DESCRIPTION:

The history and programs of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will be examined. This course will trace the roots of Presbyterianism from Europe and Scotland to the American colonies and its spread through out the States with an emphasis on significant people, ideas, and movements. Presbyterians programs will be presented to familiarize students with the workings of the denomination.

Service in a denomination requires a familiarity with and understanding of the history, ethos, and functioning of that denomination. A historical perspective provides a sense of identity and purpose, a knowledge of programs facilitates participation within the denomination to further that identity and purpose.

This course is comprised of lectures, presentations, and discussion. Presbyterian history will be presented on Mondays from 8:00-9:50 a.m. Presbyterian programs on Wednesdays from 8:00-9:50 a.m. , coordinated by Jan Sperry, Interim Director of Presbyterian Ministries.

Brown, G. Thompson. Presbyterians in World Mission. Decatur, GA: CTF Press, 1995.

Loetscher, Lefferts S. A Brief History of the Presbyterians. Louisville: Westminster Press, 1983.

Marsden, George. Reforming Fundamentalism: Fuller Seminary and the New Evangelicalism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.

Current Presbyterian Program Calendar.

In-class handouts.

1. Students will be expected to attend class regularly and participate in class discussion.

2. Presbyterian History: one midterm (4, February) and one final examination (16, March). (66% of grade)

3. Presbyterian Programs: one 600-word reflection/evaluation paper covering three of the program classes and one 600-word participant-observer report on one denomination event you attended including registration material and a description/reflection on the workshops you attended (papers due 11, March). (33% of grade)

None.

Elective.

Yes.