History of Christianity I – CHHI 520
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
A study of the first fifteen centuries of historical Christianity. Includes the rise of the church under persecution, orthodoxy vs. heresy, doctrinal developments, the rise of the Roman Papacy and opposition to it during the Middle Ages, and the events leading up to the Protestant Reformation.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
This course is aimed at helping modern Christians and those in ministry appreciate the story of Christianity from the first century to the eve of the Protestant Reformation. Students are invited to identify with and learn from those who were persecuted for their faith, those who helped articulate Christian theology in the face of heretical threats, and those who sought to live out the faith and lead the church during uncertain times.
Course Assignment
Textbook readings, online readings, lecture presentations, online articles, and websites
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module 1: Week 1.
Discussions
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student must first read assigned portions of the Ferguson book and other online sources for each discussion. Then, he/she must thoroughly answer questions on these sources in a thread of 400–500 words that demonstrates a grasp of the content and stands up to scrutiny from others. Also, the student must reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads in 100–200 words each (CLO A, B, C, D).
The student will write a 3,000–3,500-word (about 12–14 pages) research paper on an approved topic specified in Blackboard. (CLO: A, B, C, D)
- Research Paper Topic Assignment
The student will submit his/her topic, a thesis statement, an initial bibliography of at least 6 scholarly sources in current Turabian format to be used in his/her paper, and an answer to a question relating to research.
- Research Paper Assignment
The student will submit his/her completed research paper in current Turabian format.
Discipleship Reflection Paper Assignment
After reading Smither, Augustine as Mentor, the student will write a reflection paper of at least 1,000 words (about 4 pages) on lessons in discipleship and spiritual formation from the early church. The first half of the paper will summarize key aspects of early Christian discipleship, while the second half will reflect on relevant principles for discipleship and spiritual formation today. The reflection paper must adhere to current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D)
Quizzes (4)
The student will take quizzes covering the Ferguson chapters assigned in the 2 most recent modules. The purpose of these quizzes is twofold: (1) to test the student on precise recall of basic facts from the chapters, and (2) to serve as a means of keeping the student accountable for reading the chapters. Each quiz has 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, is open-book/open-notes, and must be completed in 1 hour. (CLO: B, C)
