syllabus christianity

HIS209L Christianity in America. Bethel University, St. Paul, MN, Spring 2015. Ruben Rivera, PhD.

HIS209L: CHRISTIANITY IN AMERICA: OUT OF ONE, MANY Instructor: Ruben Rivera, PhD Bethel University, Spring 2015Days/Time: MWF 1:50 – 2:40 PM Classroom: CLC 109Office: CC427E Office Hours: By appointment Tel: 651-638-6810 / E-mail: [email protected] / PO Box: 38 Teaching Assistants: Fletcher Warren [email protected]

Maurice Do Carmo [email protected]

“…and your [Abraham’s] descendants shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and by you and your descendants shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” (Genesis 28: 14; cf., 12: 3; 17: 4)

“ I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there shall be one flock, and one shepherd.” (Jesus: John 10: 16)

“[Father], I will remain in the world no longer, but they [Jesus’ disciples] are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you have given me--so that they may be one, even as we are one.” (Jesus: John 17: 11)

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who believe in me through their message, that they may all be one, just as you Father are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (Jesus: John 17: 20-23)

“We are no longer Jews or Greeks or slaves or free or even merely men or women, but we are all the same--we are Christians; we are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3: 28).

“And [God] has made of one blood all nations of people to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. That they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after him and find him. Yet he is not far from each one of us, for ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your [Greek] poets have said, ‘For we are indeed his offspring.’” (Acts 17: 26-28 KJV)

“Worthy are you [Jesus] to take the scroll and open its seals, for you were slain and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.” (Revelations 5: 9)

“After this I looked [into heaven], and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb!’” (Revelations 7: 9-10).

Catalog Description: Study of Christianity as a vital factor in North American history and life. Develops an understanding of the European Reformations, the Enlightenment and other modern developments as factors interacting with Christianity in North American culture, government, economics, and other social features from colonial times to the present. Exploration of Christian responses to such issues as democracy, revivalism, imperialism, slavery, modernism, new sciences, secularism, industrialization, materialism, Communism, civil rights, pluralism, war, globalization, technology and the internet. Prerequisite: GES130 Christianity and Western Culture, or its equivalent, unless waived by professor.


Recommended: BIB101 Introduction to the Bible.

Goals and Objectives: Because of the survey nature of the course (five centuries of Christianities – and derivations – in America), some thematic structure must exist as a skeleton upon which to hang “details.” The course goals/objectives revolve around the following main theme: Christianity in America: Out of One, Many. Obviously a play on the U.S. motto, “E pluribus, Unum” (“Out of Many [peoples], One [nation]”), the course title reflects: The endless plurality of Christian expressions (the “Many”) that emerged from the time of the

earliest disciples of Jesus Christ (the “One” or origin of what became Christianity). In the relatively “free” air of North America (depending on who you were), a vast diversity of

religious voices has flourished seemingly without limit and without end in sight. The course is then designed to allow us to see something of the many voices as they relate to central events and issues in American history, as well as some common themes.

Required Texts (purchase these immediately at the bookstore): --Nancy Koester, Fortress Introduction to the History of Christianity in the United States (Mpls, Fortress, Press, 2007). This is a print-on-demand book that must be pre-ordered from the Bethel bookstore. --Patrick Allitt, ed., Major Problems in American Religious History, 2d ed. (Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2013). --Readings downloaded on the course Moodle web site.

Course Requirements: Percentage Reading Journal – Allitt & Koester text and various articles 40Exams 2 @ 25% each 50Participation (attendance is assumed) 10

Total 100

BETHEL UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC POLICIES Grading: Read carefully the statements in the current Bethel University Catalog on the Grading System used in this class, as well as the statement on Academic Honesty and definitions of Academic Dishonesty to which all students are accountable. They can also be found on Bethel BLink web page, "Student Academics" tab, then "My Bethel Courses," then "Bethel Academic Policies."

The grade scale used in this course is attached to this syllabus.

