Winter 2013/Fuller Online
CH502
Badger
CH502: MEDIEVAL AND REFORMATION HISTORY. Carlton Badger.
DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the Church in the Medieval and Reformation periods (600–1600 A.D.), beginning from its Augustinian foundations and the barbarian invasions of the Roman Empire, through its millennium-long attempt to build a Christian society and the resulting tensions in thought, governance and practice, and the many reform efforts which culminated in the transformation of European “Christendom” in the Reformation of the sixteenth century begun by Luther.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: There are four objectives to this course. First, that students become familiar with the central developments in the church of the Middle Ages and Reformation, particularly those that led to the Reformation and have formed and expressed Protestant identity. Second, that students gain an understanding of the Medieval Christendom and the Reformation from diverse points of view, including the perspectives of the original participants and those of historians today. Third, that students practice the close reading of selected primary sources in order to analyze and faithfully articulate a historical text. Fourth, that students reflect on the perennial nature of the controversies that shaped Christian identity in this period as these doctrines and practices have engendered contemporary Christian diversity and ecumenical conversation.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This period formed the particular shape of Western Christianity in its various manifestations. A critical appropriation of this heritage is crucial to situate ourselves in the wider catholic and apostolic church, and to understand our faith in the fuller, more judicious—even chastened—perspective given in the historical experience of the church. The student will thereby come to appreciate the historic conflicts and options behind Christian practice and doctrine, and by such critical engagement better attend to the needed articulation of faith in one’s own ministry and witness.
COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online (Moodle format) on a ten-week schedule, Jan. 7 through March 22. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions and other assignments that promote active learning.
REQUIRED READING:
Janz, Denis, ed. A Reformation Reader (with CDROM). Fortress, 2002 (not the 2008 edition). 275 of 386 pp. [ISBN 13: 978-0800634735; $34.00]
Ozment, Steven. The Age of Reform (1250–1550). Yale University Press, 1981. 370 of 458 pp. [ISBN-13: 978-0300027600; $25.00]
Julian of Norwich. Showings (Classics of Western Spirituality). Paulist Press, 1978. 65 of 369 pp. [ISBN: 0-8091-2091-7; $24.95]
Primary and secondary readings on the course site and from online resources [approx. 300 pp.]
ASSIGNMENTS: Prior to the first class: read the selection “The Achievements of the Early Church;” found on the course site (important especially for those who have not had CH 500).
Completion of assigned readings in preparation for class, and readiness to discuss the texts.
Midterm (25%) and Final Exam (25%)
Two 3-4 page analytic papers, analyzing source documents (to be assigned: 10% each)
Discussion section participation evaluation (30%)
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History “B” (CHB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.