Spring 2012/Pasadena
CH504
Robeck
CH504: MODERN CHURCH HISTORY. Cecil M. Robeck Jr.
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 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 their own ecclesiastical
tradition and other traditions with critical awareness and reflection; (4)
critically assess their religious and cultural assumptions by examining the
complexity and diversity of modern Christian history.
COURSE FORMAT: This class will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions
in lecture-discussion format.
REQUIRED READING: Some of the regional texts will only be available on library
reserve.
- Anderson, Allan, An Introduction to Pentecostalism.
Cambridge University Press, 2004. 302 pp. ISBN: 9780521532808. $27.99.
- Jenkins, Philip. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global
Christianity. Oxford University Press, 2002. 316 pp. ISBN: 9780195183078.
$14.95.
- Koschorke, Klaus, Frieder Ludwig, and Moriano Delgado, eds. A History of
Christianity in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 1450-1990: A Documentary
Sourcebook. Eerdmans, 2007. 426 pp. ISBN: 9780802828897. $35.00.
- Syllabus (available online from professor).
- Students must also choose all other texts from one of the
following regional categories:
- Latin America:
- González, Ondina E., and Justo L.
González, Christianity in Latin America: A History. Cambridge
University Press, 2008. 330 pp. ISBN: 9780521681926. $22. And
- Gutierrez, B. F. and D. A. Smith, eds. In the Power of the Spirit.
Presbyterian Church USA, 1996. 246 pp. ISBN: 1879535130. $20.
- OR Africa:
- Isichei, Elizabeth. A History of Christianity in
Africa. Eerdmans, 1995. 420 pp. ISBN: 0865434433. $30.
- OR Asia:
- Lian Xi. Redeemed by Fire: The Rise of Popular
Christianity in Modern China. Yale University Press, 2010. 333 pp. ISBN:
9780300123395. $40.
RECOMMENDED READING: A complete booklist is available in the syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: Students will be asked to read one general work
and several regional specific works. Students will be expected to write a
four-page response to one contemporary document to be assigned. It will count
for 20% of the grade. There will one midterm and a final examination covering
the texts and lectures. These will count for 80% of the final grade.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History "C"
(CHC); meets seminary core requirement (SCR) for MATM, MAICS, MAFS, MACL
(effective Winter 2010).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (January 2012)