Summer 2018/ Fuller Online

PH512

Sherman

PH512: CHRISTIANITY AND WESTERN THOUGHT (4 Units: 162 hours). Steve Sherman.

DESCRIPTION: An introduction to philosophical thinking, exploring the historical relationship between Christianity and Western thought. The course is based on a selective study of thinkers and movements from Plato to the present day.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who successfully complete the course will have demonstrated that they have: (1) increased their knowledge of the Western philosophical tradition and its relevance to Christian theology; (2) sharpened their critical thinking skills; (3) developed their writing skills; (4) enhanced their abilities to understand, analyze, and critique intellectual theories and issues, and deepened their appreciation for thinkers whose views differ from their own; and (5) critically assessed a contemporary global issue that impacts the nature and mission of the 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, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. 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: 1280 pages required.

Allen, Diogenes, and Eric O. Springsted. Philosophy for Understanding Theology. 2d ed. Westminster John Knox Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0664231804, Pub. Price $32.00 [250 pp. assigned].

Meister, Chad, and James Stump. Christian Thought: A Historical Introduction, 2d ed. Routledge, 2016. ISBN: 978-1138910614, Pub. Price $49.95 [480 pp. assigned].

Oden, Amy. In Her Words: Women's Writings in the History of Christian Thought. 2d ed. Abingdon Press, 1994. ISBN: 978-0687459728, Pub. Price $32.99 [300 pp. assigned].

Weaver, C. Douglas, and Rady Roldán-Figueroa, eds. Exploring Christian Heritage: A Reader in History and Theology, 2d ed. Baylor University Press, 2017. ISBN: 978-1481306980, Pub. Price $44.95 [250 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Allen, Diogenes, and Eric O. Springsted, eds. Primary Readings in Philosophy for Understanding Theology. Westminster John Knox Press, 1997. ISBN: 978-0664252083, Pub. Price $30.00 [320 pp.].

Brown, Colin, Steve Wilkens, and Alan Padgett. Christianity and Western Thought. 3 vols. IVP Academic, 2010-16. ISBN: 978-0830839537, Pub. Price $94.00 [1271 pp.].

Hill, Jonathan. A History of Christian Thought. IVP Academic, 2007. ISBN: 978-0830828456, Pub. Price $27.00 [352 pp.].

Kerr, Hugh T., ed. Readings in Christian Thought. 2d ed. Abingdon Press, 1990. ISBN: 978-0687355471, Pub. Price $36.99 [403 pp.].

Lane, Tony. A Concise History of Christian Thought. Rev. ed. Baker Academic, 2006. ISBN: 978-0801031595, Pub. Price $28.00 [346 pp.].

McGrath, Alister E. Historical Theology: An Introduction to the History of Christian Thought. 2d ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. ISBN: 978-0470672860, Pub. Price $55.95 [320 pp.].

McGrath, Alister E., ed. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought. Wiley-Blackwell, 1995. ISBN: 978-0631198963, Pub. Price $79.95 [720 pp.].

McGrath, Alister E., ed. The Christian Theology Reader. 5th ed. Wiley-Blackwell, 2016. ISBN: 978-1118874370, Pub. Price $39.99 [632 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1280 pages of required reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1]. [85 hours].
Two, 250-word weekly forum posts (one initial, one reply) (50%). Students demonstrate effective processing and evaluating of reading material, using critical reflection skills for analyzing, synthesizing, and engaging with the claims, contributions, and issues raised in the readings, while also articulating the impact on their thought and practice. Quality of content, analysis, synthesis, explanation, assessment, precision, and articulation factor significantly into overall evaluation and grading of weekly forum posts. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3 & 4] [40 hours].
Two, 1,000-word précis and evaluations (20%). Each précis and evaluation precisely and concisely summarizes and assesses a primary source reading: one ancient and one medieval or Reformational. [This assignment relates to learning outcome #2, 3, & 4] [12 hours].
2,500-word Final Paper (30%). The Paper focuses on one major contemporary development or approach in Christian thought and its impact on the identity and vocation of the church. Students demonstrate grasp of the subject matter by integrating course learning, examining and critically assessing relevant thinking (theologies, philosophies) in modern history, considering and critically appraising diverse scholarly positions in recent Christian thought, and deliberating and evaluating potential and/or actual consequences for the church. [This assignment is related to learning outcome #2, 3, 4, & 5] [25 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet the TH5 or C1 requirement in the 120 MDiv Program. Option to meet the C1 requirement in the 80 MATM Programs (Fall 2015). Option to meet PHIL requirement in the 144 MDiv and MAT (Winter 2010) Programs.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change.