CH503
C. Scalise
CH503: MEDIEVAL AND REFORMATION THEOLOGY. Charles J. Scalise.
DESCRIPTION:
- An introduction to the history of Christian thought from the
beginning of the medieval period to the Reformation of the sixteenth century.
Particular attention will be given to the history of the development of
Christian doctrine. The course will offer opportunities for students to study
any of the variety of ways in which Christians of the Middle Ages and early
Reformation eras thought about their faith.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Developing an understanding of the conflict-laden process of the
historical development of the diverse teachings of the Christian faith is
foundational for responsible and effective theological reflection in
contemporary ministry. Christian ministers need to discover the roots of their
own faith traditions and congregations, as well as acquiring the capacity to
think historically and theologically about the meaning of their Christian
identity and the doctrines of their communities of faith. This course seeks to
help students connect historical research and theological formulation in the
quest for a thoughtful articulation of the Christian faith throughout their
ministries.
COURSE FORMAT:
- Course sessions will include lectures, class discussions,
historical document workshops, small group consultations, and student
presentations. The class will meet intensively: four hours each weekday for two
weeks.
REQUIRED READING:
- Fairweather, Eugene R., ed. A Scholastic Miscellany: Anselm to
Ockham. Westminster, 1956, and Macmillan, 1970.
- González, Justo L. A History of Christian Thought. Revised
edition. Vol. 2 (entire) and Vol. 3 (pp. 13-247). Abingdon, 1987.
- Placher, William C. ed. Readings in the History of Christian
Theology. Vol. 2 (p. 9-77). Westminster, 1988.
- Historical figure reading from primary and secondary sources for student
presentations.
- Readings on selected doctrine and historical movement for research paper
and final exam.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Optional extra credit reading:
- Bynum, Caroline Walker. Jesus as Mother: Studies in
the Spirituality of the High Middle Ages. University of California,
1982.
- Recommended resources:
- Anderson, Charles S. Augsburg Historical Atlas of
Christianity in the Middle Ages and Reformation. Augsburg, 1967.
- Livingston, Elizabeth A., ed. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the
Christian Church. 2d. ed. Oxford University Press, 1977.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Class presentation on historical figure - 25% of final
grade;
Final examination (half on prepared research; half on lectures and
common reading) - 25%; Research paper - 25%; Attendance and class participation
(includes devotional leadership) - 10%; Research bibliographies on doctrine and
movement (evaluated credit/no credit) - 10%; Bibliography for class
presentation (evaluated credit/no credit) - 5%.
PREREQUISITES:
- None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
- Meets M. Div. core requirement in Church History "b" (CHB).
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.