HIST 5300: The Baptists   Tags: baptists, christianity, history, religion, theology  

This guide is intended only as a starting point in your study of the topics contained here and is in no way to be construed as a comprehensive listing of everything the library contains.  With few exceptions the books listed will contain subject headings as part of the listing - use these to do further searching for additional books as well as articles in the recommended electronic resources.

Please contact the librarian listed or use the LibAnswers box (below) if you have questions about anything in this guide, or if you need additional help with your research.

Please note, this is NOT a search box for electronic resources.  This box enables you to ask direct questions of the librarian via LibAnswers.  All questions will be answered within 24 hours of submission.  For time-sensitive questions please contact a librarian through one of the other methods listed under "Ask a Librarian."

The graduate level colloquium is the context wherein we examine the historical origins, development, theology, polity, and mission of the Baptist denomination, with attention to the historic Baptist groups, their presence around the world, and the varieties of Baptist expressions through the churches, boards, associations, conventions, and other organizations. The colloquium will involve readings in primary source materials and significant secondary works, with close focus given to the Southern and Texas Baptists. The course requires that students remain fully current in their reading and class preparation. Each student will have at least two opportunities to lead in a segment of class discussion on a researched topic, and all students must be prepared to participate in the discussion.

What is to be learned and known—the student shall be able to:

• Describe and discuss the history of early Baptists, General and Particular, why and how they came to exist;
• Describe and discuss Baptist polity and ecclesiology, and how to account for differences among Baptists;
• Describe and explain the Baptists' historical and continuing role in their broader societies, their specific contributions and challenges;
• Provide the main narrative of the identity and growth of the Baptists in Britain and North America from origins to the present;
• Show general familiarity with the international dispersion of Baptist;
• Demonstrate a working, applied knowledge of the diverse historiography of and about the Baptists; main narratives, beliefs and principles, variations, sectarian pecularities, and exceptions;

What personal and professional skills are to be developed—the student shall be able to:

• Communicate his or her learning accurately and clearly to others in spoken, written and other forms.
• Demonstrate and apply a critical, analytical, inquiring attitude; when prompted about a topic or issue, to "pause, form appropriate hypotheses or questions and start investigating" in order to know accurately and to conduct responsible research.
• Demonstrate and apply appropriate research skills in order to maintain accuracy and show evidence of careful reasoning skills in order to present what is true from a balanced perspective.
• Display and value caution, respect and humility when dealing with individuals and groups in relation to controversial issues—not to lose site of essential relationships and perspectives while conducting responsible academic work.
• Show competence and consistency in the ability to serve as a trustworthy resource on Baptist history and heritage.