HIS2023 - The Western World and the Emerging Modern Society

Course Description

A survey course from a Wesleyan perspective that traces the social forces (sacred and secular) contributing to the development of Western civilization in global context from the Reformation era to the present. The study of key events, ideas, personalities, and movements that have contributed to the major periods of history and the passages between them increases students' understanding of and appreciation for God's redemptive purposes. Students are enabled to build bridges from historical understanding to personal spiritual formation, the role of the church in society, and contemporary ministry.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe the general storyline of the history of the West and Christianity.
  2. Understand key cultural and philosophical developments and their influence on Western Civilization.
  3. Describe the relationship between Church and culture.
  4. To think critically about Western History.
  5. Be able to connect their ministry context to an understanding of history of the west and Christianity.
  6. Develop an appreciation of the Wesleyan perspective of Western Civilization.
  7. Develop an appreciation for the West in contrast with other civilizations.

The following are competencies for Ministry as outlined in the Sourcebook for Ministerial Development that will be addressed in this course:

Course Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.