Unit information: Modern Evangelical Christianity: England and USA (Trinity and Baptist College) in 2013/14

Unit name	Modern Evangelical Christianity: England and USA (Trinity and Baptist College)
Unit code	THRS30166
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Scotland
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None,
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Religion and Theology
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

Recognising that modern evangelicalism has its roots in various movements that have developed since the 16th century and before, this unit nevertheless argues that evangelicalism is most significantly a part of modern western culture and thought. The unit covers the movement from 1738 (Wesley's conversion) through to the modern charismatic renewal will be traced, examining both cultural and theological trends. Attention will be paid to significant individuals and to both denominational and broader movements. Reactions to Evangelicalism by Ritualists and Christian Socialists are considered.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The unit aims to

1. introduce the student to some of the major influences on and developments of evangelical identity in the last 250 years;
2. enable the student to make a critical assessment of contemporary evangelicalism in the context of the historical development;
3. encourage the student to place contemporary evangelicalism in a broader context of theological and social patterns.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be by lecture and seminar. The seminars, which will be student led, will focus on key controversies among evangelicals during this period, and will encourage students to explore the ways in which evangelicalism has fluctuated between unity and division. Students will use primary material to engage with these issues.

The unit will consist of 20 contact hours in total, equating to 2 contact hours per week for 10 weeks.

Assessment Information

Formative assessment will be through preparation for classes and participation in class discussions and seminars.

Summative assessment will be through two essays of 3,000 words each (50% each) or a single essay of 6,000 words, at the discretion of the Unit Director.

Reading and References

1. Bebbington, D., Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s, (London: Routledge, 1995).
2. Bebbington, D., Holiness in Nineteenth Century England (Carlisle: Paternoster, 2000).
3. Dorrien, G., The Remaking of Evangelical Theology, (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1998).
4. Hastings, A., A History of English Christianity 1920-1990, (London: SCM 1991).
5. Price, C., and Randall, I., Transforming Keswick: The Keswick Convention past, present and future (Carlisle: OM Publishing, 2000).
6. Wolffe, J., The Expansion of Evangelicalism: The Age of Wilberforce, More, Chalmers and Finney (Nottingham: IVP 2006).