DESCRIPTION: An introductory overview of the history of Christianity in America. The class will explore some of the major persons, ideas, and movements that have shaped Christian faith and practice in North America. The course will also involve students in opportunities for more intensive pursuit and presentation of their particular interests in the story of North American Christianity.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who pass this course will have (1) demonstrated familiarity with the major people, movements, issues, and themes in the history of Christianity in North America; (2) investigated some aspects of the historical development of American religious diversity; (3) appropriated spiritual insights and resources from American history for their own Christian growth and ministry; (4) explored in detail the life and thought of one North American historical figure and presented some aspect(s) of their study to the class; (5) engaged in historical research focused upon constructing and defending a historical argument (thesis) based upon critical evaluation of sources.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Knowledge of basic themes, patterns, and events in the history of Christianity in America is indispensable for Christian ministers who seek to be leaders of the church and reliable interpreters of the faith in North America. Ministers with a sense of historical perspective on American Christianity will be able to comprehend its current issues more thoroughly and address its present problems more effectively. The acquisition of analytical and writing skills will also be useful in observing, understanding, and influencing contemporary situations of ministry.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for nine four-hour sessions that will include lectures, class discussions, student presentations, small group consultations, and historical document workshops.

REQUIRED READING:

Gaustad, Edwin S., and Mark A. Noll, eds. A Documentary History of Religion in America to 1877. 3rd ed. Eerdmans, 2003.

MacHaffie, B. J. Her Story: Women in Christian Tradition. 2nd ed. Fortress Press, 2006 (pp. 125-344).

Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Eerdmans, 1994.

Historical figure reading from primary and secondary sources--minimum of 250 pages.

Reading for research paper critically evaluating primary sources.

Extra Credit Reading (optional 3-page extra credit paper due June 29)--Choose one:

Orsi, Robert A. The Madonna of 115th Street: Faith and Community in Italian Harlem, 1880-1950. 2nd ed. Yale University Press, 2002.

Robeck, Cecil M., Jr. The Azusa Street Mission and Revival. Thomas Nelson, 2006.

Sweeney, Douglas A. The American Evangelical Story. Baker Academic, 2005.

Recommended resources:

Gaustad, Edwin S., and Mark A. Noll, eds. A Documentary History of Religion in America Since 1877. 3rd ed. Eerdmans, 2003.

Rampolla, Mary Lynn. A Pocket Guide to Writing in History. 5th ed. Bedford St. Martins, 2006.

Reid, Daniel G., Harry S. Stout, and Craig A. Noll, eds. Concise Dictionary of Christianity in America. Wipf & Stock, 2002.

Selected films portraying American religious history (extra credit; paper due June 29).

Maps at http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical.