Previous Years' Course Catalogues

A study of the developing self-understanding of early Christianity, seen in the context of the process by which the Christian movement separated from its Jewish matrix and developed into a distinct, largely Gentile religion. The major portion of the course will consist of a study of selected Christian literature (up to the mid-second century) with attention to specific issues of self-definition. Lectures, discussions of assigned readings and student presentations. Seminar paper and final research paper.

A study of the developing self-understanding of early Christianity, seen in the context of the process by which the Christian movement separated from its Jewish matrix and developed into a distinct, largely Gentile religion. The major portion of the course will consist of a study of selected Christian literature (up to the mid-second century) with attention to specific issues of self-definition. Lectures, discussions of assigned readings and student presentations. Seminar paper and final research paper.

Historical development of monasticism to John Climacus. Types of monasticism. Monastic rules. Ascetic writings. Lectures, seminars and discussion of texts. Class participation 30%; research essay 70%.

Mani, an inhabitant of 3rd century Iraq/Iran believed himself to be the Paraclete promised by Jesus. From that belief grew a church which reached from North Africa to China and lasted over a thousand years, including among its sympathizers the young St. Augustine. This course will use the writings of Manichaeans and their opponents, including Augustine, to address the criteria of Christian identity, and use a theological system not based on the incarnation to explore the meaning of creation, revelation, and redemption in more conventional contexts.

Mani, an inhabitant of 3rd century Iraq/Iran believed himself to be the Paraclete promised by Jesus. From that belief grew a church which reached from North Africa to China and lasted over a thousand years, including among its sympathizers the young St. Augustine. This course will use the writings of Manichaeans and their opponents, including Augustine, to address the criteria of Christian identity, and use a theological system not based on the incarnation to explore the meaning of creation, revelation, and redemption in more conventional contexts.

Study of Origen's life and thought in historical context. Reading and analysis of major works. Greek and Latin are useful but not required. Seminar presentations, participation in discussion, one research essay.

Study of Origen's life and thought in historical context. Reading and analysis of major works.

Study of Origen's life and thought in historical context. Reading and analysis of major works. Greek and Latin are useful but not required. Seminar presentations, participation in discussion, one research essay.

Study of Origen's life and thought in historical context. Reading and analysis of major works.

Study of Origen's life and thought in historical context. Reading and analysis of major works.

A seminar examining features of ancient Israelite religion as reflected in the archaeological and literary evidence. Topics include the origins and nature of Yahweh,other deities in ancient Israel, monotheism, the cult of the dead, divergent perspectives of priestly, royal, deuteronomistic, prophetic groups, etc.

A seminar examining features of ancient Israelite religion as reflected in the archaeological and literary evidence. Topics include the origins and nature of Yahweh,other deities in ancient Israel, monotheism, the cult of the dead, divergent perspectives of priestly, royal, deuteronomistic, prophetic groups, etc.