Module THEO43230: Patristic Ecclesiology

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO43230: Patristic Ecclesiology

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• to provide students with an awareness of the way in which early Christian theologians made use of biblical, liturgical and philosophical resources to formulate their understanding of the church.
• to enable students to interpret patristic literature.
• to provide students with an awareness of the thought-world of late-antiquity.

Content

• this module will explore patristic ecclesiology at the time of the major doctrinal controversies of the early Church. The theologians of the early Church developed an understanding of the church as a mysterious bond between the spiritual and material worlds. This understanding of the church and the place of humanity in it had profound implications for the early Christians' conception of the fallen human state and its restoration.
• the focus will be on primary sources spanning the period from the subapostolic age to the eighth century: Hermas, Methodius of Olympus, Cyril of Jerusalem, the Cappadocians, John Chrysostom, Maximus the Confessor, John of Damascus, and major conciliar decisions.

Learning Outcomes

• have an advanced understanding of the various patristic ideas about the church.

• to be able to read and interpret intelligently patristic texts (in translation, though with reference to the original where possible and appropriate).

• to be able to understand arguments and assess them, particularly those concerned with the early church’s doctrinal and exegetical traditions.

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

• The seminars will enable students to develop advanced subject-specific knowledge and skills in the communication of ideas and critical interpretation of sources. This will be facilitated through peer-group discussion and selected key texts, moderated by the module leader.
• The purpose of the formative essay is to encourage students to explore the subject specific themes and theories covered by the module. The summative essay is intended to assess both the students’ comprehension of theoretical material, and capacity to apply this material to the discussion of texts and arguments. Feedback on essay performance will be delivered via tutorials.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

One 5,000 word essay