Plagiarism / Cheating: Using someone else’s ideas, work or wording and pretending it’s your own, or failing to cite your source(s) and give them credit. Please do not dishonor your professor, university, family, faith and yourselves by engaging in cheating and plagiarism of any kind.

Special Needs: Contact the instructor as soon as possible if any needs require special accommodation. Contact Disability Services at http://www.bethel.edu/offices/disability/A letter from the Disability Services office is needed to obtain accommodations.

Academic Enrichment & Support Center: http://cas.bethel.edu/dept/aesc HC324, near the BU libraryAESC exists for anyone who needs help with study skills, tutoring, writing, etc. Great resource.

Support for Multilingual Students: Multilingual students would like academic support with written papers, exams and the like contac the AESC at http://cas.bethel.edu/dept/aesc/Multilingual

Career Center / What Can I Do With My Major? http://www.bethel.edu/career-services/career-planning/career-links/index

http://www.bethel.edu/career-services/career-planning/career-links/index


NO LATE HOMEWORK: Homework is critical for class discussion. If you don't have it on the day it's due, you missed the point of the homework. If you have problems, see me before an assignment deadlines arrive. Also, I simply cannot keep up when individual students turn in assignments at different times, etc.

Extra credit work is rare but occasionally I may make an extra credit assignment available to all students. I can’t do individual extra credit.

Do all work on computer and save all your work. Keep digital and paper copies of all home work, papers, exams. This is important for your own study purposes, and if a question about grading arises later.

Appeals Procedure: Any concerns you have about the course, your grades, or instructor should be handled in the following manner. (1) Communicate your concern clearly to the instructor as a first step. (2) If you are not satisfied with the instructor's resolution of your concern, talk to the department chairperson. (3) If you are still not satisfied, then you should make an appointment to communicate your concerns to the Office of Academic Affairs. If this procedure is not followed, the rights and freedom of both the instructor and student are potentially violated. Complaint Procedures are found in the current Academic Catalog: http://www.bethel.edu/undergrad/academics/catalog/

CLASSROOM COURTESY Student behavior in class can promote or hinder the learning experience. Note the following: Living by the “royal law” (Read Mt 21:36-40; 25:31-46; Mk 12:28-34; Lk 10:25-37; Jas 2:8-13). As

Christians we know that treating others the way we want to be treated is more important than merely claiming title to the name Christian. We can be honest and open in discussion, and even end up in disagreement, but let us do so in a listening-to-understand and respectful manner.

Tardiness and leaving early disrupts devotional time and class activity; you also miss in-class discussion/activity that cannot be made up. If your schedule does not allow you to stay for the entire class, you should not have enrolled in it.

Talking out of turn. If you have ever tried to share something while others ignored you and chattered away, you know how disruptive and disrespectful this can be.

Use of computers are only for note-taking or other activity related to THIS class. Do your email, facebook, gaming, or other activities outside of the classroom.

ASSIGNMENTS Class Preparation & Participation: You cannot be silent in this class and expect to earn a top grade. Discussions based on reading, lectures, films, and assignments are important. Students are expected to complete the assigned material in preparation for class. Besides absences, tardiness or lack of preparation and participation can substantially lower the grade. See me if a serious problem arises.

Responses to readings. (1) All homework must be typed on computer and printed. (2) Written responses to class readings are critical for learning and class discussion. (3) Never write in outline form or lists. Write in complete sentences so that anyone who has not had this class can understand sufficiently. If you write in abbreviated a form, even you may not be able to recall all the relevant information. (4) Always type your name and PO at the top right corner of the first page. (5) For each reading, include the book and chapter number and title for the Koester text. For Allitt text see below.

Specific questions on the Koester text will be posted in the Moodle course website. Type out brief but complete answers to the given questions and hand in for a grade on due dates.

