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: CT9429A
Unit status: Archived (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Elective
Unit discipline: Systematic Theology
Delivery Mode: Online
Proposing College: St Athanasius College
Show when this unit is running1. | Critically evaluate the message, content and theology of the Apostolic Fathers and the apologists of the second century |
2. | Analyse the theological contribution of a particular reading of early Christian texts, paying attention to genre, methodology, and historical context |
3. | Appraise an ancient’s author’s response to the theological issues at stake in second century centres of Christianity, showing awareness of antecedent theological reflection |
4. | Evaluate an ancient author’s response to the culture of the time and delineate the ways in which the same text can be appropriately placed in dialogue with contemporary culture |
5. | Examine, appraise and where relevant, challenge the conclusions of modern scholarship on interpretive difficulties in ancient texts |
Weekly or fortnightly sessions, comprising guided reading from the set texts, additional reading resources and some notes, together with an online tutorial.
Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
---|---|---|---|
Wiki | Wiki Forum Post (500 words) |
0 | 10.0 |
Wiki | Wiki Forum Post (500 words) |
0 | 10.0 |
Journal | Review of peer-reviewed journal article (1000 words) |
0 | 20.0 |
Essay | Essay (2,000 words) |
0 | 30.0 |
Essay | Essay (2,000 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 12:45:51 +1100