The Church Across Time: From the Cross to the Reformation

A look at the Christian church and worldview through historical events, period literature, and current events; if time permits, also an overview and brief history of Islam as this study will be invaluable for students, as well.

Course Objectives:

1. To gain a grasp of the main events throughout church history, from its inception to current events
2. To see and understand how these events fit into the historical context in which they occurred
3. To discover the period literature that reveals cultural relevance and influence of the church throughout her history
4. To become proficient in the use of a conversational approach to learning: close readings, interpretive questions, and Socratic discussions of the texts
5. To write persuasively about timeless human questions
6. To learn from both the mistakes and triumphs of the past, to help us live more faithfully and discerningly in the present

Students will be doing mapwork, making and keeping a timeline, posting discussions and responding to classmates’ discussion posts, researching relevant current events, reading various works, and bringing discussion questions to live class discussions each week. Additionally, students will complete two research projects (one each semester) and two essay exams (one each semester).

Texts:

• The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History
• Others, including various primary sources, TBA