Fall 2010/Pasadena
CH504
Hanciles
CH504: MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. Jehu J. Hanciles.
DESCRIPTION: This course serves as an introduction to the historical study of
Christianity. It will survey the growth and contributions of the church in
Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific from the
seventeenth century to the present. Special attention will be given to the
complex contextual trends and developments that have shaped the life of the
church and/or reflect its impact, the critical role of various forms of
outreach and missions in Christianity's global expansion, the distinctive but
diversified role of evangelicalism worldwide, and non-Western initiatives or
movements.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course should enable students better
to understand and interpret contemporary events and discussions in light of
their historical and social contexts. Students should expect to be both
culturally and ecumenically sensitized.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will
- acquire a working historical knowledge of the growth of the Christianity
into a worldwide phenomenon;
- be able to identify and explain major developments, personalities, and
theological perspectives that have shaped modern Christian churches and
traditions;
- learn to critically assess historical material and acquire some
understanding of the significance of the historical perspective;
- gain an appreciation for the multiplicity of ways in which the Christian
faith is experienced and expressed around the world.
COURSE FORMAT: Class meets twice a week in two-hour periods. At least twenty
minutes of each session will be devoted to discussion and/or student
presentations.
REQUIRED READING: (If you have previously read any of the required texts,
please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book
approved by the instructor)
- Anderson, Allan. An Introduction to Pentecostalism.
Cambridge University Press, 2004 [ISBN: 978-0521532808; $27.99].
- Goodpasture, H. McKennie. Cross and Sword: An Eyewitness
History. . . . Orbis, 1989 2004 [ISBN: 978-0883445914;
$11.99].
- Hastings, Adrian. A World History of Christianity. Eerdmans, 1999
2004 [ISBN: 978-0802848758; $38].
- Koschorke, Klaus, Frieder Ludwig, and Mariano Delgado, eds. A History of
Christianity in Asia, African and Latin America: A Documentary Sourcebook.
Eerdmans, 2007 2004 [ISBN: 978-0802828897; $35].
- Shenk, Wilbert R., ed. Enlarging the Story: Perspectives on Writing
World Christian History. Orbis, 2002 2004 [ISBN: 978-1570754531;
$20].
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Anderson, Alan, and Tang, Edmond, eds. Asian and Pentecostal:
The Charismatic Face of Christianity in Asia. Regnum Books, 2005 2004
[ISBN: 978-1870345439; U.S. price not available].
- González, Odina E., and Justo L. González. Christianity in
Latin America: A History. Cambridge, 2008 [2004] [ISBN: 978-0521681926;
$24.99].
- Kalu, Ogbu, ed. African Christianity: An African Story. Africa World
Press, 2007 2004 [ISBN: 978-0620336475; $34.95].
- Kim, Sebastian, and Kirsteen Kim. Christianity as a World
Religion. Continuum, 2008 2004 [ISBN: 978-0826498410; $29.95].
- Sanneh, Lamin, and Joel Carpenter, eds. The Changing Face of
Christianity: Africa, the West, and the World. Oxford, 2005 2004 [ISBN:
978-0195177282; $25].
- Walls, Andrew F. The Cross-Cultural Process in Christian History.
Orbis, 2002 2004 [ISBN: 978-1570753732; $26].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
- Read at least 1200 pages from required and recommended books.
- Write and submit five (1-page) reflection papers based on primary source
material and/or stipulated readings.
- Write and submit two (3-4 pages) research papers by stipulated deadlines.
- Write a 10-12 page final paper (excluding bibliography) based on prescribed
or approved topics.
- ** Students are advised that the details of these assignments are
subject to last minute change.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History "C"
(CHC).
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (Revised August 17, 2010)