CH 223 Course at a Glance

Medieval Church

Lectures By: Dr. Todd Rester

Effective for the Academic Year: 2024-2025


Course Description

This course will introduce students to the major events, individuals, and ideas which shaped the medieval church spanning from c. 500 to c. 1500 AD. Students will be able to understand the historical context which shaped the development of medieval theology and be able to read the major texts of the medieval theologians for themselves. Topics covered include the influence of Aristotelian philosophy on medieval theology, Thomas Aquinas, Anselm, Abelard, the pastoral theology of Gregory the Great, the rise of the monastic orders, John Duns Scotus, William Ockham, medieval mysticism, and the rise of Islam.


Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

Growth of Medieval Theology, Vol. 3 (600-1300)
by Jaroslav Pelikan
University of Chicago Press, 1978
ISBN: 9780226653754
Western Society and the Church in the Middle Ages
by R.W. Southern
Penguin Group, 1990
ISBN: 9780140137552

Estimated Workload

Lectures Readings Assignments
1.3 56 1
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • Small Groups [4 - 1 hr meetings]
  • Midterm Exam [2-3 hr exam]
  • Final Exam [2-3 hr exam]