Content

This class will examine the key figures of the School of Alexandria (Origen, Athanasius and Cyril), relating them both to the historical development of theology and the controversies in which they were engaged, as well as to abiding issues in scriptural exegesis and systematic theology and the historical and contemporary problem of the split between the Eastern (Chalcedonian) and Oriental (non-Chalcedonian) Churches. The course will combine both lectures on general context and theology and seminar-style close reading of selected texts (one from each author).

Unit code: CH9519A

Unit status: Archived (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Church History

Delivery Mode: Online

Proposing College: St Athanasius College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Describe the contribution to Christian thought of the key Fathers of Alexandria

2.

Identify and contrast factors that distinguish Alexandrian Fathers from other early Christian Church Fathers (Western and Cappadocian traditions)

3.

Critically assess the texts written by the Alexandrian Fathers with reference to their genre, historical context and theological contribution

4.

Articulate the theological issues being discussed during this period

5.

Evaluate the material studied with respect to its applicability to contemporary issues

Indicative Bibliography

  • Athanasius, On the Incarnation, trans. John Behr, Popular Patristics Series – Greek-English (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2011)
  • Cyril of Alexandria, On the Unity of Christ, trans. J.A. McGuckin, Popular Patristics Series (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1995)
  • John Behr, The Nicene Faith (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2004)
  • John Behr, The Way to Nicaea (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2001)
  • John A McGuckin, St Cyril of Alexandria and the Christological Controversy (St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2004)
  • Khaled Anatolios, Athanasius: The Coherence of his Theology (London: Routledge, 1998)
  • Origen, Commentary on the Gospel of John, translated R. E. Heine, Fathers of the Church 80 (Washington: Catholic University of America, 1989)
  • Origen, On First Principles, translated by G.W. Butterworth, rev. John Cavadini (Notre Dame, IN: Christian Classics, 2013)
  • Ronald E. Heine, Origen: Scholarship in the Service of the Church (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010)
  • Thomas Weinandy and Daniel Keating, eds., The Theology of St Cyril of Alexandria (London: T & T Clark, 2003).

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Essay

Essay 3000 words

0 50.0
Critical Review

Critical Review 1500 words

0 25.0
Essay

Essay 1500 words

0 25.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by LTC on 2 Jan, 2018

Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:56:25 +1100