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 students in their understanding of other courses in the curriculum that involve the study of Scripture, theology, and the practice of ministry by giving them an 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 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, demonstrate course-related knowledge, and include at least 3 scholarly citations in Turabian format. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words and include at least 2 scholarly citations in Turabian format. (CLOs: A, B, C)

Reading Journal Assignments (4)

Each student will write 4 250–500-word journal entries explaining historically 3 key concepts/topics learned from the assigned textbook readings for the indicated modules along with a substantive short answer question (answer included) about the material. Turabian (note-bibliography or author-date) should be used for citations and a bibliography included for citations. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Biography Research Paper or Biography Blogs: Proposal Assignment

Based off the student’s topic choice(s), the student will either submit a formal research proposal for his/her research paper or a proposal for his/her blogs. For the Research Paper, the student will submit a 250–500-word overview which includes a thesis statement, preliminary outline and conclusion, and a preliminary bibliography listing no less than 2 primary and 4 secondary sources. OR, for the Biography Blogs the student will write a 250–500-word proposal including a thesis/hook statement, a brief outline for each blog, and initial thoughts as to the importance of each individual for church history. The student must include a bibliography listing at least 1 primary source and 3 secondary sources. (CLO: D)

Reformation Characteristics Letter Assignment

The student will use Microsoft Copilot and input the prompt provided, choose 4 characteristics, and write a 500–750-word letter to an individual (Roman Catholic, atheist, skeptic, Muslim, etc.) who would like to know more about Protestantism. For each characteristic, students 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. (CLO: D)

Biography Research Paper or Biography Blogs: Final Submission Assignment

The student will write a 3,000–3,600 words (10–12 pages, excluding front and back matter) original biography research-based paper in current Turabian format. The biography research paper must include at least 3 primary sources and 6 secondary sources. Secondary sources must include up-to-date scholarly journal articles and scholarly books.

OR

The student will write 3 Biography Blogs with each being 1000–1200 words (3–4 pages, excluding any visuals aids such as photos, drawings, etc.). While there is no set format to 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 and subheadings written in a conversational style, along with a conclusion that summarizes the main ideas and sets forth a call to action. Also, a good blog will include visual aids such as images, drawings, etc. Each blog should be supported by at least 1 primary source and 3 secondary sources using current Turabian format. (CLO: D)

Quiz: Biography Research Paper or Biography Blogs: Topic Selection

Students may choose to write a formal research paper on 1 individual from church history OR 3 informal biographical blogs about 3 individuals from church history. For this topic selection assignment, students should submit the assigned quiz indicating whether they are writing the 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 their chosen individual(s) with comments related to what they hope to learn in the research and writing process. This quiz contains 1 multiple answer question and 1 essay question, has no time limit, and allows 3 attempts with the last attempt counting towards the grade. (CLO: D)