Christian Contributions to Culture

CHS 662G

Fall 2004

Instructor: Dr. Marshall K. Christensen

E-mail: mchristensen@westernseminary.edu

Office Phone: 503-517-1813

Course Description

This is a research course that offers students the opportunity to examine the relationship between the Church and civilization. The scope of the course is comprehensive of:

1) time (early church to the contemporary church), 2) place (local, national, international), and 3) cultural contexts (i.e. spiritual and moral values, intellectual achievements, creative arts, education, health care, economic development, liberation from oppression, the rule of law, personal freedoms, human dignity, war and peace, reconciliation, racial equality, relief from disasters, overcoming illiteracy, charity and caring for the needy).

Course Goals

1. Students will reinforce their knowledge of church history.
2. Students will apply their research skills.
3. Students will develop their analytical skills.
4. Students will cultivate communication skills.

Course Requirements

1. Attend all class sessions and participate in discussions
2. Read the course text: Alvin J. Schmidt, Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization, Zondervan, 2001
3. Complete one of the following research projects:
1. original historical research paper on an approved topic
2. original field research related to congregational awareness of the Church’s

contributions to culture

Student Evaluation

1. Class attendance and participation in discussion (25 percent)

2. Demonstration of mastery of historical information from the text (25 percent)

3. Successful completion of a research project (50 percent)