Details for Australian Church History
This unit provides a detailed analysis of the major global trends which led to the foundation and then settlement of Australia. The pattern of settlement and national development is traced, including issues of inculturation, colonialism, denominationalism and racism. Australian Christianity in rural and urban regions is explored, as well as the challenges and opportunities of multiculturalism. Understanding the Christian history of this nation helps to equip students for effective ministry in a wide variety of contexts and allows for a deeper understanding of Australian national identity.
Quick Info
- Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
- Course code: HIS301
- Credit points: 10
- Subject coordinator: Mark Hutchinson
Prerequisites
The following courses are prerequisites:
- HIS101—History of Christianity or 40 credit points
Awards offering Australian Church History
This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:
- Associate Degree in Business
- Associate Degree in Ministry
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Applied Social Science
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Ministry
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Theology
- Bachelor of Theology
Unit Content
Curriculum Objective
This unit provides an overview of the major trends surrounding the foundation, settlement and development of European Australia in relation to Christian religion.
Outcomes
Students should be able to:
- Defend a detailed knowledge of the major themes in Australian religious history, including national identity formation and indigenous religions;
- Categorise and evaluate the key groups in early Australian Christian history, including Catholics, Dissenters, Wesleyans, Presbyterians and others;
- Evaluate the emergent relationship between Australian Christianity and society in general;
- Conduct advanced research into the historical record from primary and secondary sources and critically analyse the results;
- Critically evaluate church interaction with key social and political issues in Australia;
- Defend the contribution of the Australian past to the ministry situation of the Pentecostal movement in Australia.
Subject Content
- Themes in Australian religious history
- The Convict Chaplaincy
- Liberalism; Secularism
- Sectarianism; Education, Church and State
- Social Responses of the Churches: Revival; Social issues; Politics
- Depression and War: Liberalism and Fundamentalism
- Post War renewal movements and mission
This course may be offered in the following formats
Lectures, discussion, tutorials
Assessment Methods
- Forum Postings 20% (2500 words)
- Field Report 30% (1500 words)
- Major Essay 50% (2500 words)
Prescribed Text
- Primary readings provided