This course aims at providing students insight into the reception and development of key theological, sociological and cultural impulses during the development of earliest Christianity until about 200 CE. What role did Jewish communities and Jewish theological issues play in the process of Christian identity formation? How did non-Jewish environments affect the process? Are there geographic variations? How were traditions about the “historical Jesus” taken up and brought into dialogue with various contexts and situations? How can the interrelationship between literature and history be addressed on a sound methodological basis?
Students will be familiar with the origins and developments of fundamental teachings, rituals and attitudes of early Christian communities in their Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts.
Method of instruction
Seminar style (lecture elements, discussion, presentations, self-study)
*Weekly meetings (12 × 2 hrs): 24 hrs *Weekly reading assignments (12 × 3 hrs): 36 hrs *Presentation: 20 hrs *Paper: 40 hrs *Participation in graduate seminar “NTW”: 20 hrs
Total: 140 hrs
Required reading
To be announced in class.
Admission
In addition to the general rules set out for admission to the master program students are required to possess a good knowledge of Greek and some familiarity with Biblical, especially New Testament, literature and history. Minimum number of participants 3.
The course can also be chosen for the BA-Keuzevak.
Criteria for assessment are active and critical participation during class and quality of papers. Each student has to prepare 2 short presentations and submit one in writing.
Time table
See time table Master Religious Studies
Comments
The language of instruction will be English unless all students have an adequate knowledge of Dutch.
Participation in the graduate seminar “New Testament Workgroup” is obligatory. NTW meets on the first Monday evening of October, November, December, March and April.
Please contact one of the instructors before signing up for this course:
*Dr. H.W. Hollander: h.w.hollander@religion.leidenuniv.nl, *Prof. dr. J.K. Zangenberg