Assignment Brief: Period Analysis Paper for CHHI 300 Survey of the History of Christianity

As module leaders for CHHI 300, this period analysis paper is a standard major assignment that encourages students to engage deeply with one era of church history. It requires historical description, theological evaluation, and reflection on contemporary relevance, drawing on primary and secondary sources. The format develops research skills and historical-theological integration typical of survey courses. Assign it after completing the relevant historical module to enable focused research. In moderation, check for historical accuracy, balanced source use, theological insight, avoidance of presentism, and correct Turabian formatting.

Assignment Overview

Write a Period Analysis Paper focusing on one major era in church history. Describe key events, figures, and theological developments, analyze challenges and contributions, and discuss the period’s lasting influence on Christian thought and practice.

Assignment Instructions

1. Select one historical period from approved options: Patristic Era (100–500 AD), Medieval Christianity (500–1500 AD), Reformation and Counter-Reformation (1500–1700 AD), or Modern Christianity (1700–present) (or propose an alternative for approval).
2. Structure the paper with an introduction including a thesis on the period’s significance, body sections covering historical context and major events, key figures and theological developments, challenges faced (e.g., heresies, persecutions, schisms), contributions to Christianity, and a conclusion evaluating ongoing relevance.
3. Incorporate at least one primary source (e.g., creedal document, writing from a key figure) and four secondary scholarly sources, including the course textbook and historical surveys.
4. Use current Turabian format for footnotes and bibliography. Provide critical analysis supported by evidence rather than mere narration.
5. Submit as a single document via the course platform by the due date. The paper must be original and demonstrate thoughtful engagement.

The paper must be 1,800–2,200 words, excluding title page, footnotes, and bibliography. Penalties apply for deviations beyond 10%.

Marking Rubric

Grade using this rubric for fairness and detailed feedback. Total: 100 points.

• Introduction and Thesis (15 points): Clear period selection, overview, and focused thesis. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
• Historical Description (25 points): Accurate, detailed coverage of events, figures, and context with primary source integration. Excellent: 23–25; Good: 18–22; Fair: 13–17; Poor: Below 13.
• Theological Analysis and Challenges (30 points): Insightful examination of developments, controversies, and contributions. Excellent: 27–30; Good: 21–26; Fair: 15–20; Poor: Below 15.
• Contemporary Relevance and Conclusion (15 points): Thoughtful reflection on lasting impact and modern implications. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.
• Source Use, Citation, and Mechanics (15 points): Effective, balanced integration of sources with precise Turabian formatting and clear writing. Excellent: 14–15; Good: 11–13; Fair: 8–10; Poor: Below 8.

Your Study Bay

The Reformation era (1500–1700) witnessed profound upheaval as reformers challenged medieval ecclesiastical structures, emphasizing sola scriptura and justification by faith. Key figures like Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli sparked doctrinal realignments amid political fragmentation. Theological developments centered on authority of Scripture, priesthood of believers, and sacramental reform, while challenges included fragmentation, wars of religion, and Catholic Counter-Reformation responses. Contributions reshaped Protestant identity and influenced modern concepts of individual conscience and church-state relations. This period underscores the ongoing need for reform and scriptural fidelity in the church. As González details, the Reformation recovered gospel centrality while exposing risks of division when theological conviction meets cultural power (González, J. L., 2010. The Story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the Present Day).

References

González, J. L., 2010. The story of Christianity: Volume 2: The Reformation to the present day. Rev. edn. HarperOne. Available at: https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780061855880/the-story-of-christianity-volume-2.

MacCulloch, D., 2009. Christianity: The first three thousand years. Viking. Available at: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/300545/christianity-by-diarmaid-macculloch/.

Lindberg, C., 2010. The European Reformations. 2nd edn. Wiley-Blackwell. Available at: https://www.wiley.com/en-us/The+European+Reformations%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9781405180672.

Noll, M. A., 2011. Turning points: Decisive moments in the history of Christianity. 3rd edn. Baker Academic. Available at: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/turning-points-3rd-edition/346671.