Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)
Module THEO2251: CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN LATE ANTIQUITY
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO2251:
CHURCH AND SOCIETY IN LATE ANTIQUITY
Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Available in 2014/15 |
Module Cap |
None. |
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
Aims
- To introduce the thought and writings of the Early Church in a
thematic way, and to examine those aspects of Patristic thought which
are often neglected.
- To develop and contextualise knowledge of the subject area
introduced at level 1, or gained through other study.
- To prepare students for the skills and knowledge needed to
undertake a dissertation in the final year.
Content
- This course covers those aspects of the early Church which
are often neglected in favour of a systematic, "history of doctrine
against heresy" approach. By examining the early Christian's relation to
Greco-Roman culture, their place in society, their attitude to women,
their ecclesiology, worship, spirituality, morality and art it aims to
give a clearer insight into the early Church's culltural and social
context, its beliefs, self-understanding and self-expression. The
emphasis lies on the study of selected primary texts which will be
studied in seminars.
Learning Outcomes
- A knowledge and critical understanding of the
well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in
Patristics, along with an understanding of the way in which those
principles have developed, and an ability to evaluate critically the
appropriateness of different approaches.
- A knowledge and critical understanding of the thought and
writings of the Early Church, with reference to those aspects covered
on the course.
- Facility in the handling of primary sources and texts, and
methods of textual study.
- 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.
- 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
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
9 |
1 every 2 weeks |
1 hour |
9 |
■ |
Tutorials |
3 |
|
1 hour |
3 |
■ |
Seminars |
9 |
1 every 2 weeks (weeks alternating with those featuring
lectures) |
1.5 hours |
13.5 |
■ |
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
174.5 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Essay |
Component Weighting: 25% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
one summative essay |
3000 words |
100% |
|
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 75% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
unseen written examination |
3 hours |
100% |
|
One formative essay (2500
words).
■ 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