EARLY BYZANTINE PATRISTIC THEOLOGY

Unit Weighting           

9 cpts

Type of Unit                

Specialised

Prerequisites                

T181A

Academic Staff            

Dr Mario Baghos
Curriculum Objectives

This course unit engages the thought and methods of the early Byzantine Fathers, investigating the major trends within the Greek Christian tradition from the fourth to the seventh century. Building on Early Church Fathers, it assists students to understand the connection between historical circumstances, the spiritual life and the formulation of Christian theology in the early Byzantine period.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Appraise the historical and ecclesial contexts of various trends in early Byzantine tradition
2. Display a broad understanding of the main theological and spiritual themes developed by the early Byzantine Fathers
3. Utilise primary and secondary sources in the analysis of early Byzantine themes such as Christology and mystical theology
4. Analyse in depth themes developed by the early Byzantine Fathers within their immediate and distant literary and historical contexts
5. Assess the place of patristic Byzantine tradition within contemporary scholarship and its relevance to Christian experience

Assessment Profile

1. Presentation & Write-Up (1,000 words). Value: 20%
2. Forum Discussion and Write-Up (1,000 words). Value: 30%
3. Essay (1,600 words). Value: 50%

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education