MH701/801 Methods of Historical Research
Wilbert Shenk, Professor of Mission History and Contemporary Culture
Fall 2003 Pasadena

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Scholarly study in many fields requires historical research. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to historiography as it relates to mission studies. To do historical research effectively requires that the researcher know the theories, methods, and resources that are available. This seminar will acquaint the student with the problems and issues that arise in historical study.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Knowledge of leading theories and approaches to historical research and writing.
Familiarity with types of resources appropriate to the kind of research the student intends to pursue as a part of a doctoral program.
Initial survey of materials relevant to student’s program.

COURSE FORMAT:

This course will be offered as a seminar. Each student is expected to participate actively. Students will read in a wide range of materials, submit brief reports on current reading, and carry out a research project.

REQUIRED READING:

G. Barraclough, Main Trends in History. Holmes and Meier, 1991, rev. ed.
David W. Bebbington, Patterns in History. IVP/Baker, 1990.
Marc Bloch, The Historian’s Craft. Manchester U. Press, 1953.
James E. Bradley and Richard A. Muller, Church History: An Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods. Eerdmans, 1995.
Edward H. Carr, What Is History? Vintage, 1961.
Wilbert R. Shenk, ed., Enlarging the Story. Orbis Books, 2002.
Jan Vansina, Oral Tradition as History. University of Wisconsin, 1985.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Jacques Barzun and Henry F. Graff, The Modern Researcher. Harcourt, 1992.
Timothy J. Wengert and Charles W. Brockwell, Jr., Telling the Churches’ Stories Eerdmans, 1995.
Robin W. Winks, ed., The Historian as Detective: Essays on Evidence. Harper, 1969.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Read a total of 1,500 pages from the Required and Recommended Reading lists. The student will write a half-page summary of each book or article read for each week and present this in class.
Actively participate in the seminar sessions.
Research and write a 20-page history of your congregation using available materials (interviews, official minutes, annual reports, membership records, special commemorations, recordings and photographic materials, previous histories, etc.)

PREREQUISITE: The student must be enrolled in either a D.Miss., or Ph.D. program.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets methods requirement in DMiss or PhD Program.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None

Last Date Edited: June 27, 2003