Online · School of Divinity · Theological Studies

History of Christianity I

CHHI-520

CG Section 8WK 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 Modified 12/12/2022  Course Description

A study of the first fifteen centuries of historical Christianity. Includes the rise of the church under persecution, orthodoxy vs. heresy, doctrinal developments, the rise of the Roman Papacy and opposition to it during the Middle Ages, and the events leading up to the Protestant Reformation.

Requisites

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog (https://catalog.liberty.edu/).

 Rationale

This course is aimed at helping modern Christians and those in ministry appreciate the story of Christianity from the first century to the eve of the Protestant Reformation. Students are invited to identify with and learn from those who were persecuted for their faith, those who helped articulate Christian theology in the face of heretical threats, and those who sought to live out the faith and lead the church during uncertain times.

 Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

A. Explain key issues in light of the social, historical, and political contexts in which the church grew and expanded in the first fifteen centuries.

B. Identify the key theological developments (both orthodox and heretical) and movements within the church in the first fifteen centuries.

C. Identify the key personalities who led the church and contributed to its theological development in the first fifteen centuries.

D. Relate the key elements of Christian orthodoxy and practice developed in history to contemporary challenges within the church.

 Course Resources

Click on the following link to view the required resource(s) for the term in which you are registered: Liberty University Online Bookstore (https://bncvirtual.com/liberty).

Additional Materials for Learning

A. Computer with basic audio/video output equipment

B. Internet access (broadband recommended)

C. Canvas recommended browsers (https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/What-are-the-browser-and-

computer-requirements-for-Canvas/ta-p/66)

D. Microsoft Word

E. School of Divinity Writing Guide: https://www.liberty.edu/divinity/writing-guide/ (https://www.liberty.edu/divinity/writing-guide/)

    Course Assignments

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Textbook readings, online readings, lecture presentations, online articles, and websites

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in Module 1: Week 1.

Discussions

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student must first read assigned portions of the Ferguson book and other online sources for each discussion. Then, he/she must thoroughly answer questions on these sources in a thread of 400–500 words that demonstrates a grasp of the content and stands up to scrutiny from others. Also, the student must reply to at least 2 classmates’ threads in 100–200 words each (CLO A, B, C, D).

Research Paper Assignments (2)

The student will write a 3,000–3,500-word (about 12–14 pages) research paper on an approved topic specified in Blackboard. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

1. Research Paper Topic Assignment

The student will submit his/her topic, a thesis statement, an initial bibliography of at least 6 scholarly sources in current Turabian format to be used in his/her paper, and an answer to a question relating to research.

2. Research Paper Assignment

The student will submit his/her completed research paper in current Turabian format.

Discipleship Reflection Paper Assignment

After reading Smither, Augustine as Mentor, the student will write a reflection paper of at least 1,000 words (about 4 pages) on lessons in discipleship and spiritual formation from the early church. The first half of the paper will summarize key aspects of early Christian discipleship, while the second half will reflect on relevant principles for discipleship and spiritual formation today. The reflection paper must adhere to current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Quizzes (4)

The student will take quizzes covering the Ferguson chapters assigned in the 2 most recent modules. The purpose of these quizzes is twofold: (1) to test the student on precise recall of basic facts from the chapters, and (2) to serve as a means of keeping the student accountable for reading the chapters. Each quiz has 25 multiple-choice and true/false questions, is open- book/open-notes, and must be completed in 1 hour. (CLO: B, C)

 Course Grading

10

Discussions (5 at 50 pts ea) 250

Research Paper Topic Assignment 50

Course Requirements Checklist

Research Paper

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300 200

200

Total 1010

 Course Policies

Research Paper Assignment

Discipleship Reflection Paper Assignment

Quizzes (4 at 50 pts ea)

Extra Credit

No additional “for credit” assignments will be permitted beyond those given in the course requirements stated above.

Course Changes

Course requirements are subject to change by the administration of the University at any time with appropriate notice.  Policies

Late Assignment Policy

Course Assignments, including discussions, exams, and other graded assignments, should be submitted on time.

If the student is unable to complete an assignment on time, then he or she must contact the instructor immediately by email. Assignments that are submitted after the due date without prior approval from the instructor will receive the following deductions:

1. Late assignments submitted within one week after the due date will receive up to a 10% deduction.

2. Assignments submitted more than one week and less than 2 weeks late will receive up to a 20% deduction.

3. Assignments submitted two weeks late or after the final date of the course will not be accepted outside of special

circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by

the instructor.

4. Group projects, including group discussion threads and/or replies, and assignments will not be accepted after the due date

outside of special circumstances (e.g. death in the family, significant personal health issues), which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the instructor.

Disability Assistance

Students with a disability and those with medical conditions associated with pregnancy may contact Liberty University’s Online Office of Disability Accommodation Support (ODAS) at LUOODAS@liberty.edu for accommodations. Such accommodations require appropriate documentation of your condition. For more information about ODAS and the accommodations process, including how to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation- support/ (https://www.liberty.edu/online/online-disability-accommodation-support/). Requests for accommodations not related to disabilities or pregnancy must be directed to the Registrar’s Office, which generally handles medical needs support.

