EARLY BYZANTINE PATRISTIC THEOLOGY

T7382A

 

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

 

Introducing the Master of Greek Philosophy

Greek philosophy remains foundational to the history of ideas in the Western and Eastern traditions. It has shaped disciplines as diverse as theology, ethics, politics, science, and metaphysics. In particular, the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and the later Hellenistic and Byzantine philosophers have exercised enduring influence on Christian theology, especially in the Patristic and medieval Byzantine periods.

The Master of Greek Philosophy cultivates advanced capacity for critical engagement with the key figures, texts, and ideas of the ancient and Byzantine Greek philosophical tradition, preparing graduates to integrate these insights in further scholarly research, higher education, ministry, or other cultural and professional spheres.

Courses

How to Apply

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