History of Christianity I - Origins to the Reformation

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. CONTENT. History of Christianity from its inception until the beginnings of European colonial expansion in the first half of the 16th century. Themes include the teachings of Jesus and his disciples; the growth of Christianity as it spread throughout the Mediterranean basin into Mesopotamia, Africa, Northern Europe and central Asia; variations in doctrinal development and religious practice in diverse social, political and geographical situations. Course content is selected to align with the course description and the current state of scholarship in the field. The presentation of course content fosters critical thinking in the context of scholarly consensus and debate, rather than instructors’ views, values or beliefs. Instructors may assign different readings and/or topics that fit within the course description and meet the learning objectives. BENEFITS. History teaches evaluation and synthesis of evidence, development of persuasive arguments in written and oral form, expansion of understandings of historical contexts that have contributed to human complexity past and present, including but not limited to the formation of group and individual identities, social and political dynamics, and debates about values and rights. Applying this knowledge produces more informed citizens, who are proficient in the abilities required by today’s workforce. Cross Listing: HIST 220 and RELS 220 .