This online class is reading- and research-intensive.  The students who excel in this class are able to read, engage with, and reflect on significant quantities of very challenging material.  Your self-discipline, patience, and open-minded attitude will help you succeed in this class. 

If you complete this course and do well, you will be able to:

• Explain the difference between religious studies and theology.
• Discuss the origins and historical development of Christianity.
• Discuss and define relevant concepts, important historical figures, and key terms relating to Christianity.
• Determine what principles contribute to unity and which to diversity among the various forms of Christianity.
• Demonstrate familiarity with Christianity's basic theological assumptions and development of essential doctrines.
• Explain the varieties of American Christian denominations and their history, particularly one tradition in depth (through the major paper).
• Interpret Christianity's ongoing historical relationship with Judaism, Islam, and other faiths.
• Define Christianity's religious and historical influence on Western culture.