Summer 2007/Pasadena
Two-week Intensive: July 2-13
DP513
Wigger
DP513: UNITED METHODIST HISTORY. John H. Wigger.
DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help students explore the historical
development of the United Methodist tradition in the cultural and social
context of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. We will
consider how Methodism engaged its cultural setting, why it succeeded so
dramatically in America, and what challenges the church now faces.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: As a result of taking this course, the student will (1)
understand the historical context from which the United Methodist Church
developed, and (2) be able to reflect that heritage in preaching,
teaching, and ministering within the context of current theological reflection
in the Christian community.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course will help students gain a broader
historical perspective on the United Methodist Church, providing a richer
context from which to evaluate the church's place in modern life. It will also
meet part of the requirement for ordination in the United Methodist Church.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily for four-hour sessions for two weeks
(except July 4). We will use a mixed lecture and discussion format. Discussion
will focus on daily reading assignments.
REQUIRED READING:
- Heitzenrater, Richard. Wesley and the People Called
Methodists. Abingdon, 1995.
- Hatch, Nathan. The Democratization of American Christianity. Yale
University Press, 1989.
- Wigger, John. Taking Heaven by Storm: Methodism and the Rise of Popular
Christianity in America. University of Illinois Press, 2001.
- Course Reader (includes primary source readings from B. Abbott, R. Allen,
J. Lee, and F. Newell).
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Andrews, D. The Methodists and Revolutionary America,
1760-1800. Princeton University Press, 2000.
- Brekus, Catherine. Strangers and Pilgrims: Female Preaching in America,
1740-1845. University of North Carolina Press, 1998.
- Hatch, N. and J. Wigger, eds. Methodism and the Shaping of American
Culture. Abingdon, 2001.
- Hempton, David. Methodism: Empire of the Spirit. Yale University
Press, 2005.
- Heyrman, C. Southern Cross: Beginnings of the Bible Belt. University
of North Carolina Press, 1997.
- Lyerly, Cynthia Lynn. Methodism and the Southern Mind, 1770-1810.
Oxford University Press, 1998.
- Melton, J.G. A Will to Choose: Origins of African American Methodism.
Rowman & Littlefield, 2007.
- Rack, Henry. Reasonable Enthusiast: John Wesley and the Rise of
Methodism. Epworth, 1989.
- Richey, Russell. Early American Methodism. Indiana University Press,
1991.
- Ruth, Lester. Early Methodist Spirituality. Abingdon, 2005.
- Sutton, William. Journeymen for Jesus: Evangelical Artisans Confront
Capitalism in Jacksonian Baltimore. Pennsylvania State University Press,
1998.
ASSIGNMENTS: Students are expected to complete assigned readings before each
class session. Quizzes may be used to encourage this practice. In addition: (1)
a final exam based on assigned readings and class lectures; (2) a comparative
critical book review at the end of the first week; (3) a 10-15 page critical
paper on a topic related to United Methodist history and approved by the
instructor; or, reading five books from the recommended reading list and
submission of a two-page critical book review for each (due August 10).
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes, given during final class meeting.