Module THEO46830: After the Apostles: From Jerusalem to Nicaea

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO46830: After the Apostles: From Jerusalem to Nicaea

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To provide students with an understanding of early Christian history from the mid-first century to the fourth century (with a terminus at Nicaea in 325 CE).
• To enable students to explore the varied writings and teachings of early Christian authors.
• To explore with students both the experiences and identities of early Christians in the Greco-Roman world.

Content

• This module will consider one of the most consequential if understudied periods in Christian history. Beginning with the immediate legacies of the Apostles, this module will chart a history of early Christianity through the second and third centuries until the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. This module will explore how this nascent faith grew from a handful of Jewish believers into something that could count even the emperor himself as a convert.
• As we chart a path through this turbulent and fascinating history, we will give over much of our time to key theological developments that shaped early Christian thought in this period, including the doctrines of Christ and the church, as well as intra-Christian competition and debates.

Learning Outcomes

• An advanced comprehension of church history from the first to mid-fourth centuries, as well as a grasp of the key theological debates that shaped this period.

• To be able to read and interpret intelligently both early Christian texts and key historical sources (in translation, though with reference to the original where possible and appropriate).

• To understand and engage with the key themes and ideas of the period.

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 peer-group discussion of ideas and critical interpretation of key sources for events and doctrines, moderated by the module leader.
• The purpose of the formative essay is to encourage students to explore the subject specific themes and events covered by the module. The summative essay is designed to assess both the student’s comprehension of theoretical material, and capacity to apply this material to the discussion of events and doctrine. Feedback on essay performance will be delivered via tutorials.
• Please note that tutorials will not be centrally timetabled and should be organised directly between students and tutors as schedules permit.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One 2,000 word essay

■ 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