Winter 2017/Fuller Online

CH506

Waldrop

CH506: AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY IN A GLOBAL HISTORICAL CONTEXT (4 Units: 160 hours). Jeffrey Waldrop.

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 course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: Approximately 1,390 pages required.

MacHaffie, Barbara J. Her Story: Women in Christian Tradition. 2nd ed. Fortress, 2006. ISBN: 978-0800638269, Pub. Price $44.00 [220 pp. assigned].

Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Eerdmans, 1992. ISBN: 978-0802806512, Pub. Price $52.00 [540 pp. assigned].

______The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith. InterVarsity Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0830839933, Pub. Price $22.00 [150 pp. assigned].

Sernett, Milton C., ed. African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. 2nd ed. Duke University Press, 1999. ISBN: 978-0822324492, Pub. Price $29.95 [480 pp. assigned.].

Three primary documents/readings of American church history, posted in the course.

RECOMMENDED READING: Please see the syllabus.

VIDEO RESOURCES: Students will be required to view 2-3 historical documentaries throughout the course of the quarter. Documentaries will be available from different online sources such as Amazon Instant Video. In order to adhere to copyright regulations, each student will be required to pay a rental fee of $1.99-$2.99 per documentary. Fees will not exceed $10.00 over the course of the quarter. [6 hours].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Watch YouTube Lectures, and read Lecture notes and Power Points [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3] [20 hours].

2. Engage in Classroom Forums—Initial posts (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3] [10 hours].

3. Engage in Classroom Forums—Response to classmate posts (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3] [10 hours].

4. Read assignments from class texts (about 1,390 pp.) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4] [80 hours].

5. (4) 500-word reflections over class readings/themes (10%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4] [10 hours].

6. Mid-term exam (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3] [10 hours].

7. FINAL Exam (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3] [10 hours].

8. Submit a seven-page (2,000-2,500 word) analytical essay based upon one of the primary documents posted in the weekly readings (30%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4] [10 hours]. This essay serves as the signature assignment for the course. This assignment will be graded according to the Program Learning Outcome Rubric for Church History Signature Assignments, based on three major criteria: Overall Impression, Evidence & Argumentation, and Style & Grammar.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH3 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015). Option to meet the TH3 requirement in the 80 MATM Program (Fall 2015). Meets CHC in the 144 MDiv Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.