COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of church history during the Apostolic Age, the ante-Nicene period, and the post-Nicene period, noting particularly the doctrinal development during this time.

I. RATIONALE:
A proper understanding of the historical foundations of the Church will enable the student to better understand not only where we have been, but why we are where we are now. This will help the student to better see where the Church is going in the future.

II. PREREQUISITES:
N/A

III. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES AND RELATED SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
A. Cognitive:

1. To introduce the student to major persons, events, and movements that have shaped Western Church History.

2. To integrate a better understanding of our spiritual heritage with its present relevance to the church.

3. To help the student to understand and distinguish the historical from the Biblical.

B. Performance:

1. The student will be able to develop and communicate to others a Biblical and Christian worldview of history.

2. The student will develop an ability to communicate the plan and purpose of God with the benefit of historical knowledge.

3. The student will be able to develop teaching notes and outlines on the subject matter of the text.

IV. PREASSESSMENT:
A. The student will write a brief paper on course goals.

V. INSTRUCTIONAL/LEARNING ACTIVITIES:

1. The textbook(s) must be read in its entirety.

2. The student will complete the student study guide.

3. The student will submit an acceptable 5–7 page term paper (typewritten).

4. The student will write detailed teaching notes for each chapter of the textbook.

VI. SELF-EVALUATION:
A. The student will reread their brief paper on course goals.

VII. POST ASSESSMENT:
A. The student will read the course instructor’s comments and make the appropriate corrections.

VIII. CORRECTIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
A. The course instructor may require the student to do additional recommended reading on the subject matter of the text.

IX. LEARNING RESOURCES, MATERIALS, TOOLS, ETC.
A. Required Text:

• The World’s Greatest Story, Ken Chant, Vision Publishing

B. Additional Bibliography:

1. Dawson, Christopher. The Dynamics of World History. London: Sheed and Ward.

2. Erikson, Erik. Young Man Luther. New York: Norton.

3. Hamon, Bill. The Eternal Church. Christian International Publishing.

4. Roberts, Frank and George Marsden. A Christian View of History. Eerdmans.

5. Schaeffer, Francis. How Should We Then Live? Crossway Books/Good News.

6. Scott, Dan. The Emerging American Church. Bristol Books.

7. Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language. Word Publishing.

8. Wells, Ronald A. History Through the Eyes of Faith. HarperCollins.

9. Burns, Edward McNall, et al. Western Civilization, 7th Edition.