Details for Early and Medieval Christian History

This subject examines the context, origins and development of early Christianity and its impact on the surrounding communities. It explores how the rapid expansion of the church brought various social, cultural and theological challenges and examines how these were addressed. The contextualisation of medieval Christian thoughts and actions are discussed, as well as its formative influences in contemporary contexts. An analysis of major reform movements will also reveal how they have shaped the history of Christianity.

Awards offering Early and Medieval Christian 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 subject examines the origins and expansion of Christianity from the apostolic age to the continental Reformation.

Outcomes

Students should be able to:

1. Reconstruct the context, origins, development and expansion of early and medieval Christianity;
2. Critically analyse the contributions of key characters and events in early Christianity;
3. Rate various social, cultural and theological issues facing Christians in the early church;
4. Conduct advanced research into the historical record from primary and secondary sources and critically analyse the results;
5. Contextualise medieval Christian thoughts and actions within its historical period;
6. Assess the formative influences of medieval Christianity in contemporary contexts.

Subject Content

1. Social, historical and religious context of early Christianity
2. Origins and development of the early church
3. European expansion
4. Church and state in the Middle Ages
5. Crusades and the impact of Islam
6. Reformation causes and consequences

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face to Face (onsite)
• Distance/E-learning (online)
• Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)
• Extensive (5 days spread over the semester. This allows for students to complete readings, reflection and assessment and prepare for in-class activities between classes. The hours are the same as for an intensive: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Forum Postings (20%)
• Minor Essay (30%)
• Major Essay (50%)

Prescribed Text

• Mark A. Noll, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity (3rd Edition), (Grand Rapids: Baker  Academic, 2012)
• Henry Bettenson & Chris Maunder (Editors), Documents of the Christian Church (4th Edition), (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011)

Please consult your instructor before purchasing any texts.