NEWMAN THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE
FND 100 Early Church History
Fall 2011
Tues. 1:15 p.m. – 4:05 p.m.
Instructor: Louis Rouleau, Ph.D. Cand.
Email: rouleau@ualberta.ca
Office: NTC Sessional office
Phone: x5241
Course Description
The historical development of the Church from the second century to the rise of Islam.
The relationship of Church and Empire, the beginnings of monasticism, the contributions
of women, the development of institutions and doctrine, and the missionary activity of
Christians beyond the Greco-Roman world.
Objectives
The course aims to foster critical and analytical skills necessary for the study of Church
History. By the end of this course, students will demonstrate:
• an awareness of history and its influence on Christian thought, belief, and
practice.
• familiarity with the persons and events that shaped early Christianity.
• the ability to read primary source material critically and analytically.
• the ability to communicate clearly and effectively the results of their research.
• an appreciation for the on-going relevance of early Church history to the life of
the Church.
Course Requirements
1. Attendance and participation in seminar discussions on assigned readings.
2. One of the following options:
• A 15-page research paper on a topic approved by the instructor (30%): A list of
sample topics will be distributed in class. Students will submit a paper proposal,
including a bibliography, on October 4th, and a thesis statement accompanied by a
detailed outline on November 15th. Final drafts will be due on the last day of
classes, December 6th. Papers should consult 5-10 significant secondary sources.
•
Two 7-8 page synopses of a specialized book on a relevant topic chosen
by the student. Books must be approved by the instructor by October 4th.
The first paragraph of the synopsis should describe the scope of the book
and it’s main thesis. Subsequent paragraphs should highlight the
significant points in each chapter. Each paper should include a 1-page
response/critique of the book. The synopses are due Nov. 15th and Dec.
6th.
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Written assignments must be formatted in 12-point Times New Roman and
double-spaced. Citations and bibliography must adhere to the Chicago style as
outlined in Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
Dissertations, 6th edition (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1996). Papers
will be graded on the basis of grammar, style, the quality of research, and content.
The instructor will not accept email submissions.
3. Mid-term exam (30%): October 25th.
4. Final exam (40%): December 20th, 1:15 p.m.
Required Texts
The following books are required and may be purchased from the Newman Bookstore:
• Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. Vol. 1: The Early Church to the
Dawn of the Reformation. 2nd ed. New York: HarperOne, 2010.
• Davis, Leo Donald. The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their
History and Theology. Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1990.
Additional primary source texts, as well as selections from Pope Benedict’s Wednesday
Audiences on the history of the Church, will be available online.
Grading Scale
Grading will be based upon the NTC grading system as outlined in the course catalogue.
Excellent
Good
Adequate
Marginal
Fail
90%-100%
85%-89%
80%-84%
77%-79%
73%-76%
70%-72%
67%-69%
63%-66%
60%-62%
57%-59%
53%-56%
0%-52%
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
Academic Integrity
Newman Theological College upholds the highest standards of academic integrity.
Students are expected to adhere to the norms of academic discourse and to conduct
themselves with honesty in every aspect of their academic work. As a general rule
students must acknowledge the source of every idea, paraphrase, or citation that is
borrowed from another author. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated and will be
addressed in accordance with the Student Handbook.
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Policies
• Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Please inform the instructor by email of any
absences, in advance if possible.
• The use of cell phones and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited during class
time. Students are welcome to use a computer for note taking purposes, but should
not access the internet unless directed by the instructor. Students found violating this
policy will have their devices confiscated for the remainder of the class. Repeated
violations will result in further disciplinary penalties.
• Late assignments will receive a lower grade.
• Make-up exams will not be permitted without a grave reason.
• Students who require accommodation due to specific needs or circumstances (i.e.
physical or learning disabilities) should contact the instructor privately during the first
week of classes.
Course Outline
Sept. 13
The Mystery of History and the History of the Mystery: An
Introduction to Church History and Research Methods
Sept. 20
The Apostolic Fathers
Gonzalez, 41-58.
Sept. 27
The Age of the Apologists
Gonzalez, 59-96.
Oct. 4
Christianity & the Empire: Controversy, Confrontation, &
Collaboration
Gonzalez, 97-155
Davis, 11-32.
Paper Proposal/Book selections Due
Oct. 11
Christological Controversies I: Arianism & the Council of Nicea
Gonzalez, 181-207.
Davis, 33-133.
Oct. 18
Christological Controversies II: Toward the Formula of Chalcedon
Gonzalez, 295-309.
Davis, 134-206.
Oct. 25
Mid-term exam
Women in the Early Church
Nov. 1
Church & State in the Fourth Century
Nov. 8
Early Christian Asceticism & The Rise of Monasticism
Gonzalez, 157-172, 269-281.
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Nov. 15
The Development of Eastern Christian Thought
Gonzalez, 209-217, 225-231.
Thesis Statement and Outline Due
Or First Synopsis Due
Nov. 22
The Development of Latin Christian Thought: Augustine & Jerome
Gonzalez, 219-224, 233-252.
Nov. 29
The Papacy & the Decline of the Western Empire
Gonzalez, 253-261, 281-289.
Dec. 6
The Church in the Eastern Empire & The Rise of Islam
Gonzalez, 289-293, 309-313
Davis, 207-322.
Research Paper/Second Synopsis Due
Dec. 20
Final Exam
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