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THEO6002

Origins and Development of the Early Church

10 Units 6000 Level Course

Available in 2012

Callaghan CampusSemester 2
Online - Broken Bay InstituteSemester 2
Seminar - Broken Bay InstituteSemester 1

Previously offered in 2013, 2011, 2010

This course surveys the development of the Christian Church from its beginnings in Jewish Christianity through to the early Middle Ages. Main areas include the transition from insecurity and persecution to acceptance as the religion of the empire; the Church Fathers and the beginnings of Christian theology and spirituality; the effects of tribal invasions, the spread of Islam and divisions between East and West in the Church.

Objectives
Upon completion of this course students will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the beginnings and early development of the Christian Church with a survey overview;
2. Relate their understanding of the development of the Church to factors influencing the history of the Roman Empire;
3. Examine illustrative examples of early Christian life and theology as the expression of a changing Christian identity under the pressure of different social contexts;
4. Make critical use of primary sources in constructing a historical account.
Content
The course will be in three modules.
1. Beginnings and growth to 300CE, including the origins in Palestine, spread within the Empire, opposition and persecution, early organisation and ritual.
2. Consolidation from 300CE, including the influence of Constantine, theological controversies and development, changing spirituality.
3. The Church in a declining Empire, including reactions to tribal invasions and the emergence of Islam, growth of monasticism.
Replacing Course(s)
Not Applicable
Transition
Not Applicable
Industrial Experience
0
Assumed Knowledge
Nil
Modes of Delivery
Distance Learning : Paper Based
Teaching Methods
Self Directed Learning
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Assignment 1 - 1000-1500 words (20%)
Essays / Written Assignments
Assignment 2 - 2000-2500 words (40%)
Essays / Written Assignments
Assignment 3 - 2000-2500 words (40%)
Contact Hours
Self Directed Learning: for 130 hour(s) per Term for Full Term

Timetables

2012 Course Timetables for THEO6002