REL 132 Early Christian Literature in Context

This class focuses on the emergence of early Christian literature, including the writings of the New Testament, out of the diverse world of the ancient Mediterranean and especially within the context of first century Judaisms. This course uses the tools of historical and rhetorical analysis to engage in close readings of these varied writings, which include gospels, epistles, and apocalyptic writings.

Credits

4 sh

Course Types

Classical Studies Elective; Jewish Studies Elective; Interreligious Studies Elective

Offered

• Fall

Course Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate familiarity with the diverse writings of early Christianity.
2. Students will demonstrate their ability to think critically about the socially constructed nature of that which can be categorized as “religious.”
3. Students will recognize and describe breadth and diversity within particular constructions of religion.
4. Students will recognize and explain ways in which “religion” has cultural, political, and economic significance and/or ways in which cultural, political, and economic phenomena have religious significance.
5. Students will produce nuanced reflections on ways that religious traditions and religious communities have interacted with other religious traditions and communities throughout history.