This unit explores the context and writings of the Second Century AD, particularly the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and the early apologists. Students are guided through a close and critical reading of select texts, paying attention to genre, rhetoric and theological discourse. Students will learn to let ancient texts speak for themselves, without reading their own opinions into them; this will be done by analysing their content, context, methodology, authorial intent and appropriation by readership of subsequent centuries. The relevance of these texts to contemporary social and theological challenges will be discussed. The views of modern scholarship, interpretation and criticism of these ancient texts will also be presented and discussed.
Unit code: CH1420A
Unit status: Archived (New unit)
Points: 18.0
Unit level: Undergraduate Level 1
Unit discipline: Church History
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: St Athanasius College
Show when this unit is running1. | Describe the message, content and theology of the Apostolic Fathers and the apologists of the second century |
2. | Read early Christian texts with understanding, identifying the genre, methodology, historical context and theological contribution |
3. | Articulate the theological issues at stake in second century centres of Christianity |
4. | Explore themes from the writings of the Apostolic Fathers and the early apologists and place them in dialogue with contemporary culture |
5. | Engage with modern scholarly discussion elucidating the primary source material |
Weekly lectures Weekly readings from primary texts Weekly readings from secondary set texts peer-reviewed journals
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Wiki | Wiki Forum Post (250 words) |
0 | 10.0 |
Wiki | Wiki Forum Post (250 words) |
0 | 10.0 |
Essay | Essay (2,000 words) |
0 | 50.0 |
Essay | Essay (1,500 words) |
0 | 30.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by John Capper on 1 Nov, 2017
Unit record last updated: 2022-10-11 12:43:59 +1100