DESCRIPTION: In studying the history of the Presbyterian Church attention will be given to important persons, ideas, and movements. The course will trace the roots of Presbyterianism from Europe to the American colonies and its spread throughout the States. A major focus will be the development of distinctive themes in American Presbyterianism. Main themes in Presbyterian history will also be related to current developments and programs in the denomination.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course prepares students for ministry in the Presbyterian Church USA. Those who grasp the history of the Presbyterian Church are in a better position to help congregations deal with the changing spiritual environment in contemporary America. Understanding the past reminds us of God's ongoing reformation of our present.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will gain an understanding of the theological challenges presently facing the Presbyterian Church by analyzing the controversies of the past, learn how to help congregational leaders make decisions about their mission and ministries, and deepen their own appreciation for the spirituality and depth of the Reformed tradition.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will rely largely on the student's ability to do individual reading and research. Students in this directed study will meet for five tutorial sessions of two-hour duration during the quarter. In these tutorials students will present materials and discuss questions assigned by the instructor. They will also bring to the conversation questions, critiques and theses developed in their readings.

REQUIRED READING:

Chapman, W. E. History and Theology in the Book of Order. Louisville: Witherspoon Press, 1999. ISBN-10: 1571530169. $19.95.

Marsden, George. Reforming Fundamentalism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987. ISBN-10: 0802836429. $26.99.

Presbyterian Understanding and Use of the Holy Scripture. The Office of Theology and Worship, PC (USA) 1992. Free download at http://oga.pcusa.org/publications/scripture-use.pdf.

Parker, T. H. L. Calvin: An Introduction to His Thought. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1995. ISBN-13:9780664256029. $29.95.

Smylie, James H. A Brief History of the Presbyterians. Louisville: Geneva Press, 1996. ISBN 066459993. $12.95.

James, W. E., and C. H. Zatkin. Tumbling Walls. LaJolla, CA: Dispra Foundations, 1991. ISBN 0962704806. $10.00.

Longfield, Bradley J. The Presbyterian Controversy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991. ISBN-13: 9780195086744. $60.00.

Presbyterian Planning Calendar, 2010-11. ISBN-13: 9781571530905. $10.50.

1. Students will keep a journal of weekly reflections (one entry per week) based on daily readings from the current PCUSA lectionary and selected readings from the Book of Confessions (10%).

2. Students will be expected to complete all assigned reading. In addition to the required reading listed above students will be expected to complete 30-40 hours of reading on a subject approved by the instructor (25%).

3. One reflection paper on the student's sense of calling (10%)

4. A ten-page paper exploring one of the recent social policies of the Presbyterian Church (25%).

5. A Final Project: research and reflection paper on a theological issue facing the Presbyterian Church (30%).