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Birmingham Theological Seminary
2200 Briarwood Way
Birmingham, Alabama 35243
205-776-5650
Fall 2017
PT5542 Historical and Philosophical Foundations of CE
Dr. Dave W. Matthews, Th.M., D.Min.
Phone: 205-776-5211
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will survey the history of Christian education from biblical times to the present day. It will involve a critical study of the educational implications of various philosophies. Special attention is given to formulating a Christian philosophy of education.
II. COURSE OBJECTIVES
A. The student will review the basic eras of thought in the history of education.
B. The student will examine the basic schools of thought, their underlying assumptions and consequent conclusions, and their correlation (positive or negative) with biblical principles.
C. The student will demonstrate the ability to harmonize biblical truth and the discipline of education.
D. The student will begin to synthesize and articulate a distinctly evangelical philosophy of Christian Education.
III. Assignments
All papers MUST be typed, double-spaced, and free of spelling/grammatical errors. NO LATE PAPERS. WORK AHEAD, ANTICIPATE EMERGENCIES. All papers must be formatted in accordance with Turabian Chicago standards including the title page. Any paper not conforming to these standards will automatically be dropped one letter grade.
1) Paper: This paper will answer the question, “What do I believe about Christian Education?” The student will keep a course journal collecting ideas about Christian education. This will be used to develop a formal philosophy of Christian education.
Many of the following questions should be addressed:
1. What are the goals of Christian Education?
· For adults
· For children
2. How do approaches to education vary depending on the context? (i.e. church, school, small group, personal study, family devotions, etc.)
· Larry Richards will be helpful here
3. How should curriculum be developed?
4. What are the major differences between secular and sacred education?
5. How does the Holy Spirit make Christian education different?
6. What role does the Bible have in Christian education?
7. How can values be taught?
8. What is the difference between formal, informal, and non-formal education?
9. How does a philosophy of teaching differ from a philosophy of Christian education?
10. How much classroom teaching should be shaped by how people actually learn?
11. What are the roles and responsibilities of the teacher?
12. What role should creativity play in teaching and learning?
13. What is the purpose of a classroom in light of technology?
14. Where do methods fit in education?
15. How should learning be measured?
16. How much should students be allowed to help one another?
2) Each student will lead several class discussions.
IV. Required Reading and assignment. Create a study guide for each book where you propose three questions for each chapter. State the question and answer them with 2 to 4 sentences.
Kenneth O. Gangel and Warren S. Benson. Christian Education: Its History and Philosophy: Moody Press, 1983. 377 pp. Answer the question: Why was the Reformation a key event in the life of the church?
Dunahoo, Charles H. Making Kingdom Disciples: P & R Publishing, 2005. 249 pp. Explain what a Kingdom Disciple is and how it fits into a world life view.
Lawrence O. Richards. Christian Education: Zondervan, 1975. 336 pp. What are the advantages of the different assemblies in the church (small group, Sunday school, worship)?
Towns, Elmer, A History of Religious Education: Online.www.elmertowns.com. 198 pp. What three people do you think have influenced Christian Education the most, and why?
IV. Grading
50% Required Reading and Discussion; 25% Paper on Philosophy of Christian Education; 25% Final Exam
Birmingham Theological Seminary’s policy on course assignments:
All course materials must be submitted to the respective professors at the end of the semester (last day of classes). Thereafter, course materials may be submitted for up to six (6) weeks after the end of the semester directly to the office of the Registrar with the permission of the professor. If a student submits course materials after the end of the semester but within the six (6) week grace period, the student’s grade will be lowered by one letter grade. The course materials will not be accepted after the six (6) week grace period and a failing grade will be posted to the student’s transcript.
Philosophical Foundations of CE
Schedule - Fall 2017
Dates Gangel/Benson Towns
September 11 Introduction
September 18 Chapters 1-3 1-2
September 25 Chapters 4-6 3-7
October 2 Chapters 7-9 8-14
October 9 Fall Break-No Class
October 16 Chapters 10-22 15-18
October 23 Chapters 13-15 19-22
October 30 Chapters 16-18 23-26
Richards Dunahoo
November 6 Chapters 1-5 1-2
November 13 Chapters 6-10 3-4
November 20 Chapters 11-14 5-6
November 27 Chapters 15-18 7-9 Paper
December 4 Chapters 19-28 10-12
December 11 Exam
Bibliography
Anthony, Michael J. Christian Education: Foundation for the Twenty-first Century. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 2001. (246 pp)
Barna, George. Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions. Ventura, CA: Regal Books, 2003. (140 pp)
Choun, Robert, and Michael S. Lawson. The Complete Handbook for Children’s Ministry: How to Teach and Reach the Next Generation. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1993.
Clark, Robert E., Lin Johnson., and Allyn K. Sloat. Christian Education: Foundations for the Future. Chicago: Moody Press, 1991.
Downs, Perry G., Teaching for Spiritual Growth. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994.
Dunahoo, Charles H. Making Kingdom Disciples. Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P & R Publishing, 2005.
Gangel, Kenneth O., and James C. Wilhoit, eds. The Christian Educator’s Handbook on Adult Education. Grand Raids: Baker Book House, 1997. (358 pp)
Gangel, Kenneth O. 24 Ways to Improve Your Teaching. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1986.
Gangel, Kenneth, and Warren S. Benson. Christian Education: Its History and Philosophy. Chicago: Moody Press, 1983.
Getz, Gene. Sharpening the Focus of the Church. Chicago: Moody Press, 1974.
Getz, Gene. The Measure of a Church. Ventura: Gospel Light Publications, 1975.
Hendricks, Howard G., and William D. Hendricks. Living by the Book. Chicago: Moody Press, 1991.
Horne, Herman H. Teaching Techniques of Jesus. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 1974.
Lawson, Michael S., and Robert J. Choun, Jr. Directing Christian Education: The Changing Role of the Christian Education Specialist. Chicago: Moody Press, 1992.
LeFever, Marlene D. Creative Teaching Methods. Colorado Springs, Co.: Cook Ministry Resources, 1996.
LeFever, Marlene D. Learning Styles. Colorado Springs, Co: Cook Ministry Resources, 1995.
Malphurs, Aubrey. Maximizing Your Effectiveness: How to Discover and Develop Your Divine Design. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1995.
Powell, Terry. You Can Lead a Bible Discussion Group! Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Books, 1996.
Rainey, Dennis. Ministering to Twenty-First Century Families. Swindoll Leadership Library. Charles R. Swindoll, ed. Nashville, TN: Word Publishing, 2001. (337 pp)
Richards, Lawrence O. and Gary J. Bredfeldt. Creative Bible Teaching. Chicago: Moody Press, 1998.
Richards, Lawrence O. Christian Education: Seeking to Become Like Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975.
Richards, Lawrence O. and Gary J. Bredfeldt. Creative Bible Teaching. Chicago: Moody Press, 1998. (342 pp)
Towns, Elmer L. A History of Religious Education: Online. www.elmertowns.com.
Wiersbe, Warren W. Preaching and Teaching with Imagination: The Quest for Biblical Ministry. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1994.
Wright, Norman. Premarital Counseling: A Guidebook for the Counselor. Chicago: Moody Press, 1982.
Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. 1) Teaching with Style; 2) The 7 Laws of the Teacher;
3) The 7 Laws of the Learner -Videos and workbooks. Box 80587 Atlanta, GA 30366.