Early and Medieval Christianity

3 credits · Undergraduate

(3 hrs Lecture) This course introduces students to the religious and social changes that took place within the Christian tradition in the first fifteen centuries of the Common Era. Students explore the varieties of Christianity that emerged in this period in response both to theological debates within the church and to political forces in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. This course examines the changing relations between the church and imperial powers, as well as the development of monastic orders, mystical piety, the sacramental system, and the papacy. In addition, several key figures (such as Augustine and Aquinas) and key debates (such as the nature of sin and the trinity) are discussed. Restrictions: Students may not hold credit for this course and REL-2300 | REL-2301 | REL-2311.