MTh studies at Unisa, you will know
that we generally favour a contextual approach based on the praxis cycle or other contextual approaches to doing
missiology. The emphasis here is on the word doing. We see missiology as rooted in the life of the faith
community. As a missiologist your task is to articulate the theological aspect of a particular experience of mission.
Again your choice of topic may play an important role in determining which method will suit you best. If you are
working on a historical study, for example, you may achieve the best results if you utilise a historical methodology.
The Unisa theology librarian, Ms Nel, whose contact details were given above in section 3.1, can help you to draw
up a preliminary bibliography, but you need to supply her with key words and phrases.
3.2.3 Demarcation and scope of research
A problem that occurs fairly often among doctoral students is a failure to demarcate the scope of their research
clearly. Very often students start out by formulating their topic far too widely. Say, for example, you are interested
in the topic of Unity and Mission. This is a fascinating, very important and relevant topic, but far too wide for a
doctoral thesis. You have to narrow down your topic either in terms of a set period, a specific area, mission society
or denomination. It helps to read widely before you decide on your demarcation. Consulting a number of sources
can provide valuable ideas and insights, and will also help you identify areas where lacunae still exist.
3.2.4 Theoretical substantiation and grasp of field of research
Your thesis is supposed to be original and to make an innovative contribution to the discipline of missiology. It is
not merely a summary of other views, but a new contribution that deepens and widens missiological knowledge.
Yet it is neither the first nor the last word written on the topic. Your thesis must therefore be clearly situated within
the body of existing missiological thought. Furthermore, originality and innovation do not imply that you can go on
simple flights of fantasy. Your research and argumentation must have a very solid missiological foundation, must
be logical and must further our missiological knowledge. This means that you must have a very clear
understanding of the work done on related topics before yours. If we can use the topic we presented as an
example in the previous paragraph, Unity and Mission once again, you should not only understand the topic in
relation to the period, society or area chose; you must also have a very good understanding of Christian unity and
of Christian mission.
3.3
Scientific and academic quality of processing and presentation
This requirement has to do with aspects such as the processing and presentation of your data; the logical and
structural development of your argument (for example, does your argument logically follow on the evidence of your
data?); and your critical findings and recommendations (are your findings solidly based on evidence, or are they
oversimplified generalisations based on opinions you already held before you even started your research?).
3.4
Language and editing
This is a very important requirement, and should not be left as an afterthought. Academic writing is a skill that
needs to be cultivated by writing and rewriting. It is formal and tentative. A thesis is not the last word on a specific
topic; it is one word about a small areas of study so we need to be humble and modest about our findings.
Sweeping generalisations about people, events or the opinions of other scholars can not be tolerated. References
to support your opinions are essential. Few things irritate examiners more than sloppy linguistic and typographical
editing.
Whether English is your first language or not, your work can only benefit from the assistance of a good,
professional editor. If English is not your first language, then it goes without saying that you should budget to be
able to afford the services of a professional editor. A friend who teaches English or is a journalist at an English-
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language magazine, can be very helpful in assisting you to say what you want to say. But her/his services are not
adequate to comply with this requirement. It is also not the duty of your promoter to edit your manuscript. He/She
will obviously point out as many mistakes as possible, but never work on the assumption that once your promoter
has read through, commented on and corrected your manuscript, it is now in a fit state to be submitted.
Meticulous attention to detail is a mark of good scholarship. Be attentive to typographical errors and correct ways
to reference your sources. Use the spell check function which is part of your word processing programme.
3.5
Technical presentation and layout
This requirement concerns what the bound copy of your thesis eventually looks like when you submit it for
examination. Is it properly bound? Does it contain all the necessary requirements such as a title page (with the
correct wording), a table of contents, a summary of no more than 300 words, a list of key words and/or phrases,
correct page numbering, etc.? Are your chapters, sections and paragraphs properly and correctly numbered?
(Unisa prefers the numbering system according to chapters, e.g. 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.2.1, 1.2.2; 2, 2.1, 2.2, etc.)
