Academic Catalog: Church History
Building upon the biblical foundation of the faith, this department acquaints students with the development of Christianity from its inception to the present. By studying the past, prospective ministers understand in depth both the message they are to preach and the mission they are to fulfill. By using guided readings in original sources, doing assigned research, and integrating lectures and discussions, students gain an overview of Christianity’s expansion, teachings and witness, learn to formulate Christian doctrine accurately, and deepen their appreciation for historic Christianity.
CH 501 Survey of Church History
Surveys church history from the days of the apostles to the present, with particular attention to the relationship between Christianity and culture. Offered fall semesters. Three hours.
CH 502 Engaging Early and Medieval Church History
Defines the early Christian movement in relation to the life of Jesus, Judaism and Greek thought. Christianity’s thought and mission are then traced through the age of martyrs, the imperial age and the middle ages up to the eve of the Protestant Reformation. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CH 503 Engaging Reformation and Modern Church History
Introduces the origin of Protestant Christianity in all its expressions and then traces it, along with Roman Catholicism, through the centuries to the present. Recommended prerequisite: CH 502 Engaging Early and Medieval Church History. Offered fall and spring semesters. Three hours.
CH 585 Readings in Church History
This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate in an area of special interest through a structured reading program. Prerequisite: CH 501 Survey of Church History; or CH 502 Engaging Early and Medieval Church History and CH 503 Engaging Reformation and Modern Church History. Two hours.
CH 637 A History of Preaching
Provides a comprehensive overview of the crucial role that preaching has played in the life and ministry of the church throughout its history. Special attention is given to the study of certain preachers in their historical context and the nature and content of their preaching. Two hours.
CH 590, 690, 790 Studies in Church History
These course numbers are reserved for courses of special or one-time interest that do not otherwise appear in the catalog or courses designed to free the student for independent investigation in church history under the guidance of a professor. One to three hours.
Return to the Course Descriptions Main Page
Return to the Chaplaincy Course Descriptions
View the Counseling Course Descriptions
