Spring 2012/Houston

CH504

Burch

CH504: MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. Maxie B. Burch.

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.

SIGNIFICANCE 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 completing the course will be able to (1) identify and explain principle 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 (6:00-9:30) and Saturday mornings (8:30-12:30), for a total of 30 hours.

REQUIRED READING: (Total of approximately 975 pages)

Walls, Andrew F. The Missionary Movement in Christian History: Studies in the Transmission of Faith. Orbis Books, 1996, ISBN 1570750599. (100 pages)

McManners, John ed. The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity. Oxford University Press, 2001, ISBN 0192854399. (375 pages)

Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity. 3^rd Edition, Oxford University Press, 2011. ISBN 0199767467 (276 pages)

Koschorke, Claus, ed. A History of Christianity in Asia, Africa and Latin America, 1450-1990. William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2007. ISBN 0802828892 (220 pages)

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

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

2. Research Paper (10 pages minimum) (25%)

3. Midterm Examination, covers class discussion and assigned readings. (30%)

4. Final Examination, covers class discussion and assigned readings. (35%)

PREREQUISITES: None.

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

MATM Core.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.