I. Course Title: Christianity in Global and Historical Contexts (GE)
II. Course Number: RELN 209
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: None
V. Course Description:
A survey of Christianity from its ancient origins to its modern expressions. Adopting
a comparative perspective, the course emphasizes Christianity鈥檚 diverse religious
systems in encounter with social, cultural, political, and economic contexts around
the globe.
Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
This course surveys the history of Christianity from its ancient origins to the present. Beginning with an overview of the movement鈥檚 emergence in the ancient Mediterranean, the course addresses the development of distinct Christian formations in medieval and early modern Europe, and, from the sixteenth century, in North America. Emphasizing not only the traditions of Western Christianity, the course treats examples of Christian identity and expression in East and South Asia, the South Pacific, West and Central Africa, and the Americas broadly, among other regions.
The course adopts a broad thematic focus on social and cultural aspects of Christian traditions, and may attend to such topics as: challenges presented by religious diversity; shifting forms of ritual practice and scriptural interpretation; the spread of Christianity across diverse geographical and cultural terrains; women's roles in shaping Christianity; relations between churches and state institutions; the emergence of Protestant traditions; and Christian variety in contemporary contexts.
By engaging with a variety of primary texts (literary, visual, and aural), students develop skills of critical contextual analysis of the complex phenomenon that we now call Christianity. Throughout the course, students encounter key themes and concepts in the academic study of religion as they interact with diverse media, the instructor, and other students.
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
As an intermediate-level offering, this course employs a number of teaching and learning strategies and activities including the following, among others:
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:
VIII. Assessment Measures:
A variety of assessment tools will be used. These may include quizzes/exams, writing assignments, presentations, and research papers, among others.
Review and Approval
August 2020
March 01, 2021