Examiners dislike a haphazard mixture of reference techniques, even if they may be correct in themselves. The
department publishes a very useful Tutorial Letter (MSALLE 302/2007) on reference technique, and you should
obtain a copy from from the departmental secretary if you did not receive it on registration. We insist on students
using the Harvard method. It is fully explained in the tutorial letter. Furthermore there are more advanced manuals
available in the library. If you experience problems in this regard, your promoter should be able to refer you to
them. Is your bibliography presented fully and correctly? Examiners also get highly irritated if you use a source in
the body of your thesis, but fail to include it in your bibliography, or give incomplete bibliographical details. When
proofreading your thesis before submitting it for the last time to your promoter you do not omit the bibliography.
4
WHAT MAKES A THESIS MISSIOLOGICAL
It may be useful to remind you here of some very broad and general guidelines provided in an MTh tutorial letter of
what the teaching staff working in the discipline of Missiology consider to be specifically missiological. These are:
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It is very difficult to provide a precise definition of missiology as a separate discipline. It is perhaps closer
to the truth to describe missiology as an inter-disciplinary “field” of study. Many disciplines, such as all the
other established theological disciplines, as well as anthropology, economics, communication science,
linguistics, etc., contribute insights to the academic discipline of missiology. One feature of a missiological
dissertation is therefore the way in which it combines approaches from different social sciences and
integrates them into a coherent theological design, characterised by at least four features:
The first of these is an intentional extroversion – an outward-directedness, a concern for people other than
ourselves and our own groups. It is a primary characteristic of a missiological approach that it is concerned
with the needs, sorrows, joys, and well-being of others rather than ourselves. Very often this extroversion
is directed towards the weak, the poor, the disenfranchised, the despised, the unreached, the unsaved,
etc.
Our concern for others is, however, not simply a general, undefined concern. It is generally a concern to
change and to heal (make whole). Missiology is never content simply to describe the world as it is.
Whether it embodies a strongly evangelistic concern like that of Zinzendorf to “win souls for the Lamb", or
a liberationist concern to initiate political action for social justice, or a developmental concern to sink
boreholes to bring clean drinking water to poor rural communities, all these approaches to mission are
directed towards encouraging change and making people or communities whole.
Missiology is also characterised by a willingness and a concern to build bridges between different
communities – whether the differences are religious, cultural or political. Missiology reveals a constant
concern to translate and interpret in situations of misunderstanding or conflict. I am not satisfied that I
have done my job missiologically if a certain group understands only themselves (although a self-critical
reflection on our own missionary existence is of the utmost importance). In missiology there always seems
to be the urge to translate interculturally and interreligiously.
This is so because missiology, more than any other theological discipline, exists at the “cutting edge,” or
on the edges (sometimes the margins) of the Christian community. Mission comes into being where the
Holy Spirit wishes to guide the Christian community on its next step in its journey into the world. For this
very reason mission has to exist both as agent of change and as agent of interpretation.
A missiological concern will express itself, amongst others, in the following:
(a) a sensitivity for what is “missionary” in the topic of study;
(b) a stance of commitment to the Christian faith (rather than rational scientism), matched by a fearless and selfcritical scientific rigour;
(c) a reluctance to offer a complete and final definition of mission;
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(d) an interest in the interrelations between God, Christian community, and world, and not merely an interest in
descriptions of God, Christian community and world;
(e) an awareness that it is not only certain isolated aspects of people’s lives and of the Christian faith that are
missionary, but all of it, coherently and holistically.
It is clear, then, that we do not regard mission as some clearly delineated separate “part” of Christian existence;
nor do we regard missiology as discipline in a watertight “box” neatly fenced off from all other theological
disciplines. We see mission rather as the overarching dimension of the total life of the Christian community.
Missiology is therefore by its very nature interdisciplinary.
A neglected area of research has been missionary spirituality. If mission is described as the missio Dei then this
too is a topic of missiological study. Spirituality can serve as a powerful motivation for mission and should not be
ignored.
