Founding Philosophy and History (Social Welfare & Foreign Languages)

Description

Course Overview: This course aims to study the founding philosophy (fundamental ideas) and history of Nagasaki Wesleyan University (Chinsei Gakuin). About 140 years ago, American missionaries who came to Nagasaki established the foundation of this school centered on Christian education. Let's learn about this school and the Christianity underlying it together! However, focusing only on Chinsei Gakuin and Christianity will not be sufficient for professional life. To make the course more meaningful, we will also study the concept of "religion" and the Christian concepts underlying the ways of thinking of Europeans and Americans who have influenced the world since modern times. Whether you take this course with an attitude of "I don't care about Chinsei Gakuin" or with the mindset of "I want to absorb religious and Western concepts (i.e., common global ways of thinking) to benefit my future" will make a big difference. This is not study forced by the school but study to make use of yourself. The course is conducted by two instructors: Kanda (University Religious Officer) and Mr. Tetsuguchi Munetaka (Chief Religious Officer and high school teacher). Kanda covers Chinsei Gakuin and religion, while Mr. Tetsuguchi covers the Bible. Prerequisites or Recommended Knowledge: A broad mind and openness to "religion." Learning Objectives: Achievement indicators. Course Schedule: 1. Course Introduction 2. About Peace Chapel 3. History of Chinsei Gakuin I 4. History of Chinsei Gakuin II (People after whom buildings are named) 5. John Wesley of "Wesleyan" 6. History of Christianity & Introduction to the Old Testament 7. About the Old Testament (Keyword: Tetsuguchi) 8. New Testament (Life of Jesus) (Keyword: Tetsuguchi) 9. New Testament (Teachings and Miracles of Jesus) 10. New Testament (Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus) 11-14. About Religion I-IV (General) 15. Peace Memorial Ceremony Study Outside Class: Extra points for attending Peace Hour and Peace Memorial Ceremony. Feedback on Assignments: Includes active learning elements. Grading Criteria: Class participation 20%, Tetsuguchi's lectures 20%, midterm report 20%, final exam 30%, August 9 event 10%. References: Provided during lectures. Notes and Advice: This is a required course; please actively participate. Feel free to ask questions or consult. Contact: kanda@wesleyan.ac.jp