If you have a complaint related to disability discrimination or an accommodation that was not provided, you may contact ODAS or the Office of Equity and Compliance by phone at (434) 592-4999 or by email at equityandcompliance@liberty.edu. Click to see a full copy of Liberty’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Liberty+University+Discrimination,+Harassment,+and+Sexual+Misconduct+Policy) or

the Student Disability Grievance Policy and Procedures (https://www.liberty.edu/disability-support/wp- content/uploads/sites/106/2022/01/Disability-Grievance-Procedures.pdf).

      Course Attendance

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In an effort to comply with U.S. Department of Education policies, attendance is measured by physical class attendance or any submission of a required assignment within the enrollment dates of the course (such as examinations, written papers or projects, any discussion posts, etc.) or initiating any communication with one’s professor regarding an academic subject. More information regarding the attendance policy (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Online+Attendance+and+Non-Attendance) can be found in the Academic Course Catalogs (https://www.liberty.edu/academics/course-catalogs/). Regular attendance in online courses is expected throughout the length of the term. Students who do not attend within the first week of a sub-term by submitting a required academic assignment (such as the Course Requirements Checklist, an examination, written paper or project, discussion post, or other academic activity) will be dropped from the course. Students who wish to re-engage in the course are encouraged to contact Academic Advising to discuss their enrollment options. Students who begin an online course, but at some point in the semester cease attending, and do not provide official notification to withdraw, will be assigned a grade of “FN” (Failure for Non- Attendance (https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Unofficial+Withdrawals)). Students wishing to withdraw from courses after the official start date should familiarize themselves with the withdrawal policy.

    Grading Scale

        A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D-

940- 1010

920- 939

900- 919

860- 899

840- 859

820- 839

780- 819

760- 779

740- 759

700- 739

680- 699

For courses with a Pass/NP final grade, please refer to the Course Grading section of this syllabus for the assignment requirements and/or point value required to earn a Passing final grade.

Add/Drop Policy

The full policy statement and procedures are published in the Policy Directory

(https://wiki.os.liberty.edu/display/IE/Dropping+and+Adding+Online+Classes). Honor Code

Liberty University comprises a network of students, Alumni, faculty, staff and supporters that together form a Christian community based upon the truth of the Bible. This truth defines our foundational principles, from our Doctrinal Statement to the Code of Honor. These principles irrevocably align Liberty University’s operational procedures with the long tradition of university culture, which remains distinctively Christian, designed to preserve and advance truth. Our desire is to create a safe, comfortable environment within our community of learning, and we extend our academic and spiritual resources to all of our students with the goal of fostering academic maturity, spiritual growth and character development.

Communities are predicated on shared values and goals. The Code of Honor, an expression of the values from which our Doctrinal Statement was born, defines the fundamental principles by which our community exists. At the core of this code lie two essential concepts: a belief in the significance of all individuals, and a reliance on the existence of objective truth.

While we acknowledge that some may disagree with various elements of the Code of Honor, we maintain the expectation that our students will commit to respect and uphold the Code while enrolled at Liberty University.

Adherence to the principles and concepts established within facilitates the success of our students and strengthens the Liberty community.

The Code of Honor can be viewed in its entirety at https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/ (https://www.liberty.edu/students/honor-code/).

 Additional Items

F

679 and below

  Program Learning Outcomes for CHHI 520

CHHI 520 supports the following academic programs in the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity: Master of Arts in Religion

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The program learning outcomes for these programs are listed with the program in the Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog. This course is related to at least one of the program learning outcomes listed for each of these programs and contributes to your success in acquiring the knowledge and skills that are described. Here is the link to the catalog page where this information can be found:

John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Graduate Catalog ( https://catalog.liberty.edu/graduate/colleges-schools/rawlings-divinity/ (https://catalog.liberty.edu/graduate/colleges-schools/rawlings-divinity/))

 Schedule

  When Topic Notes

     Course Overview Student Acknowledgements Course Requirements Checklist

 Module 1: Week 1

Learn

Apply Discussion: Church History

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item Explore: 1 item

    Module 2: Week 2

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Discussion: Early Christian Apologetics Quiz: First and Second Century

 Module 3: Week 3

Learn

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

  Apply Discussion: Persecution and Theology

   Module 4: Week 4

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item Explore: 1 item

    Apply

Research Paper Topic Assignment Quiz: Third and Fourth Century

   Module 5: Week 5

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Discussion: Augustine’s Conversion Discipleship Reflection Paper Assignment

   Module 6: Week 6

Learn

Read: 1 item Watch: 1 item

    Apply

Discussion: Missionary Monks Quiz: Fifth to Ninth Century

   Module 7: Week 7

Learn

Read: 3 items Watch: 1 item

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  When Topic Notes

   Apply Research Paper Assignment

 Module 8: Week 8

Learn

Apply Quiz: Tenth to Fifteenth Century

Read: 2 items Watch: 1 item

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