THL330 Global Christianity since 1700 (8)

This subject provides a comprehensive view of the global Christian movement over time. It explores the expansion and development of Christianity as a world religion between 1700 and today, concurrently with European colonisation and the emergence of the modern missionary movement. The subject examines themes in world Christianity from historical, theological and sociological perspectives. These themes include: the inculturation of Christianity, dialogue with other faiths, the impact of poverty and demands for social justice, hermeneutical diversity, and the rise of fundamentalism and Pentecostal movements. These themes are discussed with reference to non-western contexts, in comparison with Anglo-American and European trends.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Ming Hua Theological College
Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Canberra Campus
Online
Canberra Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL330. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

This subject is not available to students who have completed subject THP400 as it is a paired subject and shares similar content.

Assumed Knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL131 and THL132.

Subject Relationships

THP400 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

THP400

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the context of Christianity's global expansion after 1700;
  • be able to analyse and critically review major themes in the global expansion of Christianity;
  • be able to analyse and critically evaluate how contemporary Christianity has become a largely non-Western faith;
  • be able to demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the inculturation of Christian faith in various contexts since 1700;
  • be able to articulate and critically review the historical relevance and implications of religion in the formation of national identities;
  • be able to analyse and critically evaluate historiographical approaches to the church across different cultures, ecclesial communities, and worldviews;
  • be able to research and communicate the relevance of historical documents for understanding the historical origins of contemporary churches in Australia and Asia; and
  • be able to demonstrate self-guided and collaborative learning, including advanced research, writing and communication skills relevant to history as a discipline.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • The historiography of contemporary world Christianity
  • Contemporary issues in the sociology and history of religion
  • Christian missions and their relationship with race and empire
  • The impact upon Western Christianity of the Enlightenment, science, industrialisation and secularism
  • The ecumenical movement
  • The inculturation of Christianity, with special reference to African, Asian or Pacific Christianity
  • Poverty, social justice and political struggle in the non-Western world
  • Theology and history, with special reference to liberationist, feminist, post-colonial, and ecumenical theologians
  • Christianity and nationalism
  • Christianity and other faiths
  • Christian fundamentalism
  • The rise of Pentecostalism

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL330 in Session 2 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Assessment 1: essay
40
2
Research essay
50
3
Forum/discussion board posts
10

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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