Church History

1. Course Description: This course focuses on the developments of the Catholic Church following Jesus
appearance to the Apostles at Pentecost throughout history to present day. It is designed to help students
know Jesus through His people: the Church, and to recognize the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the
Churchs history. Topics such as the saints and other prominent Catholic characters, major historical
documents, and impactful Church councils, will be identified, explored, and analyzed.
2. Textbook: The History of the Church (The Didache Series) Semester edition
Rev. Peter V Armenio, Midwest Theological Forum, Woodridge, IL. 2010.
3. Unit Themes & Objectives:
Unit

OneFounding of the Church & the Early Christians: The student will examine how the Jews
prepared the way for Jesus Christ. And Christ entrusted the Deposit of Faith to his Church, the Holy
Spirit gives her life, fruitfulness, and endurance.

Unit

TwoPersecutions of The Way and Heresies: The student will be able to identify the major
culprits in the persecutions of Christians through the Edit of Milan, early heresies, and the various
Ecumenical Councils that defined and defended Catholic Faith and morals.

Unit

ThreeLight in the Dark Ages: The student will understand the impact of the fall of the Roman
Empire and the contributions of Monasticism on the preservation of culture. Additionally, the student will
analyze the causes and effects of Iconoclasm and the Great Schism.

Unit

FourCollapse, Corruption, and Reform in Europe and the Church: The student will examine
the causes and effects of the collapse of the Carolingian Empire and the rise of feudalism. The unit will
conclude with an understanding of the historical circumstances of the Crusades

Unit FiveThe

Renaissance: The student will survey the origin, organization, curriculum, and influence
of the Medieval university on the Renaissance between 1150 AD and 1500 AD.

Unit

SixThe Reformation: Protestant and Catholic: The student will understand the contributing
factors that led to the rejection of Catholicism by Protestant Reformers and the doctrinal and practical
issues dealt with by the Council of Trent.

Unit SevenThe Church and the Age of Enlightenment:

The student will analyze what the major

figures of the Enlightenment believed, how their ideas were transmitted, and the effects of these ideas.

Unit

EightThe Church Gives Witness in Wars and Revolutions: Students will examine the
transformation of Europe from an agricultural to industrial society and early economic theory and the
plight of industrial workers.

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The Student will examine and analyze the

major documents of the Second Vatican Council and the contributions of Saint Pope John XXIII. The
role of Catholics in the American colonies, the Revolutionary War, and the post-revolutionary period will
be surveyed.

Unit NineVatican II and the Church in the Modern World:

4. Evaluation: Student Evaluation will be based upon the following criteria:

1. Active participation in daily classwork and discussion.
2. Written homework assignments
3. Nine written exams after each unit of study
4. Individual & Group Projects
5. a no opt-out Final Exam which is comprehensive and will be given on the last scheduled class period
of the semester.
5. Supplemental Material: 1. The New American Bible
2. Understanding Catholic Christianity
3. Current Periodicals
4. Videos and Worksheets

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6. Expectations: 1. Students are to come to class prepared with all assigned material read, and any
written work ready to be turned in at the beginning of class.
2. Students are to actively participate in all class discussions and activities.
3. Students are to follow all instructions the first time they are given.
4. Students are to follow all posted and announced rules governing classroom
behavior.
5. Students are to conduct their selves as mature young adults respecting everyone in
the classroom.