URL study guide
https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_XCBAGLT202Course Objective
The student is expected to study and thereby gain insight into the different ways in which ancient Christianity developed. (S)he/They must be able to chart and understand the connections between the historical phenomena involved. This goal is achieved by way of a two-fold track. First, the student acquires knowledge based on primary sources, which are studied in translation. These sources, covering a variety of genres, are analysed and put into context. Secondly, an introductory text book on the field of early Christianity is studied (see course reading). Based on the literature the student must become aware of the different frameworks of interpretation which have been operative in recent years within the field. In view of this, attention is paid to scholarly debate including theories and models. The following abilities receive attention during this course and are thus trained: the ability to 1) analyse and process both primary and secondary sources; 2) formulate critical questions; 3) participate in group discussion in a communicative and constructive manner; 4) communicate knowledge of the subject in written form (written exam).Course Content
During this course, the development of ancient Christianity will be studied in context. In the process, the formation of the Christian religious tradition will be approached from different angles, including socio-political, broadly cultural, and more specifically theological perspectives. Characteristics of the various historical phases within early Christianity as well as the most prominent conflicts during the first centuries of the common era will be discussed. In addition, attention will be paid to innovative literary genres and the authors who produced these. The related themes of material culture, artistic invention, and visual representation will also be addressed. As the course is taught in English, it is well suited to international students. The international context of the field of early Christian studies will be in view as well.Teaching Methods
Lecture & group discussion/seminar (2 sessions per week: 2 x 45 mins each)Method of Assessment
Written examination (2.45 hrs)Literature
Joseph Lynch, Early Christianity: A Brief History, Oxford: OxfordUniversity Press, 2009Target Audience
- Students of Classics and Ancient Studies who wish to take the course as an elective
- Students of the VU minor 'Cultuur van de antieke wereld' (English track)
- Students of the minor 'Highlights of the Ancient World'
- Students with an interest in history in general, or
- more specifically
- in ancient society/culture; students of philosophy and/or religion/theology.
Additional Information
This course is offered as an elective. It can be taken separately/individually, but also as part of the English track of a broader VU-minor package entitled (in Dutch): 'Cultuur van de antieke wereld' (first semester: (https://vuweb.vu.nl/nl/onderwijs/minor/cultuur-van-de-antieke-wereld)). The English track of this minor ('Focus on the Ancient World') consists in the following courses: Elementary Latin I and II, Great Minds, Ancient Christianity, and Religion in Antiquity (Religion in Antiquity is an ACASA-course taught in the city centre of Amsterdam, UvA location). In addition, it can be included as an optional course in the ACASA-minor 'Highlights of the Ancient World' (which runs from period 1 to 6 and is taught in the city centre/UvA-location: https://vuweb.vu.nl/en/education/minor/highlights-of-the-ancient-world). Attendance is compulsory (80%). The course will be taught during a period of six weeks (12 sessions), with two sessions of two 'hours' each per week. The examination is generally scheduled the week before the Christmas break.Recommended background knowledge
Basic knowledge of both Christianity and the Bible is helpful but not required/necessary.Language of Tuition
- English
Study type
- Bachelor