History of Christianity
Restricted to Theology majors and minors.
The course traces Christianity's meteoric development in the first millennium. It examines the break from Judaism, the formation of the Christian Bible, the age of martyrs, the theological golden period of the late Roman Empire, and the rise of the papacy and monasticism. Its tools are chronological tracking, historical vignettes, analysis of selected texts, and profiles of important figures.
3
Prerequisites
THE 101 or
THE 105,
THE 205
Cross Listed Courses
THE 360
The course traces Christianity's vigorous but fragmented growth in the second millennium. It studies the grandeur of the medieval cathedrals, the ideas of scholasticism and mysticism, the challenges of the Reformation, the rise of modernity, and the course of Christianity in America. Its tools are chronological tracking, historical vignettes, analysis of selected texts and profiles of important figures.
3
Prerequisites
THE 101 or
THE 105,
THE 205
Cross Listed Courses
THE 361
Augustine of Hippo (d. 430) grounds the history of western theology, and still informs modern fields like psychology and linguistics. While situating him in Roman antiquity, the course studies his thought as an account of Christian faith seeking understanding. We will read in depth his classic, theologically profound conversion story, the Confessions, and study his thought on God, Scripture, and the grace of Christ.
3
Prerequisites
THE 101 or
THE 105,
THE 205
Cross Listed Courses
THE 363
The course traces Christianity's development, from its origins as an obscure Jewish sect, through acceptance and growth in the late Roman Empire and mature self-definition in the Middle Ages, to the challenges of fragmentation and renewal in the Reformation and the modern world. Its tools are chronological tracking, historical vignettes, analysis of selected texts, and profiles of important figures.
3
Prerequisites
THE 101 or
THE 105,
THE 205
Cross Listed Courses
THE 365
Guided inquiry for superior juniors and seniors who wish to pursue a particular subject area in Theology more intensely than course offerings permit. By special arrangement with members of the Theology faculty.
Variable
Research, study, or original work under the direction of a faculty mentor, leading to a scholarly thesis document with a public presentation of results. Requires approval of thesis director, department chair, and the director of the honors program, when appropriate. Grade will be "IP" until all requirements are fulfilled.
4
Prerequisites
Senior standing; 3.0 G.P.A. in the capstone area, or good standing in the honors program.