The object of this course is to acquaint the student with UCC history, and through the history with the development of its polity, worship, and doctrine, equipping the student to:

1. interpret the history and life of the United Church of Christ to a local congregation;

2. actively participate in the United Church of Christ on all levels.

1. Read assignments, come to class prepared, and participate in discussion;

2. Complete quizzes given at opening of the second through fifth sessions

3. Prepare written biographies of 2 to 5 pages, of persons in UCC history you admire. One is to be turned in at each of the second through fourth sessions. You will report briefly orally on this person. Of the three persons, at least one will be a woman, and you may not select all three from the same branch (Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed) of the UCC.

• Maxfield, Charles. A Pilgrim People: A History of the United Church of Christ and Its Antecedents. May be purchased at first class if you do not already have it.

• Discussion Questions for A Pilgrim People, found at http://www.maxfieldbooks.com

• Expressions of Faith. found at http://www.maxfieldbooks.com

• Other materials to be provided later.

September 22:

Introduction

October 20:

Read Pilgrim People, chapters 1-6

November 10:

Read Pilgrim People, chapters 7-11.

December 1:

Read Pilgrim People, chapters 12-16

December 15:

Read Pilgrim People, chapters 17-21

Grading:

Further directions on biographies
Two to five pages double-spaced is all that is required. However, it should demonstrate that you have looked at other sources besides Pilgrim People. As soon as possible, select your subjects. Let Dr. Maxfield know, and he may have some resources he can loan to you. Many libraries have the multi-volume Dictionary of American Biography and Notable American Women. Ask at the reference desk. These encyclopedic sets have short biographical articles of many people. You will find full length biographies (books) of some of these people. For others, there may be biographical articles, which will be harder to locate. Please allow a couple of weeks to get them if you are making a request on inter-library loan.

Quizzes and Discussion
The quizzes will be designed to test your factual knowledge from reading Pilgrim People. Discussion will use the discussion questions, which will get us into issues and evaluation of the information.