Summer 2014/Pasadena
CH506
Graves
CH506: AMERICAN CHURCH HISTORY (4 Units: 120 hours). Wilfred Graves Jr.
DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the history of Christianity in America. This course will explore some of the major people, themes, and movements that have shaped Christian belief and practice in North America from the Puritan beginnings to the present day. Revivalism, Liberalism, Modernism, Fundamentalism, and Ecumenism are but a few of the many forces that have influenced the diverse American Christian landscape. Students will learn about these broad topics and will be given the opportunity to focus on their particular interests in the story of North American Christianity.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) This course will enable students to acquire a basic knowledge of their own denomination and its contribution to American history; (2) it will help students understand the ways in which the American churches were shaped by American culture, and hence enable them to become appreciative but critical interpreters of their denomination to others; (3) it will help students appreciate the breadth, unity, and diversity of the church in America; and (4) students will increase their critical skills in reading and writing through the study of primary source materials and by writing a short term paper.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for three-hour sessions twice weekly for five weeks in a lecture/discussion format.
REQUIRED READING:
MacHaffie, B. J. Her Story: Women in Christian Tradition. 2nd ed. Fortress Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800638269, Pub. Price $37.50 [approx. 220 pp.].
Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Eerdmans, 1992. ISBN: 978-0802806512, Pub. Price $30.00. [approx. 550 pp].
_________. The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. InterVarsity Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0830839933, Pub. Price $25.00. [approx. 200 pp].
Sernett, Milton C., ed. African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. 2nd ed. Duke University Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0822324492, Pub. Price $20.00 [approx. 500 pp.].
Course reader containing three selected documents of American church history [approx. 100 pp.].
Class Handouts [approx. 50 pages].
RECOMMENDED READING: Extra Credit Reading (optional 3-page extra credit paper) – choose ONE:
Robeck, Cecil M., Jr. The Azusa Street Mission and Revival. Thomas Nelson, 2006. ISBN: 978-1418506247, Pub. Price $11.50 [approx. 350 pp.]; OR
Sweeney, Douglas A. The American Evangelical Story. Baker Academic, 2005. ISBN: 978-0801026584, Pub. Price $13.60 [approx. 200 pp.]; OR
Whelchel, L.H. The History and Heritage of African-American Churches: A Way Out of No Way. Paragon House, 2011. ISBN: 978-1557788931, Pub. Price $16.50 [approx. 250 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
There will be two examinations, with both objective and essay components based on the readings, handouts, and lectures, each comprising 35% (total, 70%) of the final grade.
A five-page paper based upon one of the three documents and reading notes on the other two are required. These papers will account for 20% of the final grade.
Finally, a notebook should be kept throughout the course on the historical development of a denomination of the student’s choice. This notebook will account for 10% of the final grade.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History “c” (CHC); meets NT Seminary Core Requirement (SCR) for MATM, MAICS, MAFS, MACL (effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.