DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help students explore the historical development of the United Methodist tradition in the cultural and social context of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. We will consider how Methodism engaged its cultural setting, why it grew so dramatically in America, and what challenges the church now faces.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course will help students gain a broader historical perspective on the United Methodist Church, providing a richer context from which to evaluate the church's place in modern life. It will also meet part of the requirement for ordination in the United Methodist Church.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, the student will (1) understand the historical context from which the United Methodist Church developed, and (2) be able to reflect that heritage in preaching, teaching, and ministering within the context of current theological reflection in the Christian community.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks. We will use a mixed lecture and discussion format. Discussion will focus on daily reading assignments.

REQUIRED READING:

Richey, Russell. The Methodist Experience in America Volume 1. Abingdon, 2010. 699 pages. ISBN: 9780687246724. Pub. price: $50.00.

Wigger, John. American Saint: Francis Asbury and the Methodists. Oxford, 2009. 543 pages. ISBN: 9780195387803. Pub. price: $39.95.

Course Reader (includes primary source readings from B. Abbott, R. Allen, J. Lee, and F. Newell).

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Students are expected to complete the assigned readings before each class session. Quizzes may be used to encourage this practice. Grades will be based on (1) a final exam over assigned readings, class lectures and discussion (100 points); (2) a book review at the beginning of the second week (20 points); (3) Quizzes and/or class participation (50 points); (4) five 800 word book reviews on five books from the recommended reading list (100 points, due September 4, 2011).

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, given during final class meeting.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (April 2011)