History

This is a survey of the history of Christianity from its Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts in the first century to its global present, examining the development of the church’s theology, organization, spirituality, and social impact. The modern era emphasizes Stone-Campbell Movement origins and identity.

This course is an introduction to the scholarly discipline of history. Historiography includes the study of the theories and practice of writing history, the nature of historical research, major themes in historical interpretation, identifying and evaluating primary and secondary sources, and a basic introduction to the practice of historical research and writing.

This course builds on Historian’s Craft I, furthering student knowledge and practice of the scholarly discipline of history.

This course examines the global history of humanity from paleolithic times to the present. This will be accomplished by focusing on three interrelated topics: the relationship between human beings and the environment; the development of religious ideas and institutions; and the development of political, racial, economic, and gendered structures.

American History I
This is a study of the social, political, economic, religious, and cultural developments of the United States from the era of exploration and settlement through the Civil War. It focuses on events and processes involved in the expansion of the United States to the Pacific Ocean and leading to the Civil War.

American History II
This is a continuation of HIST 2100. It presents the development of the United States from the post-Civil War Reconstruction to the present time. Its focus is on America’s modernization and emergence into a world leadership role.

Race and Religion in American History
This course examines the complex roles of religion in the American story of “race” and race relations. Participants analyze the interconnections of race and religion in American history from the colonial Atlantic slave trade to the twenty-first century by covering select topics in depth. The course focuses on reading diverse primary sources which could include letters, journals, literature, speeches, sermons, autobiographies, movies, etc. Analysis of the scholarly and primary sources provides the foundation from which participants draw historical and theological insight for today.

History of the Restoration Movement
This course examines the history of the American Restoration Movement from its inception within the Stone and Campbell traditions of the early 19th century to the contemporary era. Although a significant portion of the course is devoted to the early development of this “Reformation of the 19th Century,” the entire scope of the movement, including current issues of importance, is addressed.

Students pursuing a History Major develop a senior project or internship experience in consultation with their academic advisors. In most cases, students complete a major research paper. However, students may pursue an internship or a project that integrates historical research with teaching methods.

World Christian History 1 (100-600)
This course examines the expansion and development of Christianity around the world from the end of the apostolic era to 600. Students analyze the expansion of Christianity in Asia, Africa, and Europe by exploring topics which could include the Apostolic Fathers, martyrs, apologists, Gnosticism, formation of the canon, Bible interpretation, monasticism, church-state relations, Jewish-Christian relations, women, Trinitarian theology, Christology, Christian practices, Constantine, Augustine, pagan-Christian relations, Byzantine Christianity, missions, etc. Students also learn central theological ideas of this early Christian era.

World Christian History 2 (600-1600)
This course examines the expansion, contraction, and development of Christianity around the world from the rise of Islam to the Protestant Reformations. Students analyze the development of Christianity in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas by exploring topics which could include Muslim-Christian relations, Asian Christianity, Bible interpretation and Genesis 1, the Crusades, monasticism, church-state relations, scholasticism, popular religion in the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Protestant Reformations, religious wars, early exploration and colonization, etc. Students also learn central theological ideas of the Middle Ages and Reformation.

World Christian History 3 (1600-Present)
This course examines the expansion and development of Christianity around the world in the modern era. Students analyze the development of Christianity in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas by exploring topics which could include evangelicalism, scientific developments, colonization, slavery, post-colonialism, nationalism, war, communism, the southern shift of world Christianity, ecumenism, Muslim-Christian relations, Vatican II, etc. Students also learn central theological ideas from diverse global perspectives, considering the practical and theological implications of the diverse witnesses of world Christianity.

Race and Religion in American History
This course examines the complex roles of religion in the American story of “race” and race relations. Participants analyze the interconnections of race and religion in American history from the colonial Atlantic slave trade to the twenty-first century by covering select topics in depth. The course focuses on reading diverse primary sources which could include letters, journals, literature, speeches, sermons, autobiographies, movies, etc. Analysis of the scholarly and primary sources provides the foundation from which participants draw historical and theological insight for today.

History Seminar
This course will explore a special topic of interest to the professor that is not a part of the regular history curriculum.

History Tutorial
This course allows the student to explore a topic of particular interest to the student under the guidance of the professor. This course may be used in preparation for the HIST 4400 History Senior Project/Internship.