5
ELEMENTS OF A THESIS PROPOSAL
We can scarcely overemphasise the importance of a very good thesis proposal and its relationship to the
completion of a successful thesis. A very general misconception among doctoral students is that one just needs a
good idea before starting one’s reading, research and writing, formulating the structure of the thesis (how many
chapters, the topics of the chapters, etc.) as one progresses. This is in itself not a good idea! Authors of bestselling novels often say that when they started their novels they did not have a clear idea of how and where it would
end and that the various characters just presented themselves as the plot made its twists and turns, that may work
when writing a novel, but it certainly does not work when one is going to write a thesis. One cannot write a good
academic thesis or monograph in this way. The process does indeed start with a good idea, but it does not stop
there. Academic writing is a process in which one’s initial idea must be refined, discussed with one’s promoter,
revised and reformulated. Patience with oneself, the research and writing process and with one’s promoter.
In view of this we have want to help you in writing your thesis proposal by indicating to you the elements that should
be included in your proposal.
5.1
Cover page
On the cover page of proposal please provide the following information with each entry on a separate line:
Your Name
Student Number
Your complete mailing address
Your Phone and/or Fax Number(s)
Your e-mail address
Approved Title
Promoter
Co-promoter (if applicable)
Date of planned submission of your thesis
The purpose of a standardised cover page is to have all the relevant at hand so that your promoter can readily
communicate with you and you with him/her.
5.2
Introduction and research question
In this section of your proposal include something about your interest and what has led you to want to do doctoral
research and write a thesis. Then explain your motivation for focussing on this specific topic. Formulate your
research question. It is best to work with a question because then you have a clearer focus for your research:
answering the question! The purpose of the research question is to narrow your focus so that is sufficiently clear to
direct your research. Research questions often arise out of problem areas so it would be helpful to reflect on the
area of missiology that you would like to research and choose a problem area that you would like to focus on.
5.2.1 Some examples of research questions
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An example might be the tension that exists between Christian witness and the need to encounter people
of other faiths. This is a real problem in contemporary societies all over the world. So a research question
might be: What consequences do the ongoing tensions in the Middle East have for Christian-Muslim
interreligious encounter in the Eastern Cape?
Still another question might be: How have the two moments of mission, dialogue and proclamation,
shaped the Catholic Church’s approach to Muslim-Christian dialogue in Cape Town since Vatican II?
Another related problem is that of the weakening of the ecumenical movement in South Africa and indeed
in many countries and a research question could be: How have documents issued by the World Council of
Churches from 1960-2000 guided ecumenical initiatives in South Africa?
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Another problem is the relationship between ritual, music and mission and their interrelationship. A
research question that could be formulated is: How can ritual and music contribute to the reunification of
the family of Reformed Churches in South Africa? Or what is the role of the Belhar Confession in shaping
missiological praxis in the Uniting Reformed Church of South Africa?
Still another example is that mission is often associated with works and activism. How can an emphasis
on spirituality enrich the development of mission praxis? Or, what elements would be part of a spirituality
of mission? Or, what role might baptism play in motivating a local church for mission?
The possibilities are only limited by your willingness to think critically and deeply about mission and missiological
concerns. Basically, you come to formulate a research question by problematising a situation and then developing
a question around the problem. Once you have a question clearly formulated you then can begin to draw up an
outline of topics to be considered.
Include your proposed title. Be sure that it reflects what you want as the focus for your study. Do not make your
title too long or too complex. Please remember that if there is a need to change you title after it has been approved
by the university Senate there is a formal process to be followed. You will need to discuss the matter with your
promoter and he/she will need to make the formal request.
5.3
Rationale for your study
This area is related to your research topic and question. It includes your motivation for devoting yourself to this
area of research. What is the context in which this problem arose? Why do you feel passionately about this
problem? Why do you think your topic is worthy of academic research? If you do not feel passionately about your
topic you will not be able to sustain enough interest to bring your thesis to completion. If you can answer these
questions you should be able to formulate a strong rationale for your study.
5.4
Research methodology
As a researcher you must decide on the method needed in order to do your research in the most appropriate way.
Familiarise yourself with the relevant literature in the area that will be the focus of your study, formulate an outline
or structure for the thesis (divisions and subdivisions of chapters, etc.), and get clarity in your mind on what exactly
you want to accomplish (in other words where one wishes to end). Give a detailed description of what kind of
research will you do: historical, phenomenological, quantitative, qualitative, theological, hermeneutical,
anthropological, literature, participative, sociological, interdisciplinary etc. Missiology, of its nature is
interdisciplinary, so you may be using more than one in tandem. Next you will need to give serious thought to the
tools you will use: literature studies, interviews, participatory research, narrative theory, interviews, questionnaires,
context, analysis, text analysis, etc. It is taken for granted that you will bring together the results of your research in
good missiological analysis and so be able to point out the missiological implications of your research at the end of
your thesis. Your aim is to make an original contribution to the body of missiological literature.
