Studying the humanities at Goshen and volunteering with Mennonite Voluntary Service enriched my intellectual development. Courses such as ‘Anabaptist History’ helped me develop new social and intellectual questions.
Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies
Minor
A tradition worth studying
Treat the Anabaptist-Mennonite story as a subject of intellectual weight: its history, its ethics and its reach across the world.
The Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies minor at Goshen College is open to students in any major. It examines the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition from its 16th-century origins in the Radical Reformation, to its growth as a global movement.
The coursework asks you to think critically, engage diverse viewpoints and connect belief to broader cultural and social questions. It pairs naturally with history, peace and justice and a pre-law track.
Program Overview
We’ve designed the program to give a broad understanding of the history, events, beliefs and theology of Anabaptist and Mennonite Christians worldwide. You will explore everything from the origins of Anabaptist history in 16th century Europe to the challenges and opportunities faced by Mennonites in the 21st century.
Learn about Anabaptist and Mennonite studies from professors with a global perspective and explore the impact of Mennonite theology, faith and values. Our faculty focus primarily on teaching how the Anabaptist movement developed in continents outside of Europe and North America. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the research, programs and work with the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism on the Goshen College campus.
Coursework in the minor will help students develop critical thinking skills and appreciate diverse perspectives. Whether considering a career in ministry programs or academics, or wanting to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating faith tradition, the minor is an excellent way to explore the global impact of Mennonite theology and values.
What you’ll actually work on
- History & Theology: Trace the movement from the 16th century Radical Reformation to the 21st century, and learn to read its theology as ideas you can argue with.
- A Global Movement: Study Anabaptism as it actually exists today, in Asia, Africa and the Americas, through the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism.
- Ethics & Creative Practice: Apply the Anabaptist lens to current social and moral problems, and examine the tradition in art, music and literature.
Research beyond the classroom walls
Every Goshen College student can spend several weeks or more off campus through Study-Service Term (SST), studying language and culture, living with a host family, and joining a major service project, often abroad.
Closer to campus, you can intern with community organizations, museums, archives or congregations, and research with the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism. You also gain access to the Mennonite Historical Library, the world’s largest collection of Anabaptist-Mennonite literature, and the Mennonite Church USA Archives.
John Eicher ’05
Associate Professor of Modern European History at Pennsylvania State University-Altoona
Paying for Goshen
Scholarships make up a large portion of our financial aid packages, which average almost $26,000 per student (not including work-study or loans). To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator, or explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages. Past your Anabaptist-Mennonite studies minor, you may be eligible for additional scholarships unique to your major or area of study.
Common Questions About the Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies Minor
You can research with the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism and the Mennonite Historical Library, the world’s largest collection of Anabaptist-Mennonite literature. Every Goshen student also participates in the Global Engagement program, often abroad.
The 18-credit minor covers Anabaptist history and theology, Anabaptist practice in art, music and literature and how this tradition speaks to current ethical and social questions. The full requirements are on the Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies course listing page.
The minor supports work in nonprofit and humanitarian leadership, education, historical research, law and public policy, and ministry. The minor can also be paired with peace and justice, or history majors to explore Mennonite peacemaking tradition.
There is no separate cost to add a minor. Goshen College financial aid packages average almost $26,000 per student, and history students may qualify for the Willard and Vera Smith Scholarship and the Oswin and David Gerber Scholarship, awarded to juniors and seniors.
Philipp Gollner
Professor of US History
Elizabeth Miller
Director of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism
Assistant Professor of History
& Convocation CoordinatorJulia Schiavone Camacho
Professor of History
