DESCRIPTION: In studying the history of the Presbyterian Church (USA) attention will be given to important persons, ideas, and movements. The course will trace the roots of Presbyterianism from Europe to the American colonies and its spread throughout the States. A major focus will be the development of distinctive themes in American Presbyterianism. Main themes in Presbyterian history will also be related to current developments and programs in the denomination.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will gain an understanding of the theological challenges presently facing the PCUSA by analyzing the controversies of the past, learn how to help congregational leaders make decisions about their mission and ministries, and deepen their own appreciation for the spirituality and depth of the Reformed tradition.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course prepares students for ministry in the Presbyterian Church USA. Those who grasp the history of the PCUSA are in a better position to help congregations deal with the changing spiritual environment in contemporary America. Understanding the past reminds us of God's ongoing reformation of our present.

COURSE FORMAT: This class is participatory in style. It assumes a regular reading of the primary and secondary sources before coming to class. The teaching method will combine lectures, case studies, and group discussion. Class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class members will also be expected to develop a social network on an Internet service related to one of the current issues in the Presbyterian Church.

REQUIRED READING:

Chapman, W. E. History and Theology in the Book of Order. Louisville: Witherspoon Press, 1999.

James, W. E., and C. H. Zatkin. Tumbling Walls. La Jolla, CA: Dispra Foundations, 1991.

Longfield, Bradley J. The Presbyterian Controversy. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991.

Marsden, George. Reforming Fundamentalism. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.

Presbyterian Program Calendar, 2007-2008.

Presbyterian Understanding and Use of the Holy Scripture. The Office of Theology and Worship, PC (USA) 1992.

Smylie, James H. A Brief History of the Presbyterians. Louisville: Geneva Press, 1996.

Kirkpatrick, Clifton, and William H. Hooper Jr. What Unites Presbyterians. Louisville: Geneva Press, 1997.

Parker, T. H. L. Calvin: An Introduction to His Thought. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1995.

Rogers, Jack. Claiming the Center. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1995.

1. Students will be expected to take an active part in class discussion based on prior study of assigned readings (10%).

2. Students will be expected to complete all assigned reading (20%).

3. One reflection paper on the student's sense of calling (10%)

4. A ten-page paper reflecting upon the learning gained from developing and maintaining a social network related to a Presbyterian theme (25%).

5. A Final Project: research and reflection paper on a theological issue facing the Presbyterian Church (35%).