5.5
Getting started
It is very important to do enough preliminary reading so that you are clear about what has been and what has not
been said about your subject area. Then you need to decide how the other aspects of the research will be done.
Keep a running bibliography file either on index cards or in a computer file. Choose some method of note-taking
that will be most helpful to you. Some students use index cards, others work directly on the computer, but you
need to have a systematic way of keeping your research findings in an orderly way so that you will have easy
access to your notes when you are writing. At some point you have to say you have done enough reading,
interviews or other forms of research and begin to write. Don’t hesitate to write as ideas come to you. The art of
writing is rewriting so think in terms of drafts, not finished chapters. Remember that you are not saying the last
word on your topic, you are only saying one word that will enrich the missiological community. Once a chapter is
written send it to your promoter by post or by e-mail. Keep on writing, but wait for comments from your promoter
before submitting another chapter. If mistakes are made, especially technical ones, you can corrected them before
submitting the next chapter.
5.6
Demarcation of the study
A doctoral thesis must be an in-depth study of a small aspect or area within a larger discipline. So it is important to
be clear about the scope of your study. This is why the research question is so important. It will help you set the
limits of the study. You can acknowledge other problems, but in a thesis you only focus on answering one
specific question. You cannot take up every issue. There are ways to let readers know you are aware of these
other issues without dealing with them comprehensively in your thesis. Make a list of key words and phrases to
help you get a sense of important topics within your focus area of research.
5.7
Sequence of Chapters
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Include a preliminary overview of how you foresee your thesis unfolding. Your writing will be easier if you have a
clear developmental structure in which you seek to keep the research question before your mind as your answer to
it unfolds. Every chapter needs an Introduction and a Conclusion to give coherence and keep the flow and help
readers to “navigate” their way through your thesis.
5.8
Writing schedule
Draw up a realistic time schedule for your work. Everyone has different commitments, but everyone who wants to
do research has to make time for what they think is important and in this case it is completing your thesis. Allocate
time in your schedule for reading, note-taking, critical reflecting and revising each chapter. It is also necessary to
include the time it takes for a professional editor to edit your text and get it back to you. Make provision for the
time it takes for your promoter to read and comment on your text.
We include a helpful diagram above that gives you an overview of the stages in writing a thesis. As you can see
re-writing is part of the thesis-writing process. So do not be surprised if revision is necessary. You are responsible
for proofreading your text. Your promoter is not responsible for correcting your grammar, sentence structure and
spelling. She/he is responsible for giving you clear theological/missiological feedback about your work.
Remember to hand in chapter by chapter for comment. In this way you learn from the comments of your promoter
and the same mistakes are not repeated over and over. You cannot simply hand in a completed manuscript. Even
if you are a full-time student the university requires at least two registrations for a degree. It takes time to develop a
well-structured, well developed thesis.
5.9
Costs
Doing a thesis does not only imply the cost of registration. You need to give careful consideration to “hidden”
costs: travel or payment of field workers, a computer or the use of one, a printer and printing costs, postage of
materials to and from the library, payment of an editor (and this is usually quite costly) , the cost of binding the
thesis, buying books, going to conferences, and other miscellaneous expenses. It is best to prepare a budget so
that you do not have any surprise expenses that you cannot meet.
If English is not your first language you may want to purchase a bilingual dictionary to help you. Dictionaries are
costly items, but they can be of help to you for years to come.
5.10
Bibliography
In your proposal you will need to include a preliminary bibliography. Include books and articles that you have read
as well as those you hope to read. You will need this for the Literature Review (cf section 3.1) that is a part of
every doctoral thesis. As you select works for your bibliography it would be good to keep this in mind so that you
select the most important studies done in your field. Some students find it helpful to read widely at first and then
read for each chapter at a time. This depends on your style of working, but nevertheless you need to include a
preliminary bibliography in your thesis proposal.
