DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to the more significant themes and an overview of events in the life of the church, especially the Americas, from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. Beginning with the years following the Reformation, students will survey the growth and contribution of the church through various methodological lenses including theological and sociological approaches.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be able to identify and explain many of the principle theological developments and historical events and personalities that have shaped the modern church.

2. Students will demonstrate through discussion and writing assignments the ability to think critically about historical texts and arguments, placing them in context.

3. Students will demonstrate through discussion an ability to interpret their own ecclesiastical tradition and other traditions with critical awareness and reflection.

4. Students will critically assess their religious and cultural assumptions by examining the complexity and diversity of Christian history.

Campos, Bernardo. De la reforma: Protestante a la pentecostalidad. Ediciones CLAI, 1997.

González, Justo. Historia del cristianismo. Tomo 2. Editorial Unilit, 1994.

Martínez Guerra, Juan Francisco, y Luis Scott, eds. Iglesias peregrinas en busca de identidad. Kairos Ediciones, 2004.

Readings on reserve in the library.

1. Completion of required reading (including pre-class reading assignments: Gonzalez, Historia del cristianismo ).

2. Midterm take-home essay exam based on the pre-class reading assignment. Due in class on August 4th. No length restrictions (40%).

3. Final take-home examination paper (15-20 pages) that incorporates key concepts from the course and integrates at least three outside sources. Due September 1st (60%).