Reading Journal on Allitt text (2d Ed) and online readings: For each assigned reading (document, essay, etc.) do the following:


o Include chapter number in the Allitt text along with the title of each reading. For online readings, include author name and title. This is important so I don’t get homework mixed up.

o For each reading: type about a 1/2 page response using the following format.o For each reading: summarize the main point or thesis of the reading in no more than 1/3 of

page max and back it up with key examples and / or quotations from the reading. o In about two sentences (after each 1/3 page summary) include a brief comment, reflection or

question on a key aspect of that reading that you feel is most important for discussion. o The accurate summary followed by your personal reflection or point you would like to pursue

in discussion should total no more than about 1/2 a page.2 Exams (Midterm & Final): Multiple Formats may appear. You will choose the answer which is the most true for the questions.

Indicate your answer by: either filling in the blank/short answer, or circling the letter of the correct answer, or circling True or False, depending on the style of question.

Essays. An exam may be in essay format instead of or in addition to the multiple format above.

COURSE SCHEDULEI reserve the right to make changes to the course schedule as time and circumstances warrant: to supplement with a quiz or additional lecture if it appears that students are not reading the literature, are coming to class unprepared, or otherwise having difficulty with the material; to condense or eliminate an item to allow students more time to assimilate the material.

Asterisked* items are readings found on the course Moodle web site.

INTRODUCTION: RELIGIOUS PLURALISM; HISTORIOGRAPHY (Week 1)M 2/2 Syllabus & Policy Matters

Religious Pluralism: Issues & ResponsesDue: Buy all books; read & know all requirements in syllabus & handouts

W 2/4 Religious Pluralism cont.Historiography of American ChristianityDue: Koester, Preface (Question 1), Chp 1 pp 1-3 (Q 1).

F 2/6 Historiography cont.

GOD & THE COLONIES: COLONIALISM THROUGH REVOLUTION (Week 2) "America's Religion": themes of unity & diversityM 2/9 Due: Allitt chp 1 (Schaff; Ann Braude; Finke & Stark)

W 2/11 Due: Koester, Chp 1, pp 3-9 (Q 2 & 3)

F 2/13 New World Natural Religion / Old World National ReligionDue: Allitt chp 2 (Docs 4 Williams, 6 Tecaughrentangego; Essay: Richter)

(Week 3) The New England Way -- PuritanismM 2/16 Due: Koester Chp 1, pp 15-26 (Q 4 & 5)

W 2/18 Due: Due: Allitt chp 3 (Doc 1 Winthrop, 2 Bradford, 3 Mather; Essay: Miller)

F 2/20 Puritanism cont. (Week 4)M 2/23 Pluralism & Dissent in the Colonies


Due: Koester chp 2 (Questions 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 on p. 48)

W 2/25 No class

F 2/27 AwakeningDue: Allitt chp 3 (Doc 4 Edwards);

CHRISTIANITY & DEMOCRACY: NEW NATION THROUGH CIVIL WAR (Week 5)M 3/2 Christianity and Revolution

Due: chp 4 (1 Keteltas, 2 Boucher, 3 Benezet, 5 Jefferson; Essays: Marsden; Marini)

W 3/4 Christianity and RevolutionDue: Declaration of Independence

F / 3/6 Revivals, Awakenings & Reforms: Democracy Massified & DeniedDue: Koester chp 3 (answer the 6 questions on p. 78)

(Week 6)M 3/9 Christians, slavery, & Civil War

W 3/11 Christians, slavery, & Civil WarDue: Koester chp 4 (answer the 6 questions on p. 100)

F 3/13 Christians, slavery, & Civil WarDue: Allitt chp 5 (Essay: Raboteau); chp 6 (Docs: 5 Grimke, 6 Douglass, 7 Stringfellow; Essay: Genovese & Genovese)

(Week 7) NO CLASSES – SPRING BREAK

(Week 8) M 3/23 Christians & Civil War

Due: Allitt, chp 7 (Doc: 1 Gregg, 2 Bennett, 6 Lincoln; Essays: Moorehead; Stowell)

OLDEST AMERICANS, NEWEST AMERICANS

W 2/25 Christians & the "Indian Problem"Due: For Koester chp 5, read the sections: Manifest Destiny (pp.108-112) and Native

Americans (pp. 114-116). Answer this question: In what ways was Christianity (Protestant or Catholic) negative for Native Americans; and in what ways was it positive for European/white settlers?

