History of Early Christianity
This course examines the history of Christian communities and beliefs from their emergence in Jewish Palestine to the legalization of that religion in the Late Antique period. Students will gain familiarity with the diversity of early Christian belief, the interaction with the Roman imperial government, the evangelization and spread of Christianity both within the Roman Empire and outside it, the impact of Christianity on Roman social and family life, and the birth of monasticism.
Outcomes: Students will be able to evaluate the impact of discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library on the history of early Christianity; appreciate the extraordinary diversity of early Christianity; understand why Christianity was seen as a threat to Roman family life; improve their research, writing, and oral presentation skills; improve their critical reading skills of both secondary and primary sources.
Outcomes: Students will be able to evaluate the impact of discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library on the history of early Christianity; appreciate the extraordinary diversity of early Christianity; understand why Christianity was seen as a threat to Roman family life; improve their research, writing, and oral presentation skills; improve their critical reading skills of both secondary and primary sources.