Module THMN44230: Growth and Decline in British Christianity from 1945 to the Present Day

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN44230: Growth and Decline in British Christianity from 1945 to the Present Day

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To gain in depth understanding of the nature and patterns of growth and decline of British and global Christianity within recent history and apply that understanding to the context of the contemporary local church: to think globally and locally about the nature of the church.
• To engage in a piece of research in the history of contemporary British Christianity, enabling students to engage in such research in future, particularly with regard to the local church
• To acquire the research skills which will be of use both in the practice of Christian ministry and for future study beyond level 4.

Content

• Patterns of growth and decline within British Christianity since 1945
• The global context within which such movements have happened
• Exploration of the local dynamics of such changes, with particular use of the techniques of ‘history from below’
• The situating of this discussion within the broader historical, theological and sociological discussion of what constitutes growth within an ecclesiastical context

Learning Outcomes

• an advanced grasp of patterns of growth and decline in contemporary Christianity within local, national and global contexts
• an in depth understanding of interdisciplinary study of contemporary Christian history

• the ability to evaluate critically growth and decline within a scriptural framework
• the ability to uncover and appreciate critically the history of the grassroots church

• the research skills required for level four study of contemporary Christian history
• the ability to use primary sources in an academically rigorous manner
• an understanding of how churches can turn a cycle of decline into a cycle of growth

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• enter text as appropriate for the module

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Two formative assessments: a 2500 word review of a key text a student led seminar which focuses on a particular local church context, utilising a variety of historical sources, which could be preparatory to the summative essay. Feedback to students will comprise dialogue in seminars and written feedback on formative work. Staff will be available for individual consultation.