Module THEO3431: AN INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTAL CHRISTIANITY

Department: THEOLOGY AND RELIGION

THEO3431: AN INTRODUCTION TO ORIENTAL CHRISTIANITY

Prerequisites

• None.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the history and traditions of the churches of the east of the Mediterranean region, and in particular to consider the issues - political, ecclesiastical, theological - that have shaped their distinctive identities.
• To enable them to form critical historical and theological judgments on the basis of a wide variety of sources: literary, pictorial and architectural.

Content

• Christianity began as an oriental religion, and it still bears the marks of that origin. This course looks at the history and theological development of the Churches in the east and south-east of the Mediterranean region, the Arabian peninsula, Persia, Mesopotamia and Transcaucasia. These are close to the most ancient centres of Christianity, and have consequently preserved original features in their canonical, liturgical, spiritual and intellectual traditions which have been lost elsewhere. The doctrinal controversies of the fifth and sixth centuries split them off from the Church of the Byzantine Empire and led to the formation of independent Churches. Their separation from Byzantium and Rome was completed by the seventh-century Islamic conquests. Ever since, these Christian countries and their intellectual and spiritual heritage have been either completely ignored or marginalized in the West. This course has therefore two principal areas of focus: (i) the way in which these Churches preserved traditions lost in the imperial Church, and also the grounds of their polemics over the nature of Christ against imperial ('Orthodox') Christianity; (ii) the life of Christian communities under Islamic rule. Particular attention is dedicated to the Syriac and Armenian traditions which have left a particularly rich literary legacy.

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 acquiring and in evaluating information concerning the history and culture of the Oriental churches.

• Skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structural 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).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University