Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
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
Type |
Open |
Level |
3 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Not available in 2015/16 |
Module Cap |
|
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
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.
- Summative essays assess 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.
- Summative seminar presentations enhance the ability to select
relevant academic information and develop skills of oral communication
and presentation, including the employment of relevant media.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
16 |
8 in Term 1 and 8 in Term 2. |
1 hour |
16 |
■ |
Seminars |
8 |
4 per term. |
1.5 hours |
12 |
■ |
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 60% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
examination |
2 hours |
100% |
|
Component: Essay |
Component Weighting: 25% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
essay |
3000 words |
100% |
|
Component: Seminar Presentation |
Component Weighting: 15% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
seminar presentation |
|
100% |
|
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