Church History and Historical Studies Course Catalog

History of Early Christian Thought (CH-101)
This course presents a survey of the theological and doctrinal developments of the Christian church in its cultural setting in the first 500 years. From the earliest years of the primordial Jesus Movement to the fiery debates over doctrine in the fourth and fifth centuries to the rise of monasticism, this course will explore how Christians in the first five centuries of the church grappled with their faith and adapted it to specific historical contexts. This course is especially important for students who wish to pursue the process for discernment for leadership and for students approved to participate in the process for diaconal formation.

History of the Medieval Church (CH-102)
A survey of the theological, doctrinal, and institutional developments of the western church from the Carolingian renewal to the eve of the Reformation. Come explore the tapestry of medieval church history, from the rugged beauty of medieval Irish monastic poetry to the glories of late medieval architecture. Listen for the voices of medieval Christian mystics, monastics, visionaries, and storytellers, as we journey through the tumultuous era that produced some of the most dazzling accomplishments of Christian history.

Christian History: The European Reformations (CH-103)
This course introduces students to foundational materials of Christian history and theology as well as historical method as part of theological education. This course will deal primarily with the early modern period, beginning in the late medieval period and concluding with the rise of Protestant Evangelical and Enlightenment movements. The primary focus will be on the reforming traditions of the 16th century and their implications for modern Christianity. Special emphasis will be given to the English Reformation and its documents.

Christian History: From the Reformation to the Present (CH-104)
A survey of the theological and doctrinal developments of the Christian church in its cultural setting from the European reformations of the sixteenth century to the transitions of the early twenty-first century.

Episcopal Church History (CH/AS-105)
This course will introduce students to the history of the Episcopal Church, from its origins in the English Reformation to its global influence in the present day. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and assigned readings in secondary historical survey texts, students will develop a general understanding of the spread and impact of Anglicanism, with a special focus placed upon the history of The Episcopal Church in the United States. Opportunities will be offered for a reflective engagement with selected primary source texts from the historical tradition, which will introduce students to key voices and critical movements in the history of The Episcopal Church. Cross-listed with Anglican Studies as AS-105.

History of Christian Monasticism and Monastic Theology (CH/SP-201)
This course has a foreground and a background. In the background is the institutional and social history of monasticism and related religious movements, from the “desert tradition” and the origins of Christian monasticism to the end of the Middle Ages. In the foreground are some classic and perennially popular examples of monastic writing, from Benedict’s Rule to the Showings of Julian of Norwich, which we will read closely by analyzing the theological arguments and by interpreting them in light of their historical contexts. Cross-listed with Spirituality as SP-201.

Medieval Christians and their “Others”: Stories from the Outsiders of Christendom (CH-202)
This course introduces students to the theological constructions of the “outsider” in medieval Christian culture. Although much scholarly literature has been written recently that claims to uncover the “Other” in medieval Christianity, this course will allow students to read the actual historical documents of this tradition (in translation) and reflect on the ways in which Christianity constructed its own religious identity over and against the identities of other religious and cultural groups. The course will therefore be of interest to students who care about the intersection of church with culture, and the historical alteration of Christian doctrine for political purposes. Topics include medieval Christian-Jewish relations; Christianity and the rise of Islam; heretics and persecution; and witch trials, gender, and inquisition.

History of the Book of Common Prayer (AS/CH-203)
This fascinating look at the often-messy history of The Book of Common Prayer takes a rollicking journey through the tumultuous circumstances that formed the beginnings of the Church of England and of its central book of common worship.  From Thomas Cranmer’s 1549 Book of Common Prayer to the reign of Elizabeth I and beyond, this course delves into the stories of conflict, sacrifice, dedication, and hope to understand the environment in which the Anglican expression of the Christian faith was born. Cross-listed with Anglican Studies as AS-203.

Research Seminar: History of Member Churches in the Anglican Communion (CH/AS-207)
This seminar offers students the opportunity to conduct research on the history of one of the member churches of the worldwide Anglican Communion (such as the Church of the Province of Central Africa, the Church in the Province of the West Indies, La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico, the Anglican Church of Korea, the Church of Ireland, etc.). Students learn how to craft a research proposal, engage in research with primary and living sources, and present their findings in a pedagogical format that may be used in a teaching setting (such as an adult education forum for a local parish or retreat). Research proposals must be approved by the permission of the instructor. Cross-listed with Anglican Studies as AS-207.

Special Topics in Church History (CH-301, -302, -303)
These courses explore specific topics of interest and importance and are offered periodically as electives. Examples may include but are not limited to: Historical “Celtic” Christianity: Right from the Sources; Women in the Medieval Church; Heretics, Heresies, and Other Notorious Upstarts; and A History of Protest.