5.11
Submitting your proposal
Once you have written your proposal. Submit it
to your promoter. If she/he feels changes need
to be made he/she will contact you. If the
proposal is accepted by your promoter he/she
will discuss it with the discipline file committee.
Your promoter will then notify you about the
result of the file committee’s discussion.
6
FROM A GOOD IDEA TO A GOOD
THESIS - SOME PRACTICAL HINTS
11
6.1.
DIS911-U/101
Before you begin
It is important that you realise before you even begin that this is a difficult (but eventually extremely rewarding) and
taxing process that you are embarking upon with doctoral studies. There must not be any doubt in your mind about
your motivation to carry the process through to a successful conclusion. The perceived personal and academic
prestige you can gain by introducing yourself as a doctoral student at Unisa will not be sufficient. Neither will a
vague notion that you may find the academic lifestyle compatible and enjoyable. It is also advisable that you clear
up any doubts created by a guilty conscience because you are neglecting your “real calling” which is evangelistic,
pastoral or charitable service. Once you are convinced that you have the necessary motivation to make an
academic contribution to our missiological knowledge, discuss your plans with your wife/husband (if married) and
your congregation or parish (if in full-time church service) because your studies will affect the time you have
available for family and church responsibilities. You need to realise that you will need to make many choices so
that you give priority to your studies.
6.2
Time management
If you often complain that you are so busy that you have no time to fulfill all your commitments, you must think hard
(and more than twice!) before beginning doctoral studies. As a rule of thumb, and based simply on our experience,
not on any research, we would suggest that you should be able to set aside at least one day every week for your
studies - at the very least. If you struggle to find time for everything, yet feel sincerely drawn to doctoral studies, do
not despair, though! Very often you may be running yourself ragged more as a result of bad or non-existent time
management rather than a real shortage of time. As a way of managing your time write down the exact amount of
time spent on your various activities for two average weeks. Now, be brutally honest with yourself: how much of all
this time was actually wasted because of a complete absence of any proper time management in your daily and
weekly schedule? If you set aside one day of your week for the extremely important exercise of writing a good
doctoral thesis, and discuss the implications properly with your family and church community, would you not be
able to accomplish everything you actually must do in the remaining six days if you manage your time properly?
This is a non-negotiable condition for attempting a doctoral thesis, for there is no such thing as “muddling through”
the process with odd little bits of free time at irregular intervals.
6. 3
Some steps in the process
Once you have decided on the right theme (one that passionately grips your heart and mind - passion is an
important ingredient of the process, as without passion you are unlikely to manage to sustain the necessary
commitment and keep to your deadlines), and completed the work on your thesis proposal, the following steps will
require your attention:
i) Collection of material: Like every other step in the process, this must be approached in a systematic way. Too
many students are utilising only a “scatter-gun” approach: they pick up smaller or larger bits and pieces of material
wherever they come across them coincidentally. A useful place to start is with a Lexicon, Encyclopaedia or (if you
have easy access to electronic media) a database. This should enable you to determine what important classical
and contemporary sources are available in relation to your topic. Once you start reading, you will begin to pick up
very useful references to other sources.
Another very important aide in this process is the Subject Librarian for Theology in the Unisa Library. If you do not
have easy access to electronic databases, for example (but NOT only then), the librarian, Ms Nell can draw up
reading lists from the excellent databases available to our library. It is very useful to have a meeting with her (or
speak to her by telephone) very early in your study process. This helps her to have a much clearer understanding
of your topic than simply the words printed on paper. Your promoter will generally also draw your attention to
relevant new material which becomes available - but remember that you are only one of several masters and
doctoral she/he is supervising amidst a very busy schedule. So do not expect that you will get by only on the
snippets of information passed on to you by your promoter.
ii) Managing your material: Once more, before you even begin to collect material, you must have decided on a
system to manage your material. If you have not yet decided on the system that works best for you, discuss it with
your promoter and get her/his advice. It is impossible to expect that your reference system and bibliography will be
of the required standard if you do not such a system in place.
iii)
Drawing up or revising your chapter outline: When you presented your thesis proposal/outline to your
promoter, you would have had a tentative chapter outline. Some way into your reading and collection you must
revise this preliminary chapter divisions. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to maintain the original outline
because as you read, write and rewrite new insights will shape your thinking about your topic.
iii) You have some very valuable assistants in the process of collecting material. They are the Internet;, the Unisa
Reference Librarian for Theology Your promoter can introduce you if you have not encountered her earlier; your
promoter (although please remember that she/he has a large number of students to supervise and cannot be
expected to provide you with an update on all relevant publications); and your friends, who might have read
something very valuable to your topic.
