CHHI 510 Survey of the History of Christianity

Presents a “big picture” perspective on the history of Christianity. The focus is upon the major developments in Christian history from the earliest believers to the present. Includes an emphasis on the rich diversity of global Christianity. Attention will be paid to the major issues, persons, and developments that have shaped Christianity.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

The purpose of the course is to examine the broad contours of the global development of the Christian movement. This course will aid the student in his/her understanding of other courses in the curriculum that involve the study of Scripture, theology, and practice of ministry by giving the student a historical perspective on current beliefs and practices within the larger Christian family, including the successes and failures of Christians in the history of the Church.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt. Each thread must be at least 400 words, thoroughly explore the topic with a clear focus, demonstrate course-related knowledge and an ability to analyze and synthesize the data, and include at least 3 scholarly citations in Turabian notes-bibliography format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads in a way that meaningfully furthers the discussion. Each reply must be at least 200 words and include at least 2 scholarly citations in Turabian notes-bibliography format. For all posts, textbook readings must be included in the citations, but additional scholarly sources beyond the textbooks may be used as well, as long as they have been published within the last 5 years. The Bible is also an optional source but will not count toward the required scholarly citations. The student will follow all other writing expectations in the assignment instructions and grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C)

Biography Proposal Assignment

For this assignment, the student will choose 1 of the options below to submit a proposal for a research paper or a series of blog posts based on the student’s topic choice(s).

Biography Proposal: Option 1 – Research Paper Assignment

The research paper option will focus on 1 historical figure chosen from an approved list. The student will submit a 250–500-word overview, which will include a single-sentence thesis statement, 3-level preliminary outline (with no more than 4 Level 1 headings) that flows logically from the thesis statement, and conclusion (describing learning, early research, key points, historical context, and a connection to the thesis statement), and preliminary bibliography listing no fewer than 2 relevant primary sources and 4 up-to-date, scholarly secondary sources and (if used) no more than 1 encyclopedia/dictionary source. The proposal will demonstrate a clear and historically grounded focus that covers the historical context, development, significance, and interpretation of the chosen topic. Citations, along with all parts of the proposal, should be in current Turabian format (notes-bibliography) with no grammar, spelling, or style errors.

Biography Proposal: Option 2 – Blogs Assignment

The blogs option will focus on 3 historical figures, 1 from each major period, chosen from an approved list. The student will plan 1 blog post for each figure. For each blog, the student will write a 250–500-word proposal, which includes an engaging single-sentence thesis/hook statement, a brief 2-level outline for each blog that flows logically from the thesis/hook statement, and initial concluding thoughts as to the importance of each individual for church history and what the reader should take away (with a connection to the thesis/hook statement), and a bibliography listing at least 1 relevant primary source and 3 up-to-date, scholarly secondary sources and (if used) no more than 1 encyclopedia/dictionary source. Citations should be in current Turabian format (notes-bibliography). The student will submit 1 document containing 3 separate blog proposals with no grammar, spelling, or style errors.

(CLO: D)

Reading Journal Assignments (2)

Each student will write 2 journal entries of 600–750 words each historically explaining 3 key concepts/topics learned from the assigned textbook readings for the indicated modules and connecting them to how they impact the church today. The student will also create a substantive short-answer question (answer included) about the material. Turabian (notes-bibliography) should be used for citations, and a bibliography should be included. The student will follow all other writing expectations in the assignment instructions and grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Reformation Characteristics Letter Assignment

The student will use Microsoft Copilot to enter the provided prompt on characteristics of the Protestant Reformation, select 3 characteristics from the AI-generated list, and write a 600–750-word letter to an individual (Roman Catholic, atheist, skeptic, Muslim, etc.) who would like to learn more about Protestantism. The student will ensure the letter connects with the recipient and helps them understand the content and its importance through strong support, depth, and clarity. The letter will include a salutation, an opening paragraph, an explanation of the 3 characteristics in the body, and a closing paragraph. For each characteristic, the student will cite at least 2 biblical passages and 2 historical sources (1 primary and 1 secondary), convey how these characteristics impact the church today and if they are still evident within Christianity, and integrate an appropriate Gospel witness. The student should follow the Turabian guidelines for the notes-bibliography format for all citations and include a bibliography at the end of the letter. Textbooks may be used for basic background understanding but not as principal sources. The student will write the letter in his/her own words and follow all other writing expectations in the assignment instructions and grading rubric. (CLO: D)

Biography Final Submission Assignment

For this assignment, the student will choose 1 of the options below for the final submission of a research paper or a series of blog posts based on the student’s topic choice(s). The student must review the feedback from the Biography Proposal Assignment and the guidelines before starting the final submission.

Biography Final Submission: Option 1 – Research Paper Assignment

The research paper option will focus on 1 historical figure chosen from an approved list. The paper will focus on the historical development of the topic, analyze the historical data from primary and secondary sources, synthesize it, and produce a logical argument in support of the thesis. The paper will also demonstrate how the research can be applied to contemporary challenges in the church. The student will write a 3,000–3,600-word (10–12 pages, excluding front and back matter), original, research-based biography paper in current Turabian format (notes-bibliography format) with no grammar, spelling, or style errors. The biography research paper must use quotations to support key points and include at least 3 primary sources and 6 secondary sources and (if used) no more than 1 encyclopedia/dictionary source, all properly cited. Secondary sources must include up-to-date scholarly journal articles and scholarly books. Primary source quotations should be cited directly from the primary sources, not as quoted in secondary sources. The student should follow all other writing and formatting expectations in the assignment instructions and grading rubric.

Biography Final Submission: Option 2 – Blogs Assignment

The blogs option will focus on 3 historical figures chosen from an approved list. The student will write 3 biography blogs, each 1,000–1,200 words (3–4 pages, excluding any visual aids such as photos, drawings, etc.) exploring each figure from theological, historical, and ministry-focused perspectives. The goal is to write engaging, well-researched blogs that help readers understand each person’s life, influence, and relevance today. While there is no set format for a blog, a good blog would include a title or headline that grabs attention; an introduction with a hook that pulls in the reader; a body that is both well organized with headings, subheadings, bullet points, and other organizational methods that connects back to the thesis/hook statement, is written in a conversational style, and does not veer into secondary topics; and a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas and sets forth a call to action, highlighting the importance of the topic for current ministry needs. Also, a good blog will include visual aids such as images, drawings, etc., that are well placed, engage the reader, and add value to the aesthetic presentation and content of each blog. Each blog should be supported by at least 1 primary source and 3 secondary sources and (if used) no more than 1 encyclopedia/dictionary source using current Turabian format (notes-bibliography format). A bibliography must be included for each blog. Secondary sources must include up-to-date scholarly journal articles and scholarly books. The student will submit 1 document containing 3 separate blogs with no grammar, spelling, or style errors. (CLO: D)

Quiz: Biography Proposal and Final Submission Topic Selection

For the Biography Proposal Assignment and the Biography Final Submission Assignment, the student may choose to either write a formal research paper on 1 individual from church history (Option 1 – Research Paper Assignment) OR 3 informal biographical blogs about 3 individuals from church history (Option 2 – Blogs Assignment). Before beginning these Biography Assignments, the student should submit the assigned quiz indicating whether he/she is writing a formal research paper or 3 informal blogs; additionally, the submission will identify the person(s) for consideration. Finally, the student will indicate the rationale for his or her chosen individual(s) with comments related to what he or she hopes to learn in the research and writing process. This quiz contains 2 essay questions, has no time limit, and allows 3 attempts, with the last attempt counting toward the grade. (CLO: D)