Fall 2014/Pasadena
CH506
Bradley
CH506: AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY IN A GLOBAL HISTORICAL CONTEXT (4 Units: 160 hours). James E. Bradley.
DESCRIPTION: CH506 analyzes the history and distinctive global roles of American Christianity to illumine and facilitate the interpretation of the church in the present generation. Christians from many countries and people groups have come to the United States, making it one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations on earth. The class offers an introductory overview of the history of Christianity in America, which will explore some of the major persons, ideas, and movements that have shaped Christian faith and practice, both in North America and throughout the world. 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 and its global implications.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete CH506 will demonstrate: (1) a basic historical and theological knowledge of the doctrines of the Christian church as these developed distinctively in the North American context from the sixteenth century to the present day and shaped its local cultures, experience of immigration, and global mission outreach; (2) a basic competence in interpreting this history and theology and an ability to evaluate these theological issues and their historical development; and (3) a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity, and diversity of the Christian church.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING: 1,198 pp. of requiredreading.
MacHaffie, Barbara J. Her Story: Women in Christian Tradition. 2nd ed. Fortress, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800638269, Pub. Price $44.00 [173 pp. assigned].
Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Eerdmans, 1992. ISBN: 978-0802806512, Pub. Price $50.00 [353 pp. assigned].
_________. The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. InterVarsity Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0830839933, Pub. Price $20.00 [187 pp. assigned].
Sernett, Milton C., ed. African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. 2nd ed. Duke University Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0822324492, Pub. Price $27.95 [485 pp. assigned.].
Course reader containing three documents of American church history.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
1,198 pages of required reading [This assignment is related to learning outcome # 1] [80 hours].
A focused denominational or religious movement notebook written as the required reading is being done, (weighted 10% of the final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1, 2, and 3].
Three 5-page analytical essays based on three classic texts from the Church in America (30% of final grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 2 and 3]. [30 hours].
Two examinations (midterm and final) covering the readings and lectures (together accounting for 60% of the grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes # 1, 2, and 3]. [10 hours].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH3 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Meets CHC in the 144 MDiv Program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.