Winter 2010

FTX

CH502

Burch

CH502: Medieval and Reformation History. Maxie B. Burch

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Description:

This survey course will chart the history of Christianity from 590 A.D. through the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. About one-half of the study will focus on the medieval era, its key personalities, symbols sentiments and spirituality in preparation for better understanding the theological, intellectual and political world that gave birth to the Reformation.

Relevance for Life and Ministry:

Christianity is a uniquely historical religion in which the divine plan is revealed in an unfolding drama of redemption. To minister effectively in any age requires a thorough knowledge of the eras that have shaped the present. This course will provide the student with a historical/theological context for ministry, and especially for teaching and preaching.

Learning Outcomes: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated:

1. Basic factual and thematic knowledge of the Christian story.

2. A basic competence in how to interpret the story of the Christian Church.

3. Increased ability to evaluate various theological issues and their development.

4. Use of tools and knowledge for critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity and diversity of the Christian church.

Course Format:

The class will meet on Friday evening from 6:00-9:30 for four sessions and on Saturday morning from 8:30-12:30 for four sessions of lecture and discussion. 30 contact hours. Regular attendance is very important considering the limited number of meetings times. Time in class will center on lecture and professor/student interaction that is encouraged through the use of assigned readings.

Required Reading:

Bettenson, Henry and Chris Maunder, eds. Documents of the Christian Church. 3^rd Edition New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. ISBN 0192880713- (134 pp.)

McGrath, Alister, Reformation Thought: An Introduction. 3rd Edition Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1999. ISBN 0631215212- (228 pp.)

Oakley, Francis. The Medieval Experience. Reprint. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1993.

ISBN 0802067077- (117 pp.)

Ozmen, Steven. The Age of Reform: 1250-1550. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1980.

ISBN 0300027605- (400 pp.)

Power, Eileen. Medieval Women. Cambridge University Press, 1997. ISBN 0521595568- (91 pp.)

Burch, Maxie. A Medieval/Reformation Church Notebook. Phoenix: Vision Graphics, 2009.

Assignments: 1)Mid-Term Exam (40%); 2)Final Exam (40%); and 3) Research Paper (20%) -10 pages minimum on an approved topic related to course content/emphases. Exams are both objective and subjective in nature and are based on course materials covered in required readings and class lectures.

Prerequisites: None.

Relationship to Curriculum: Meets M.Div. core requirements for Church History (CHB); M.A.: Church History/Theology.

Final Examination: Yes.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification (10/09)