Historical Courses for the 2012 Summer Session

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. Attendance at lectures, participation in discussions, one book review, final exam (part multiple choice and part synoptic essay) In lieu of a final exam, an academic paper on a topic agreed to by the instructor may be submitted within the month following the course's end.

The contemporary revival of interest in the Celtic world is a feature of our age. Heightened interest has led to the appropriation of the Celtic tradition for different purposes by different interest groups. The result at a popular level has been that the historical reality of Celtic Christianity is increasingly elusive as claims made about it become exaggerated. The purpose of this course is to situate the Celtic Christian experience of the spiritual in the context of its development in Ireland between the 5th and the 12th centuries. Topics addressed include the transition from pagan to Christian, monasticism, creativity and art, prayer, scripture, and evangelism. Attention is also given to the pattern of revivals over the centuries and connections between postmodernism and the Celtic tradition. Discussion forums, short papers.

Sketches 4 major cultural challenges facing the pre-Vatican Church, 1900-1960.Explores various individual attempts to find creative solutions to these problems, as well as the main official responses from the Magisterium. Lecture-Seminars and readings. Weekly email questions, three 2-page papers and final exam [take-home].

Residential course on modern Orthodox/Eastern Christian spirituality. Study of major spiritual movements, figures and writings, with emphasis on the 20th century. Themes include the “Philokalic” and hesychastic revival beginning in the late 18th century, the Jesus Prayer, spiritual guidance, monastic renewal, liturgical spirituality, spirituality in times of revolution, persecution and exile, and spirituality in a secular environment. May be taken for degree credit or audited.

On-site study of Israel and the Sinai, studying the people, the story and the land of Israel and the Sinai as it can be known by history, archeology, anthropology, liturgy, and social study.

To be offered in 2013.

This course critically reviews early Christian and Byzantine art from the 2nd to 6th century. Its fundamental idea is that early Christian art emerged and evolved as manifestations of the faith's conversation with its changing cultural contexts. Students will learn to critically engage the role theology, ecclesiology, socio-economics, and politics have in Christian art, with a special emphasis on church/ worship architecture as innovative art. The course will use a multi-media format including lectures, readings, seminar presentations and discussions, site visits, and a major essay. Means of evaluation- one 10- 15 pages research essay (60%) and participation in class (40%).

In this course we will explore the unfolding of the English Reformation and the chief theologians who contributed to its development. Beginning with John Fisher and ending with Richard Hooker, we will explore the evolving perspectives within a church that described itself as both Protestant and catholic. Our goal will be to identify the distinctive positions and concerns of each of these authors from which the fabric of Anglican thought was woven. Before the first class, complete the readings for the first 3 sessions. Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions of primary and secondary texts. Means of evaluation: Class participation - 30%; leading a discussion - 30%; and final paper (15 or 25 pages, depending on level) - 40%

In this course we will explore the unfolding of the English Reformation and the chief theologians who contributed to its development. Beginning with John Fisher and ending with Richard Hooker, we will explore the evolving perspectives within a church that described itself as both Protestant and catholic. Our goal will be to identify the distinctive positions and concerns of each of these authors from which the fabric of Anglican thought was woven. Before the first class, complete the readings for the first 3 sessions. Teaching methods: Lectures, discussions of primary and secondary texts. Means of evaluation: Class participation - 30%; leading a discussion - 30%; and final paper (15 or 25 pages, depending on level) - 40%

A careful study of a book of the Summa contra Gentiles, where Aquinas explores Christian doctrines as an exercise in personally appropriating divine wisdom. The course teaches a method of close textual reading, and will interest students seeking an accessible introduction to Aquinas, those seeking an overall view of his methodology, and those preparing comprehensive exams in theology. Lectures and seminars. Assignments for 3551: 2 short papers, 2 learning reports, final take home exam. Assignments for 6551: 2 short papers, preparing and giving a 1 hour lecture, final exegetical essay.