Spring 2019/Fuller Online

CH504

Johnson

CH504: THE MODERN CHURCH IN A GLOBAL HISTORICAL CONTEXT (4 Units: 160 hours). Richard O. Johnson.

DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the more important themes and events in the life of the church around the world from the seventeenth through the twentieth centuries. Beginning with the post-Reformation period, students will examine the growth and contributions of the church in Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia/Oceana. Attention will be given to some of the more important historical, theological, and cultural developments that have shaped (or been shaped by) specific regional and global historical contexts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete the course will demonstrate ability to (1) identify and explain principal theological developments and historical events and personalities that have shaped the modern church; (2) think critically about historical texts and arguments, placing them in context; (3) interpret their own ecclesiastical tradition and other traditions with critical awareness and reflection; (4) critically assess their religious and cultural assumptions by examining the complexity and diversity of modern Christian history; (5) gain an appreciation for the multiplicity of ways in which the Christian faith is experienced and expressed in various parts of the world.

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: 1,300 total number of pages (approximate)

González, Justo L. The Story of Christianity Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day. 2nd ed. HarperOne, 2010. ISBN: 978-0061855894, Pub. Price $27.99. Not available as an e-book. [350 pp. assigned].

Hastings, Adrian, ed. A World History of Christianity. Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN: 978-0802848758, Pub. Price $40.00. [200 pp. assigned].

Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. 3rd ed. Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN: 978-0199767465, Pub. Price $17.95. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [276 pp. assigned].

Koschorke, Klaus, Frieder Ludwig, and Mariano Delgado, eds. A History of Christianity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 1450-1990: A Documentary Sourcebook. Eerdmans, 2007. ISBN: 978-0802828897, Pub. Price $41.00. Not available as an e-book [140 pp. assigned].

Primary source documents (including excerpts from the Canons of Dort, Spener, John Wesley, David Livingstone), which will be posted on Canvas [approximately 40 pp.].

In addition, choose one of the following texts:

González, Ondina, and Justo González. Christianity in Latin America: A History. Cambridge, 2007. ISBN: 978-0521681926, Pub. Price $31.99. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library. [330 pp. assigned].

Isichei, Elizabeth. A History of Christianity in Africa: From Antiquity to Present. Eerdmans, 1995. ISBN: 978-0802808431, Pub. Price $38.00. Not available as an e-book [352 pp. assigned].

Phan, Peter C., ed. Christianities in Asia. Wiley-Blackwell, 2010. ISBN: 978-1405160902, Pub. Price $41.95. Not available as an e-book. [271 pp. assigned].

RECOMMENDED READING:

Core, Deborah. The Seminary Student Writes. Chalice Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0827234475, Out of Print. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [130 pp.].

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

  1. On-line lecture presentations. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]. [14 hours].
  2. Voices from the Heart devotions and responses. (10%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #4 and 5]. [5 hours].
  3. Active weekly forum posts. (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3 and 4]. [14 hours].
  4. 1,300 pages of required reading. [This assignment is related to learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5]. [87 hours].
  5. Two five-page analytical papers. (30% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and 2]. [30 hours].
  6. Midterm and final exams (30% of grade). [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1, 2, 3 and 4]. [10 hours, including preparation].

PREREQUISITES: None.

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

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.

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. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.