CH8306B Remembering and Forgetting in Christian History

Description

This survey unit provides an historical overview of key people, themes, and events in the study of Christian history, as well as an introduction to a range of historical methods. It explores issues of significance faced by Christianity throughout the life of the church and the way events and people have been remembered, represented, and sometimes forgotten. Students will explore how memory and representation continues to have an impact on the church today. Due attention is given to the contribution of women in order to provide balance to the vast body of existing literature which is written by men and focused almost exclusively on male protagonists. It attempts to provide a more just and representative telling of the Christian story. 

Level

Postgraduate Foundational

Semester

Semester 2 2027

Delivery Mode

Online

Dates

26 July - 29 October 2027

Students are expected to attend weekly one-hour Zoom tutorials throughout the semester. 

We recommend that you allocate 15 hours a week for all study activities. 

Lecturer/s 

Reverend Professor Glen O’Brien 

Prerequisites 

No prerequisites required. 

This is a foundational unit that functions as a prerequisite for any future undergraduate study in history. 

Learning Activities 

Online synchronous and asynchronous, activity-based learning supplemented by weekly Zoom tutorials. 

* This unit is offered at Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Students may engage with people across both levels when this unit is delivered. 

Assessments 

Assessment 1 – 25% 
Assessment 2 – 25% 
Assessment 3 – 50% 

Learning Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of this unit, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Critically assess key themes and events in the history of Christianity and their relative value for Christian identity and mission. 
2. Describe the function of memory in the history of Christianity and the power structures at work in the telling of stories. 
3. Skilfully apply the foundational tools of historical study showing knowledge of a range of historical methods. 
4. Utilise primary and secondary sources to construct a persuasive historical narrative. 
5. Convincingly demonstrate the relevance of historical study to present circumstances. 

Text Books 

There is no required text for this unit.