RT4103: The Story of Christianity
School | Religion |
Department Code | SHARE |
Module Code | RT4103 |
External Subject Code | 100795 |
Number of Credits | 20 |
Level | L4 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | null null null |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
The Story of Christianity aims to introduce you to the theological and historical traditions of the Christian religion and provide you with an overview of Christianity in its historical context.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Identify and make use of the various sources available to Christian historical study
- Set the major movements of Christianity within an over-arching historical framework
- Demonstrate the ability to present a competent written and adequately structured and argued essay that is both accurate and apposite in its use of references and bibliography.
How the module will be delivered
This module employs two methods of teaching, lectures and seminars. The lectures are delivered by two lecturers. Their input will provide you with an overall perspective on the content of the course. In addition, the seminars will provide an opportunity for debate and dialogue with peers and teachers. The seminars are a vital element of the whole module and essential for you to develop the critical and analytical ideas, topics and skills needed for writing essays and preparing exams.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Knowledge and Understanding:
Set the major movements of Christianity within an over-arching historical framework
State, discuss and demonstrate a critical comprehension of the historical expressions of the Christian tradition
Represent and evaluate the primary and secondary resources necessary for the telling of the Christian story
Intellectual and Discipline Specific Skills:
Evidence an understanding of the various historical approaches to the study of Christian theology.
Identify and make use of the various sources available to the theological historian
Demonstrate an understanding of the multi-faceted complexity of the Christian narrative and the interrelatedness of belief, text, historical institutions and wider social and cultural influences on the development of Christian thought
Transferable Skills:
Demonstrate the ability to present a competent written and adequately structured and argued essay that is both accurate and apposite in its use of references and bibliography.
Be able to identify, gather and analyse source material in the reconstruction of events and view points
Represent the views of others with integrity and critical reflection
Be able to make discriminating use of learning resources and IT facilities
How the module will be assessed
This module carries three elements of assessment as follows:
An essay of 1,500 words due 35%
A seminar presentation 15%
A one and a half-hour examination at the end of Semester 50%
Full participation in the seminars is considered to be an important part of the learning experience for this module, so in order to be eligible for the mark awarded for the presentation you must have attended at least 80% of the seminars (unless you can provide clear evidence, e.g. a medical certificate, of why you have missed a session).
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 50 | The Story Of Christianity | 1.5 |
Written Assessment | 35 | Coursework - Essay | N/A |
Written Assessment | 15 | Coursework - Presentation | N/A |
Syllabus content
Christian identity in relation to Judaism: Christian beginnings
Christian identity in relation to the Greek and Roman world
Christian identity in relation to persecution
Christian identity in relation to the State: Constantine
The theological identity of Christianity: Creeds & Councils
The tension between a ‘ruling’ and ‘renouncing’ identity
A divided identity: The Great Schism
A questioning identity: The background to the Reformation
Prophecy and Order
Searching for the True Church I: A Reformation Dream
Searching for the True Church II (cont. from 15th March)
Can a Pure Church be Found?: The Puritan Hope
Steeple Houses and Meeting Places: Dissenting Fervour
Conversion of the Heart: The Evangelical Revival
The Renewal of Heart and Mind: The Oxford Movement
Rescue the Perishing, Care for the Dying: The Social Gospel
Open the Windows: Vatican II
One Faith, One Lord, One Baptism: One Church?
Essential Reading and Resource List
Essential reading for the seminars
The seminars will follow this text and you should make sure you have access to a copy.
Diarmaid MacCulloch Christian History: An Introduction (to the Western Tradition) Peterborough: Epworth, 2006
ISBN-10: 0716206242
ISBN-13: 978-0716206248
Background Reading and Resource List
Recommended reading for the whole course
Indicative Reading and Resource List:
Diarmaid MacCulloch, A History of Christianity (London: Penguin, 2009)
González, J. L., Church History. An Essential Guide (Nashville: Abingdon, 1996)
Küng, H., The Catholic Church. A Short History (New York: Weidenfeld, 2001)
Lindberg, Carter, A Brief History of Christianity (Oxford: Blackwell, 2006)
Noll, M. A., Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000)
Tomkins, Stephen, A Short History of Christianity (Lion,2005)
which is a key part of this module. A good and easy read.?Chidester, David,Christianity: A Global History (New York: Harper Collins, 2000)
Balling, Jakob, The Story of Christianity: From Birth to Global Presence (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eerdmans, 2003)
Edwards, D. L., Christianity: The First Two Thousand Years (London: Cassell, 1997) (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000)
González, Justo L., The Story of Christianity: The Early Church to the Present Day (Peabody, MA: Prince Press, 1984, 1985)
Hastings, A. (Ed.), A World History of Christianity (London: Cassell, 1999)
Johnson, P., A History of Christianity (London: Pelican, 1976)?
MacCulloch, D., Groundwork of Christian History (London: Epworth, 1987)
Walker, Williston, A History of the Christian Church (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1997).