Module THEO3381: THE CROSS IN THE SHADOW OF THE CRESCENT: CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD, 600-850

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3381: THE CROSS IN THE SHADOW OF THE CRESCENT: CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD, 600-850

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To introduce students to the history of the seventh/eighth centuries, and in particular to consider the issues - political, ecclesiastical, theological - raised by the conflict of different cultures.
• To enable them to form critical historical and theological judgments on the basis of a wide variety of sources, not only literary, but also archaeological (e.g. buildings, art and artifacts, coins and seals).

Content

• The rise of Islam changed the situation of Christianity in the Eastern Mediterranean world for ever: a new, and more powerful, religion challenged the very credibility of Christianity, and the divisions of the Church in non-Muslim lands were exposed, leaving Christians the task of justifying their faith. The Byzantine Empire itself was thrown into political and administrative turmoil. Out of this emerged the theological vision of Maximos the Confessor, which was finally determinative of Byzantine theology, and the Iconoclast controversy, that tore Byzantine society apart for more than a century, and hardened already existing divisions between Rome and Constantinople. The city-based society of antiquity, that had survived into the Roman Empire, vanished for good, and the political configurations of the Middle Ages emerged.

Learning Outcomes

• A systematic understanding of key aspects, and a coherent and detailed knowledge of the topics covered, at least some of which is informed by the most recent research and methodologies.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Through small-group discussion, tutorials provide feedback on student work and the opportunity to discuss specific issues in detail, enhancing student knowledge and writing skills.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Two 2000 word essays (or one essay and one seminar paper).