Courses in Church History involve learning historical methods and approaches to studying the Church, as well as being able to study historical documents and artifacts critically. The courses help students attain a broad acquaintance with the major periods in Church history – early, medieval/Reformation, and modern. Classes range from seminars dealing with specific subjects, such as Vatican II, the Jesuits, and Teresa of Avila, as well as broader survey courses covering topics like the history of religious orders, of Christian mission, sex and gender, and women’s spirituality. There are also classes divided into multiple semesters, providing both depth and breadth. These classes, “The History of Western Christianity: I, II and III” and “The History of Christian Spirituality: I and II”, provide a thorough foundation in Church History.

Studying Church History gives the participant, whether a future historian or not, a deep understanding of the complex social, cultural, and institutional development of Christianity and the figures, movements, and events that shaped the historical Church.