GSTR 310 Understandings of Christianity: The Global Face of Christianity Fall 2010

Transcription

1 GSTR 310 Understandings of Christianity: The Global Face of Christianity Fall 2010 Edwin K. Broadhead Draper 209B Office Hours Tuesday and Thursday 9:45 to 11:30 or by appointment Catalog Description This course invites students to imagine and consider Christianity from stances both inside and outside the faith, from the vantage of various disciplines, as an instance of the general phenomenon of religion, and as a way of understanding life's purpose and meaning that remains important for many around the world. All sections explore together some historical understandings of Christianity, and then individual sections each explore a selected contemporary issue in light of historical and biblical perspectives. Each section applies and builds on the reasoning, research, and writing emphases of GSTR 110 and 210. Prerequisite: GSTR 210 and sophomore standing. Student Learning Outcomes Successful students will learn: 1. differences between approaching Christianity from a faith perspective and from the perspective of academic disciplines; 2. differences and relations between religious and scientific ways of knowing; 3. diverse ways Christianity has been expressed in ideas and beliefs, ritual and spiritual practices, moral values and actions, and communities and institutions; 4. ways Jesus and the Bible have been, and continue to be, understood as central to Christianity; 5. themes and topics in the history of Christianity, including: * Christianity's Hebraic and Greco-Roman background and context, * the development of orthodoxy out of diversity (including the development of the Biblical canon), * interactions and relationships with Judaism and Islam, * the development of distinctive families of Christianity: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodoxy, varieties of Protestantism, * Christianity's missionary impulse, its global expansion, and its development as a global religion, * Engagement with modernity (including science and movements of liberation); 6. about a topic of contemporary concern examined in light of relevant biblical and historical perspectives (e.g., nature/technology; wealth and poverty; gender/sexuality and family; war, peace, and violence; slavery and race; global Christianity) 7. to read critically the Bible and other primary and secondary sources, using commentaries and other interpretive aids as appropriate; 8. to work collaboratively and conduct effective, pertinent research.

2 Assignments and Assessment This section of GSTR 310 will be assessed in connection with the learning outcomes described above. The grade will be based on the following components. Exam 20% Common Research Paper (due October 18) 20% Bible Reading Exercise 10% Convocation Reflections 10% Daily quizzes 10% Class Presentation 10% Portfolio 20% You are required to attend two of the following three convocations: September 9, Sept. 23, October 7 Write a one page summary of the presentation and a one page reflection on each of the two you attend. The exam, the Bible reading exercise, and the research paper are described in handouts. The class presentations will come in the last weeks of the semester. Guidance for these will be given in class. Daily quizzes may be given in a variety of formats, including short answer tests and submission of a daily assignment. If you are late, you cannot take the quiz, and no quiz can be made up. You should come to class with a short summary outline of each of the assigned readings for that day. The portfolio composes the largest component of the assessment. The portfolio should contain hard copies of all materials related to the class, with the exception that you do not have to print out all reading materials. Your portfolio should be developed in a three-hole notebook and included clearly delineated sections: syllabus, handouts, class notes, reading summaries, Bible reading exercise, convocation reflection, exam, class presentation, research paper, other materials. A final section should contain a one-page reflection written at the end of each week. The portfolio will be graded at various times throughout the semester. Texts: Handy and McGrath (available in bookstore) Attendance Policy Students are expected to attend all classes. Absences in excess of three will result in significant reductions in the final grade. Absences in excess of five will result in automatic failure. Two tardies count as one absence. All cases of plagiarism are reported to Academic Services. Disability Statement: Students who have a disability that may prevent them from fully demonstrating their abilities should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Cindy Reed at (859) , or cynthia_reed@berea.edu, to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation in this course. Upon request, this syllabus can be made available in alternative forms. IEQ

3 Students in all classes will be asked to complete the campus-wide Instructor Evaluation Questionnaire at the end of the semester. I request that you participate in this evaluation process.

4 Class Schedule Fall 2010 Week One Introduction to the class 8/30 Monday: Syllabus, Introduction to the class 9/1 Wednesday: Handy: chapters 1, 2, 3 Week Two Introduction to the Bible 9/6 Monday: Handy: chapters 4,5 9/8 Wednesday: Handy: chapters 6, 7,8 Week Three Hebrew History and Religion 9/13 Monday: Handy: chapters 9, 10 Bible Reading Exercise due 9/15 Wednesday: Handy: chapters 11, 12, 13 Week Four Jesus the Jew 9/20 Monday: Research proposal due 9/22 Wednesday: McGrath: Introduction, chapter 1. Week Five Images of Jesus in the New Testament 9/27 Monday: McGrath: chapters 2 and 3 Convocation Reflection due 9/29 Wednesday: McGrath: chapter 4 Week Six Toward Orthodoxy: Church, Canon, Creed 10/4 Monday: McGrath: chapters 5 and 6 10/6 Wednesday: McGrath: chapter 7 Week Seven The Medieval Church; Winds of Reform 10/11 Monday: McGrath: chapter 8 Convocation Reflection due 10/13 Wednesday McGrath: chapter 9 Portfolio due OCT 15 IS MID TERM Week Eight Traditions of Christianity: Roman, Eastern, Reformed 10/18 Monday Research paper due 10/20 Wednesday Week Nine 10/25 Monday: EXAM 10/27 Wednesday: The Global Face of Christianity Week Ten 11/1 Monday: Session 1 11/3 Wednesday Session 2 Week Eleven 11/8 Monday: Session 3 11/10 Wednesday: Session 4 Week Twelve 11/15 Monday: Session 5 11/17 Wednesday Session 6 FALL BREAK IS FROM 11/24 through 11/28 Week Thirteen 11/29 Monday Portfolio due 12/1 Wednesday Week Fourteen 12/6 Monday 12/8 Wednesday DEC 13 DEC READING DAY FINAL EXAMS

