MH505/605: Issues in the History of Christian Missions (4 units)

Jehu J Hanciles, Associate Professor of Mission History and Globalization
Spring 2007 Pasadena

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 figuress 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

• some understanding of approaches to historical research and writing.
• a working historical knowledge and missiological understanding of the growth of the Christian church into a worldwide phenomenon.
• 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 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.

Goodpasture, H. McKennie, Cross and Sword: An Eyewitness History…. Orbis, 1989.
Hastings, Adrian, A World History of Christianity. Eerdmans, 1999.
Neil, Stephen, A History of Christian Missions. Penguin, 1990.
Ross, Andrew C., A Vision Betrayed: The Jesuits in Japan and China, 1542-1742. Orbis, 1994.
Tucker, Ruth A., From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya. Zondervan, 2004 (1^st ed., 1983).
Walls, Andrew F, The Cross-Cultural Process in Christian History. Orbis, 2002.

RECOMMENDED READING

Hanciles, Jehu J. Euthanasia of a Mission. Praeger, 2002.
Poewe, Karla (ed.), Charismatic Christianity as a Global Culture. Univ. of S. Carolina Press, 1994.
Sanneh/Carpenter (eds.), The Changing Face of Christianity: Africa, the West, and the World, 2005.
Shenk, Wilbert R., Changing Frontiers of Mission. Orbis, 1999.
Shenk, Wilbert R. (ed.), Enlarging the Story: Perspectives on Writing World Christian History. Orbis, 2002.
Stanley, Brian (ed.), Christian Missions and the Enlightenment. Eerdmans, 2001.

ASSIGNMENTS**:

• Read at least 1200 pages from required and recommended books.
• Write and submit six (250-word/1-page) reflection papers based on stipulated readings as required.
• Write and submit two (750-1000-word/3-4 pages) research papers by stipulated deadlines.
• Submit one (500-750-word/2-3 pages) final paper proposal with a focus on pertinent themes, issues, movement, etc.
• Write a 3750-5000-word/15-20 page final paper (excluding bibliography) based on research proposal.
• (Th.M. students will write a review of a book related to the course and submit a 5000-6250 word/20-25 page final paper)

PREREQUISITES: MH500 or three years of crosscultural ministry experience is required to enroll in this class.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Core Course for MAICS degree.

FINAL EXAM: None.

** Students are advised that the details of these assignments are subject to last minute change.

Last Date Edited: January 31, 2007