MH505/605: Issues in the History of Christian Missions (4 units)
Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of
Spring 2008
DESCRIPTION:
This
course serves as a core competency or foundational module for mission studies
and introduces the student to historical methods and research (including
mission historiography). It focuses on
the significance of history as a dimension of human experience, a primary
component in theological reflection, and a functional element in the study of
missions. While its content provides an
overview of the last five hundred years of mission history—roughly 1500 to the
present—the main focus will be on assessing the formation, structures and
impact of the modern missionary movement (both Roman Catholic and
Protestant). Close attention will be
paid to regional patterns of growth, key figures and thinkers, principal
mission theories and strategies, as well as the transformational role of
Christian missions in the making of the present world order.
LEARNING
OUTCOMES:
The student will acquire:
1. some
understanding of approaches to historical research and writing.
2. a working historical knowledge and
missiological understanding of the growth of the Christian church into a
worldwide phenomenon.
3. an appreciation of the habits of mind
and study that 1) facilitate the critical examination of historical material
and 2) foster meaningful evaluation of contemporary challenges in mission and
the ministry of the Church.
COURSE
FORMAT:
Class meets twice a week in
two hour periods. At least thirty
minutes of each session will be devoted to class discussion of recommended
readings and/or student presentations.
REQUIRED
1. Goodpasture,
H. McKennie, Cross and Sword: An
Eyewitness History. Orbis, 1989.
2. Hastings,
3. Neil, Stephen,
A History of Christian Missions. Penguin, 1990.
4. Ross,
Andrew C., A Vision Betrayed: The Jesuits
in
5. Sanneh,
Lamin, Disciple of all Nations: Pillars
of World Christianity.
6. Walls, Andrew F, The Cross-Cultural Process in Christian History. Orbis, 2002.
RECOMMENDED
1. Hanciles, Jehu J. Euthanasia of a
2. Poewe, Karla (ed.), Charismatic Christianity as a Global Culture.
3. Sanneh/Carpenter (eds.), The
Changing Face of Christianity:
4. Shenk, Wilbert R., Changing Frontiers of
5. Shenk, Wilbert R. (ed.), Enlarging the Story: Perspectives on Writing
World Christian History. Orbis, 2002.
6. Stanley, Brian (ed.), Christian Missions and the Enlightenment.
Eerdmans, 2001.
ASSIGNMENTS**:
1. Read at least 1200 pages from required and
recommended books.
2. Write and submit six (250-word) reflection papers based on stipulated
readings as required.
3. Write and submit two (750-1000 word) research papers by stipulated
deadlines.
4. Submit one (500-750 word) final paper
proposal with a focus on pertinent themes, issues, movement, etc.
5. Write a 3750-5000 word final paper
(excluding bibliography) based on research proposal.
6. (Th.M. students will write a review
of a book related to the course and submit a 5000-6250 word final paper).
PREREQUISITES: None
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: MAICS
Core Course
FINAL EXAM: None
** Students are advised that the details of these
assignments are subject to last minute change.