MH601/701/801: Methods of Historical Research (4 units)

Jehu J. Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization & Wilbert Shenk, Senior Professor of Mission History and Contemporary Culture
Winter 2007 Pasadena

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.
• Understanding of the importance of historical research.
• Familiarity with types of resources appropriate to the kind of research the student intends to pursue as a part of a doctoral program.
• Ability to judge the appropriate historical methodology for the pertinent tutorial(s).

COURSE FORMAT:

This course will be offered as a seminar which meets once a week for four hours. Most of each session will be spent in discussion of recommended readings (or pertinent issues) and student presentations. Each student is expected to participate actively. Students will read a range of materials, submit brief reports on reading, and carry out a research project.

REQUIRED READING: If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

Bebbington, D. W., Patterns in History. IVP/Baker, 1990.
Bradley, J. E. & Muller, R. A., Church History: An Introduction to Research, Reference Works, and Methods. Eerdmans, 1995.
Carr, E. H., What Is History? Vintage, 1961.
Shenk, W. R. (ed.), Enlarging the Story. Orbis Books, 2002.
Vansina, J., Oral Tradition as History. U. of Wisconsin, 1985.
Wells, Ronald A. (ed.), History and the Christian Historian. Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1998.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Barraclough, G., Main Trends in History. Holmes and Meier, 1991, rev. ed.
Barzun, J. & Graff, H. F., The Modern Researcher. Harcourt, 1992.
Evans, R. J., In Defense of History W. W. Norton, 1999.
Iggers, G. G. & Parker, H. T., International Handbook of Historical Studies Greenwood Press 1979.
Walls, A. F., The Missionary Movement in Christian History. Orbis Books, 1996.

ASSIGNMENTS:

• Read a total of 1,500 pages from the Required and Recommended Reading lists. The student will write a 1 page summary (250-word) of each book or article read each week and present this in class.
• Actively participate in the seminar sessions.
• Research and write a 20-page (5,000-word) paper reflecting historical research, methods, and perspectives utilizing both primary and secondary material.

PREREQUISITES Each student must be enrolled in either a Th.M., D.Miss., or Ph.D. program.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets Research Methods requirement for prerequisite degrees.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: October 10, 2006