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6.4
Plagiarism
An issue related to the use of good reference techniques is that of plagiarism. This is a serious violation of
academic integrity. We plagiarise when we use the ideas and/or words of other authors without giving them credit.
Sometimes students are tempted to pull-out whole paragraphs or sections from the work of others and make it
their own to appear more erudite. This is a misunderstanding of what good scholarship entails. A good thesis
requires good research, good reflection on what was gained through research, integration of that material into
one’s ideas and convictions about the topic being considered and then good writing and rewriting. As a scholar
develops her/his thought we cannot help but draw on the thought of others. When we begin to write and use the
work of other scholars then we have to acknowledge their contribution to our thinking. Far from being a sign of
weakness this is a sign of good research and good writing skills when we are able to integrate the thought of
various authors into our own work. So do not simply copy for others; always acknowledge your sources.
Universities are beginning to use an on-line service at www.turnitin.org to check for plagiarism. Please consult it
because it has some very useful information about plagiarism and other aspects of ethical research. You should
also read the booklet that is entitled Master’s dissertation and doctoral thesis . It is sent to all Unisa M & D
students and provides information not only on plagiarism, but also on other important information on aspects of you
thesis.
6.5 Inclusive Language
Another very helpful tutorial letter that is end to all students is the one on the use of inclusive language (FAKTLGC/ 303/2007). When you are quoting material that does not use inclusive language you simply type (sic) after the
exclusive word. An example would be the following sentence. “All of the men (sic) were sent out as missionaries
after extensive training.”
7
CHECKLIST FOR SUBMISSION OF THESIS
Item
Is the title formally approved ?
Is the layout of the title page correct?
Have you included the declaration that the thesis is your own work?
Have you signed the declaration?
Are the key words or phrases listed on a separate page?
Is the abstract the correct number of words?
Have you included an acknowledgement page?
Did you include your curriculum vitae?
Do the entries in the table of contents match those in the text?
Are your abbreviations listed in alphabetical order?
If you have used tables or figures have you listed them?
Does each chapter start on a new page?
Are your headings and sub-headings in a consistent type font?
Are all your references liste in the bibliography?
Is the bibliography in alphabetical order?
Are appendices clearly marked?
Have you proofread the entire text?
Are all pages numbered correctly?
Have you printed the correct number of copies for examination?
Tick
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DIS911-U/101
Have you made an electronic back up copy of your thesis?
Have you paid the necessary fees?
Once the examiners’s reports have been made available to your promoter you will be notified about any of the
required corrections. Be sure that these are done and check again to see that any pages numbers that might have
changed are in agreement with the table of contents.
Follow the required procedures for the final submission of your bound and unbound copies. Make sure the title and
your name are on the cover and spine of the thesis.
8
PUBLICATION OF YOUR THESIS
You are required to obtain permission of the university to publication your thesis. You need to write a formal letter
to your promoter who will then carry the process further. You will be notified in writing about the result of your
request.
9
JOURNAL ARTICLE
In an effort to disseminate your research findings you are required to submit one article to an accredited journal
(consult your promoter about which ones are accredited) for publication. In the biographical information about
yourself you need to state that the article is the result of the research for the thesis you have one at Unisa.
10
CONCLUSION
We have written this tutorial letter in the hope that you will find it helpful in preparing your thesis proposal and as
you begin writing your thesis. If you have an questions or concerns please feel free to contact your promoter.
Please read the following sections of this letter and review the responsibilities you are taking on as a doctoral
student. Sign the contract and send it to your promoter who will in turn sign it, make a photocopy and send it make
to you. One copy will be kept in your file.
Best wishes for your doctoral studies,
The Discipline of Missiology Staff
*************************************
11
REFERENCES CITED
Bak, N 2004. Completing your thesis: a practical guide. Pretoria: Van Schaik.