5 THE GLOBAL FACE OF CHRISTIANITY Encyclopedia of Christianity, ed. John Bowden (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005). This is a reference work found in Hutchins Library as R E Philip Jenkins, The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002). Available as an E-Book. Go to BANC, search under title or author, then open the site. A hard copy may be on reserve at the circulation desk under: Broadhead, GST 310. Session 1 Organize group presentations; issues in global Christianity Session 2 The Next Christendom, pp ; (at least three pages of summary or outline) Session 3 Discussion leaders, with each group taking minutes Encyclopedia of Christianity: half page summary or outline of each one for portfolio Fundamentalism, pp Evangelicalism, pp Liberal Theology, pp Pentecostalism, pp Church Music, pp (4 people) Worship, pp (4 people) Session 4 Group presentations of about 20 minutes, plus discussion (one page summary or outline of each for portfolio). For additional material, see the index of The Next Christendom Session 5 Session 6 Christianity in Europe Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp (4 people, 40 minutes) Christianity in North America Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp African American Christianity Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp Christianity in Africa Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp Christianity in the Middle East Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp Christianity in Asia Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp Christianity in Latin America Encyclopedia of Christianity, pp

6 RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS AND GUIDELINES 1. First describe, then compare and contrast the essential view of salvation in Roman Catholicism, Mainline Protestantism (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist), and Evangelicalism (Baptist, Holiness, Pentecostal). 2. First describe, then compare and contrast the structure, content, and purpose of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). 3. First describe, then compare and contrast the defining traits of baptism OR communion/lord s Supper in three major branches of Christianity: Catholic, Mainline Protestant (Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist), and Evangelical (Baptist, Holiness, Pentecostal). 4. First describe, then compare and contrast the setting, style, and function of the following types of Christian music: chant, hymn, and contemporary Christian music. 5. First describe, then compare and contrast the setting, style, function, and impact of church architecture in four major periods of history: Romanesque, Gothic, Byzantine (Eastern) and Contemporary. YOU SHOULD TURN YOUR RESEARCH INTO A THESIS STATEMENT, THEN ORGANIZE YOUR PAPER AROUND THAT THESIS. You should use at least two of each of the following types of sources: a monograph: a work, usually by a single author, which addresses one topic or area a periodical: literature such as journals and bulletins that appear on a periodical basis a reference work: encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks a web site: an academic site that addresses specific areas of research The body of the paper should be 8 to 10` pages, double spaced, 12 point font and in MLA style; A worksheet proposal for your paper is due on September 20. The proposal should include the following: Title Thesis statement Introduction: should include the central focus and plan of the paper Outline that shows the plan of development Bibliography The body of the finished paper should be 8 to 10 pages (double spaced, Times 12 point font). The completed paper is due on Oct 18 at the beginning of class Your paper should exhibit the research and writing skills taught in GSTR 110 and GSTR 210, including proper style and grammar, a clear thesis, a logical development your position, critical reflection upon various perspectives, critical interaction with a variety of strong sources, and proper documentation of materials used.

7 GSTR 310: Understandings of Christianity Common Assignment: Research Paper Students in all sections of GSTR 310 are expected to build on the writing and research skills they developed in GSTR 110 and GSTR 210 in a research paper of 8 to 10 pages. Each paper must present a well-supported argument that addresses an explicitly stated thesis, as well as alternative points of view, and which employs a variety of appropriate academic sources. The papers will be graded on their focus, organization, clarity, grammar, strength of argument, style conventions, and selection and effective use of appropriate sources. While the paper may deal with a topic of deep interest and importance to the student, it should not take the form of a personal statement of beliefs. The paper should demonstrate a reasoned approach to the topic and a fair assessment of diverse points of view. This assignment is due Oct 18. The paper is to use at least eight high-quality, non-internet sources (e.g. scholarly books, biblical commentaries, journal articles). It is to be double-spaced, written in Times 12 point font, have one inch margins, and follow the guidelines for style and citations assigned by your instructor from St. Martin s style guide. Each student is to deliver the paper to the instructor of the section of GSTR 310 in which she or he is enrolled. Penalties for late papers will be determined by each instructor. The paper should focus on one of three areas: (1) biblical texts; (2) historical themes, figures, or issues; or (3) religious teachings and practices. Some choices of topics for papers, of course, may overlap one or more of these areas. Students should consult with their instructors about their choices of topics. GSTR 310 Common Exam Question Fall 2010 What are the ways Jesus has been and continues to be central to Christianity? Your answer should be in the form of an essay that addresses each of the following distinct areas: 1. The use of the Old Testament by early Christians to understand Jesus. 2. The various images of Jesus found in the New Testament. 3. Some of the key issues in the Christological debates (debates over the nature of Christ, how his humanity related to his divinity, etc.) of the 3rd to 5th centuries of the Common Era. 4. Roman Catholic understandings of Jesus. 5. Eastern Orthodox understandings of Jesus. 6. Protestant understandings of Jesus.