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Martin Luther (Ger. 68) (Relig. 68; Hist. 116)

GERMAN 68/-WW MARTIN LUTHER: The Man and His Era (Hist. 116; Relig. 68 (Rm: Olin 002; Block: B-3, 8-4)) Professor: Daniel W. Brown (x: 72370) Office Hours: M. 10:30; T. 2:30 (Olin 329) COURSE DESCRIPTION

This study of the Protestant Reformation focuses on Martin Luther's life and political/ theological writings. Attention will be given to the underlying causes and precursors of the reformation, and the character of the medieval Church, as well as to Zwingli, Calvin and the radical reform movements.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the major religious, economic, and political issues facing Christendom at the time of the Reformation.

To familiarize the student with major events and personalities of the reformation period.
To investigate the questioned doctrines and practices of the medieval church.
To familiarize the student with Luther's theological/political writings and their impact on medieval and present Christendom.
To familiarize the student with the various reform movements and the Roman Church's counter reformation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Home works (3), Report (1), Journal, Church Visit, Class Participation = 2/3 of course grade. Final Exam (take home), Project, or Research Paper = 1/3 of course grade.
H 1. -find a good Luther web site and discuss why it is a good site. H 2. -write and explain three orig. theses on issues confronting the church today (1 or more pp.). H 3. -write an original baptism dogma based on selected scriptures ( 1 or more pp.).
Each student will make an oral report (Reports are to be typed and to include an interactive page or outline for classmates) on an aspect of the Reformation (in some cases, students may be paired for reports.) Reports will be due as assigned.
Each student will maintain a journal, in which ½ to 1 page responses to the readings and/or class discussions will be kept. The journal should be separate from class notes!
If you choose to do a research paper, it should be 12-15 typed pages. Topic/tentative outline due April, 8; Papers are due on May 04. Projects must be approved by April 8 and are due on May 4.

TEXTBOOKS AND REQUIRED MATERIALS

Bainton, Roland H., Here I Stand: A Life Of Martin Luther, New York: Meridian, 1995.
Lull, Timothy, Martin Luther's Basic Theological Writings, Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1989.
Manchester, William, A World Lit Only By Fire, Boston: Little, Brown, and Co.
Ozment, Steven E., The Reformation In The Cities, New Haven: Yale U. Press, pp. 121-166

Class Meetings/Discussion Topics/Assignments

Jan.     21         Introduction: Religion; Reformation; Precursors
            26         The Medieval Mind - Manchester: Part I, pp. 1-28; web assignment due
            28         The Shattering - Manchester: Part II, pp. 29-86

Feb.     02         The Shattering - Manchester: Part II, pp. 86-166
            04         The Shattering - Manchester: Part II, pp. 166-219
            09         Luther's Spiritual Development - Bainton: ch. I-III, pp. 1-51 (Journals due)
                         Luther'sDisputation Against Scholastic Theology - Lull: pp. 1-20
            11         Main Reformation Issues - Bainton: ch. IV-VI, pp. 51-92
            16         The 95 Theses/Heidelberg Disputation - Lull, pp. 21-49
            18 **    No Class Mondays Schedule
            23         The 95 Theses; Discuss Student Theses (Homework II)
            25         Discuss Student Theses
Mar.    02         Discuss Student Theses
            04         Responses to Luther - Bainton: ch. VII-IX, pp. 93-128
            09         The Righteousness of Christ - Lull: pp. 150-151; 155-172; The Sacraments - Lull:
                         pp. 237-238; 242-260
            11         The Sacraments - Lull: 267-313
            16         Discuss Students Baptism doctrine (Turn in baptism doctrine - Homework III)
            18         Freedom Of A Christian - Lull: pp. 578-579; 585-629 (Journals due)

            20         Spring Break - March 20 - 28
            30         Luther's Condemnation, exile and return - Bainton ch X-XII, pp. 129-165
Apr.     01         The Power Of The Word - Lull: 69-72; 75-117
            06         The Power Of The Word - Lull: pp. 407-408; 415-444
            08         New Directions And Reactions - Bainton: ch. XIII-XV, pp 166-204 (paper topic, etc.
                         due)
            13         Guest Lecturer -The Bondage of the Will - Lull, pp. 152-153; 173-197
            15         Guest Lecturer - The Bondage of the Will - Lull, pp. 197-226
            20         Revivals, Home Life, and Spread Of Reform - Bainton: ch XVI-XVIII, pp. 205-253
            22         Pattern of Reformation - Ozment: pp. 121-166
            27         Practical Ministry and Struggle for Faith Bainton: ch. XIX.-XXI. pp. 254-291
                         (catechism)
            29         Luther's paradoxes - Bainton: ch. XXII. pp. 292-302 (Journals due)
May    04        No Class     *Church Visit   (Lutheran Church visit may be made during Spring break or
                        on any Sunday thereafter.)
                        Term paper/Project/Take home final due

                                                         Follow me to some Luther Links

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at dbrown1@tufts.edu

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