Spring 2010/Texas

                                                                                                                                    CH 504

                                                                                                                                    Michael Walker

CH 504: Modern Church History. Michael Walker                                                                                          

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 years following the Reformation, students will survey the growth and contributions of the church in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Oceana. Attention will be given to some of the more important theological and ecumenical developments, as well as sociological and cultural developments that have shaped or been shaped by specific regional and global historical contexts.

 

RELEVANCE FOR Life and MINISTRY: This course should enable students better to understand and interpret contemporary events and discussions in light of their historical and social contexts. Students should expect to be both culturally and ecumenically sensitized.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will be able 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 a variety of ecclesial traditions and experiences, including their own, with critical awareness and reflection; (4) critically assess their religious and cultural assumptions by examining the complexity and diversity of modem Christian history; (5) gain an appreciation for the multiplicity of ways in which the Christian faith is experienced and expressed around the world.

 

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet over four weekends on Friday evenings (3 hours) and Saturday mornings (4½ hours), for a total of 30 hours.

 

REQUIRED READING: (Total of approximately 1,200 pages)

González, Justo. A History of Christian Thought (Vol. III): From the Protestant Reformation to the     Twentieth Century. Abingdon, 1975. ISBN 0687171849

González, Ondina E., and Justo L. González. Christianity in Latin America: A History. Cambridge,

            2008. ISBN 0521681928

Irvin, Dale T. and Scott W. Sunquist. History of the World Christian Movement, Volume 2: 1454-

            Present. Orbis, forthcoming. (Each student will receive a PDF file with the full text.)

Noll, Mark. The New Shape of World Christianity: How American Experience Reflects Global Faith.

Intervarsity, 2009. ISBN 0830828478

A collection of primary source documents will also be made available (including writings from Latin American women, marginalized western voices, and cross-cultural encounters)

 

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1.     Class attendance and participation, and completion of required readings as preparation for class lectures and discussions (10%)

2.     Three critical response papers (6-7 pages each) to the assigned readings (each 15% of grade)

3.     Midterm Examination (20%)

4.     Final Examination (25%)

 

PREREQUISITES: None

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets M.Div. core requirement in Church History “C” (CHC), and

            MATM Core.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes

 

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification.