Fall 2015/Pasadena
CH506
Feldmeth
CH506: AMERICAN CHRISTIANITY IN A GLOBAL HISTORICAL CONTEXT (4 Units: 161 Hours). Nate P. Feldmeth.
DESCRIPTION: CH506 analyzes the history and distinctive global roles of American Christianity to illumine and facilitate the interpretation of the church in the present generation. Christians from many countries and people groups have come to the United States, making it one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations on earth. The class offers an introductory overview of the history of Christianity in America, which will explore some of the major persons, ideas, and movements that have shaped Christian faith and practice, both in North America and throughout the world. The course will also involve students in opportunities for more intensive pursuit and presentation of their particular interests in the story of North American Christianity and its global implications.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students who complete CH506 will demonstrate: (1) a basic historical and theological knowledge of the doctrines of the Christian church as these developed distinctively in the North American context from the sixteenth century to the present day and shaped its local cultures, experience of immigration, and global mission outreach; (2) a basic competence in interpreting this history and theology and an ability to evaluate these theological issues and their historical development; and (3) a critical and sympathetic appreciation for the breadth, unity, and diversity of the Christian church.
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING: 1,053 total number of pages required.
Feldmeth, Nathan P. Pocket Dictionary of Church History. InterVarsity Press, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830827039, Pub. Price $ 8.00 [100 pp. assigned].
MacHaffie, Barbara J. Her Story: Women in Christian Tradition. 2nd ed. Fortress Press, 2006, ISBN: 978-0800638269, Pub. Price $44.00 [151 pp. assigned].
Marsden, George M. Fundamentalism and American Culture: The Shaping of Twentieth Century Evangelicalism. Oxford University Press, 2006. ISBN: 978-0195300475, Pub. Price $ 19.99 [195 pp. assigned].
Noll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada. Eerdmans, 1992. ISBN: 978-0802806512, Pub. Price $50.00 [302 pp. assigned].
___________. From Every Tribe and Nation: A Historian’s Discovery of the Global Christian Story Turning South. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2014. ISBN: 978-0801039935. Pub. Price$19.99 [149 pp. assigned]
Sernett, Milton C., ed. Afro-American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. Duke University Press, 2000. ISBN: 978-0822324492, Pub. Price $29.95, [156 pp. assigned].
RECOMMENDED READING:
Gaustad, Edwin S. A Documentary History of Religion in America since 1865. Eerdmans, 1993. ISBN: 978-0802806185, Pub. Price $ 11.00 [671 pp.].
Smith, H., R. Handy, and L. Loetscher, eds. American Christianity. 2 vols. Scribner, 1960, 1963. ISBN: 978-0684157443, Pub. Price $139.00 [615 pp.].
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:The course grade is determined by an evaluation of student work including:
1,053 total pages of required reading [70 hours].
A twelve to fifteen-page research paper (35%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1-3] [36 hours].
A midterm examination (20%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and 2] [5 hours].
A final examination (45%) [This assignment is related to learning outcomes #1 and 2] [10 hours].
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Option to meet theTH3 or TH4 requirement in the 120 MDiv and 80 MAT Programs (Fall 2015). Option to meet the TH3 requirement in the 80 MATM Program (Fall 2015). Meets CHC in the 144 MDiv Program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.