Fall 2013/Pasadena
CH500
Núñez
CH500: HISTORIA DE LA IGLESIA PRIMITIVA [Early Church History]. Emilio A. Núñez.
DESCRIPTION: This course is an overview of the history of Christianity from its origins to the sixth century, with a global perspective. Emphasis will be placed on the emergence and development of the Christian testimony, giving attention to major events, movements, influential personalities and theological trends.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The course introduces students to historical and theological materials so they can develop a broader perspective for their own Christian faith, including a greater understanding and appreciation of the student’s own confessional tradition within the larger scope of the development of the Christian church during the first five centuries.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who pass this course will (1) demonstrate the ability to identify the principal events of Christian history from the post-apostolic fathers through the sixth century; (2) demonstrate familiarity with the leading figures and movements of the period and their influence; (3) demonstrate an understanding of the development of the major theological debates of the period and their implications for Christian theology today; (4) demonstrate an ability to read church history critically, comprehending social, political, cultural, and geographic factors along with implications for the church and its mission today.
COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice each week in two-hour sessions. On the first day of the week the focus will be on historical overview (major events, movements, outstanding characters); and the second day on theological issues (theological trends). Classes will include lectures, student presentations, group discussions, and video presentations.
REQUIRED READING: The total of 966 pages does not include the reading for the research project.
Driver, Juan. La fe en la periferia de la historia. SEMILLA, 1997. Available for no cost at http://www.menonitas.org/vistaprevia/fe_periferia/driver_fe_periferia_00c.htm [80 pp.].
González, Justo. Historia del cristianismo. Unilit, 2009. ISBN: 979-0789917867, Pub. Price $39.99 [300 pp.].
González, Justo. Historia del pensamiento cristiano. CLIE, 2010. ISBN: 978-8482675718, Pub. Price: $39.99 [336 pp.].
Primary source documents accessed at the David Allan Hubbard Library, Fuller Seminary [250 pp.].
RECOMMENDED READING: A list of recommended reading will be available in the syllabus.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
ASSigned readings and seven quizzes on the reading (25%).
Five critical evaluation papers of primary sources (2-3 pages double-spaced each) (25%).
Mid-term exam on reading and lectures (10%).
One essay (8 pages double-spaced) on a topic addressed in class (25%).
FINAL examination reading and lectures (15%).
PREREQUISITES: Spanish.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets MDiv core requirement in Church History “A” (CHA).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.