History of Christianity I (to AD 843)

From the subapostolic age to the 'Triumph of Orthodoxy' in the East and the Carolingian revival and Treaty of Verdun in the West. Geographical expansion of the church; the relation of Christian faith to cultural settings and other religions; the development of doctrinal and ethical positions; forms of Christian life and worship; the rise of Islam.  This course will consist of lectures, small group discussions, and oral reports that summarize small group discussions.  Short assignments; choice of final exam or research paper.