Module THEO3381: THE CROSS IN THE SHADOW OF THE CRESCENT: CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD, 600-900

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO3381: THE CROSS IN THE SHADOW OF THE CRESCENT: CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN WORLD, 600-900

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• To introduce students to the history and theology of the sixth to ninth 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.

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 course will begin by covering essential theological and historical background to this period from the Council of Chalcedon to the Seventh century (including especially the Christological controversies, the fortunes of the Roman world in the fifth and sixth centuries).

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.
• 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).