"Chief Red Jacket to the Missionaries" (* = in Moodle, answer questions in reading)

F 3/27 Immigration & becoming “American”Due: Koester chp 5, read the remainder of the chapter (answer questions 1, 4, 5, 6 on p. 123)

Allitt chp 6 (Doc 4 Roth); chp 8 (Docs 1 Rosa, 5 Cahan, 6 Yezierska)

(Week 9)ERA OF CRISIS: FROM CHRISTENDOM TO PLURALISM For this section read: Koester chp 6-7; Allitt & other readings (see below)


M 3/30 Intellectual & Social ChallengesDue: Koester chp 6 (answer questions on page 146); Koester chp 7 section:

Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy on pp. 150-153, and answerquestion #2 on page 170)

W 4/1 Intellectual ChallengesDue: Allitt chp 9 (Docs 1 Hodge, 2 Abbott, 4 Gladden, 5 Bryan, 7 Herron; Essay: Roberts)

F 4/3 NO CLASSES – GOOD FRIDAY

(Week 10)M 4/6 NO CLASSES – DAY AFTER EASTER

W 4/8 Social ChallengesDue: Allitt chp 8 (Doc 2 Carry Nation, 3 Booth Tucker); "Rauschenbusch: Excerpts on the Social Gospel"*

F 1/17 Adapting to Modernity & Increasing ComplexityDue: Allitt chp 10 (Doc 1 Virginia Durr, 2 Amy McPherson, 3 Grillo; Essay:

Carpenter)

(Week 11) "Made in America" Religions: MormonsM 4/13 Due: Allitt chp 5 (Doc 3 Smith); also watch film on Mormonism on Films on Demand.

Go to Blink, click “Library” at the top right. Page down to “Find something Specific” and click “video” Find streaming videos Search now under “Empire Upon the Trails” click “view segments in this video” click “Mormons Move West.” You’ll watch three segments: Mormons Move West; Brigham Young; Great Salt Lake. Questions for film: (1) What core religious themes we have been studying this semester do you see in the Mormon saga? (2) What danger do you see when a group such as this insists it is restoring the true religion as God originally intended it (even drawing authority from scripture)?

W 4/15 Made in American Religions: Jehova’s WitnessessDue: Go the following links and read on JWshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/witnesses/ataglance/glance.shtmlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/witnesses/beliefs/beliefs.shtmlHomework: Make a list of key JW beliefs that are similar and different from Christianity.

F 4/17 More complexity: Due: Koester chp 7 (Questions 1, 3, 4 on page 169-170); Allitt chp 12 (Essays: Allitt; Melton)


GRADE SCALES FOR POINTS & PERCENTAGE Grade

Points Possible

100 % Scale

100 90 80 75 60 50 40 30 25 20 15 10 A 100- 90- 80-75 75-70 60-56 50-48 40-38 30-29 25-24 20-19 15 10

94 86

A- 93-91 85-83 74-72 69-68 55-54 47-45 37-36 28 23 18 14 9

B+ 90-88 82-80 71-69 67-65 53-52 44 35 27 22 17 13 8.5

B 87-84 79-77 68-66 64-63 51-50 43-42 34 26-25 21 16 12.5 8

B- 83-81 76-74 65-63 62-60 49-48 41-40 33-32 24 20 15 12

C+ 80-78 73-71 62-60 59-58 47-46 39-38 31 23 19 14 11.5 7

C 77-74 70-68 59-57 57-55 45-44 37 30 22 18 13 11

C- 73-71 67-65 56-54 53-52 43-42 36-35 29-28 21 17 12.5 10.5 6.5

D+ 70-66 64-60 53-51 51-49 41-40 34-33 27-26 20 16 12 10 6

D 65-60 59-56 50-48 48-45 39-35 32-30 25-24 19-18 15 11 9 5.5

F 59 55 47 44 34 29 23 17 14 10 8 5or less

syllabus christianity

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