Syllabus: Fall 2005 Office hours M/W 11:30-2 & 3:15-3:45
Hist. 115: The History of Christianity Vincent 193
Rev. Michael B. Sullivan, CSC Phone: 239-8419
I:Course description, goals, objectives
The primary purpose of this course is to examine chronologically and topically some of the main features of the historical evolution of Christianity and the development of its traditions, beliefs, institutions, and practices from its origin in the first century up to the present century. Apart from consideration of doctrinal and institutional aspects, attention will be given as well to its significant persons, issues, and movements. These will be examined in light of their respective historical and religious contexts with some emphasis given to their continuing religious and cultural influence.
Although this is an introductory course to Christian tradition and history, the student, besides acquiring a general knowledge of Christianity, past and present, will by carefully researching, analyzing and evaluating source materials of various kinds develop an ability to accurately and critically read, weigh evidence, make judgments, draw conclusions, interpret these, and clearly, cogently and concisely discuss and, periodically, express in writing their findings and insights.
The material to be covered in the semester will include: the origin, organization, and spread of the first Christian communities throughout the world; Christian persecutions; the rise and diffusion of the monastic movement and spirituality; Eastern churches; the conversion of Northern Europe; Church and State in the Middle Ages; the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter- Reformation; Christianity and the Age of Reason; New World Christianity; and 20th century Christianity under attack.
II:Required texts
The required texts for the course are An Introduction to Christianity by Alister McGrath(IC in
syllabus) and Mere Christianity by C.S.Lewis(MC in syllabus).
III:Course grades and requirements
The final grade for the course will be calculated on the basis of scores derived from the following
areas:
1) two exams (10%) each plus a final (cumulative) exam (10%)
2) two short papers(10% each). See below for further elaboration. Check syllabus for paper schedule
3) daily(25) quizzes (2% each) formulated from readings assigned for that day
4) daily(25) one page resumes(1/10% each) analyzing summarizing, critiquing, and drawing conclusions based on evidence from primary sources taken from daily reading assignments and materials given in class
The papers will be four page essays on topics related to course material.
Source material for essays can include scholarly books and articles from journals, and magazines. The bibliography for each essay must contain at least three sources, primary and secondary, from published books.
Depth and quality of thought, expression, and research will be among the chief factors in determining the grades of these essays, together with spelling, grammar, punctuation and neatness.
Papers must be turned in on the due date or earlier unless explicit exemption has been obtained from the professor. Failure to submit papers on time will result in the reduction of the grade by half a letter per day. Papers submitted a week or more late and without an extension given by the professor will receive an F grade.
It is strongly recommended that students make an appointment with the professor after the first paper has been graded and returned and before the next one is due so as to discuss the merits of the first and means for improving the second essay.
Essay topics and due dates
Essay One: Due Class 12
Christian Faith: It’s Many Aspects
Essay Two: Due class 23
Protestant Theology: It’s Novel Features
IV:Class attendance/withdrawal
Students are expected to attend all classes: daily quizzes will be administered at the beginning of virtually every class.
No make-up quizzes will be provided for those who are absent from class or who miss the quiz because of tardiness.
Unless explicit permission is given by the professor early departures from class will be counted as an absence
Exemptions from the final exam will be granted to 2 categories of students:
1) those with perfect attendance records(zero absences);
2) those with A- averages(90+) at the end of the semester and not more than two class absences.
V:Academic honesty policy
Holy Cross College expects honesty from all students in their
academic work. Refer to the student handbook for information
regarding the college’s academic honesty policy
VI Syllabus: (All assignments are listed for the due date.)
Class Date Assignments
1. 8/23 T Prelude
2. 8/25 Th IC 1-18
MC Preface
3. 8/30 T IC 20-54
MC I: 1,2
4. 9/1 Th IC 55-66
MC I: 3
5. 9/6 T IC 66-74
MC I: 4
6. 9/8 Th IC 75-96
MC I: 5
7. 9/13 T IC 96-108
MC II: 1,2
8. 9/15 Th IC 108-123
MC II: 3
9. 9/20 T IC 124-144
MC II: 4
10. 9/22 Th IC 147-161
MC II: 5
11. 9/27 T IC 162-187
MC III: 1,2
12. 9/29 Th IC 188-213
MC III: 3,4
PAPER DUE TODAY
13. 10/4 T IC 213-231
MC III: 5
14. 10/6 Th EXAM I
15. 10/11 T IC 233-246
MC III:6
16. 10/13 Th IC 246-254
MC III: 7
17. 10/25 T IC 254-260
MC III: 8
18. 10/27 Th IC 261-266
MC III: 9,10
19. 11/1 T IC 266-270
MC III: 11,12
20. 11/3 Th IC 270-279
MC IV: 1
21. 11/8 T IC 280-286
MC IV: 2
22. 11/10 Th IC 286-298
MC IV: 3
23. 11/15 T IC 298-304
MC IV: 4
PAPER DUE TODAY
24. 11/17 Th IC 305-319
MC IV: 5,6
25. 11/22 T IC 319-326
MC IV: 7,8
26. 11/29 T IC 326-336
MC IV: 9,10,11
27. 12/1 Th EXAM II
28. 12/6 T IC 359-397
29 12/8 Th IC 398-415
FINAL EXAM AS SCHEDULED BY THE COLLEGE