Mason, J 2002. Qualitative researching, 2nd ed. London: Sage Publications.
12
FURTHER READING
Bak, N 2004. Completing your thesis: a practical guide. Pretoria: Van Schaik.
Henning, E, Gravett, S, & Van Rensburg, W 2002. Finding your way in academic writing. Pretoria: Van Schaik.
Mason, J 2002. Qualitative researching, 2nd ed. London: Sage Publications.
Mouton, J 2001. How to succeed in your master’s and doctoral studies. Pretoria: Van Schaik.
14
13
Appendix 1:
Responsibilities of the promoter
The overriding responsibility of a promoter is to provide continuing support to the student in researching and
producing a thesis to the best of the student's ability. Specific responsibilities are:
13.1
thesis
makes the student aware of what the department/university requires in terms of working towards a doctoral
13.2
to support the student in developing a formal thesis proposal
13.3
to maintain regular contact with the student by letter, phone, e-mail or office visits and to ensure that a
reasonable timetable is set for progress reports using the writing plan of the student to maintain accountability
13.4
to provide appropriate, helpful, and explanatory feedback to the student on any submissions, to return such
feedback in reasonable time (normally turn around time should be within a month of when a submission reaches
the promoter), to send copies of feedback to the joint promoter if one has been appointed and to assist students to
develop solutions as problems are identified
13.5
to monitor carefully the performance of the student relative to the work agreement and the standard
required for the degree
13.6
to bring to the attention of the student any relevant literature or ways to improve her/his work
13.7
to encourage participation in semiannual postgraduate seminars to present research
13.8
to advise the student of the required procedures for submission of the thesis
13.9
to make students aware of the required article based on the thesis to be published in an accredited journal
13.10
to assemble a panel of suitable examiners
13.11 to convey to the student the results of the examiners’s assessment of the thesis and assure that any
corrections are made in the final copies that are submitted tot he university
13.12
to advise the student about membership in professional societies.
15
14
DIS911-U/101
Appendix 2: Responsibilities of the Joint Promoter
A joint promoter is sometimes appointed when the area of research or the specific methodology that a student will
be using requires special expertise. The responsibilities of the joint promoter are:
14.1
to provide relevant guidance in one’s area of expertise to the student
14.2
to maintain contact with the promoter so that no conflicting advice is given to the student
14.3
to send feedback to the student in the normal period of a month
14.4
to send copies of his/her communication with the student to the promoter
16
15
Appendix 3: Responsibilities of the student
The primary responsibility for the undertaking and completion of the research rests with the student. Specific
responsibilities are:
15.1
to negotiate an agreement/contract of work to be done and schedules to be adhered to with one’s
promoter with any changes reviewed and agreed upon by both student and promoter
15.2
to prepare a thesis proposal that meets the requirements of the Department of Missiology
15.3
to maintain regular contact with the supervisor(s) and to ensure that a reasonable timetable of meetings
and/or communication in other forms is maintained
15.4
to present required written material in sufficient time to allow for comments and discussions
15.5
to be computer literate
15.6
to submit work that has already been proofread for spelling, grammatical or tying errors and follows the
Harvard method of referencing
15.7
to maintain academic and ethical standards for one’s research and writing
15.8
to participate in postgraduate seminars as one is able
15.9
to comply with the university’s requirements for the submission of copies of the thesis for examination
15.10
to make the required corrections to the thesis as required by the examiners
15.11 to accept responsibility for the final copies of the thesis and to submit a thesis which meets the university's
requirements
15.12
to publish at least one article based on the research done for the thesis in an accredited journal.
DIS911-U/101
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16
Appendix 4: Contract
Sign, Photocopy and Send to your Promoter
Department of Missiology Contract of Agreement for Doctoral Studies
___________________________________________________________________
Name of Student
___________________________________________________________________
Name of Promoter
First Year Registered__________________________________________________
I agree to the responsibilities as stated below in sections 6, 7 and 8. If at any time I cannot meet
these
responsibilities I will consult with the above named promoter/student to work out an agreed
upon arrangement in consultation if the Head of Department/Acting Head of Department.
..
Student

Promoter
...........................................................
Joint Promoter (where applicable)
......................................................
Date
...........................................................
Date
18