Time Schedule:
Eugene Webb
RELIG 327
Seattle Campus
Eastern Christian traditions, with principal focus on Eastern Orthodox tradition in Byzantium and Russia from time of the Council of Nicea to the twentieth century. Considers significant differences between eastern and western Christianity and their doctrinal and cultural origins; explores distinctive features of eastern tradition. Recommended: HIST 307 or RELIG 201.
Class description
The development of Eastern Christian traditions from Constantine to the 20th century. The course will focus primarily on Eastern Orthodoxy, but other traditions (Monophysite and Nestorian) will also be discussed. Themes to be discussed will include: the development of the doctrines of the Trinity and Incarnation from the Council of Nicea to the Council of Chalcedon; the development of liturgy in Byzantium; the Iconoclastic Controversy and the theology of icons; the Hesychastic controversy; the "harmony" of church and empire in Byzantium; the Turkish conquest of Byzantium and its implications for Orthodox religious life; the expansion of Orthdoxy to the Slavs; and the challenges of modernity and Western thought in the Orthodox world today.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
The development of Eastern Christian traditions from Constantine to the 20th century. The course will focus primarily on Eastern Orthodoxy, but other traditions (Monophysite and Nestorian) will also be discussed. Themes to be discussed will include: the development of the doctrines of the Trinity and Incarnation from the Council of Nicea to the Council of Chalcedon; the development of liturgy in Byzantium; the Iconoclastic Controversy and the theology of icons; the Hesychastic controversy; the "harmony" of church and empire in Byzantium; the Turkish conquest of Byzantium and its implications for Orthodox religious life; the expansion of Orthdoxy to the Slavs; and the challenges of modernity and Western thought in the Orthodox world today.
Lectures
Recommended preparation
Some background in the history of Christianity recommended, but not required.
Class assignments and grading
Readings from required texts. In the case of students seeking "W" credit, papers will be required also (three short papers and one long one).
Students not seeking "W" credit: mid-term exam 35%; final exam 65%. Students writing for "W" credit: mid-term exam 20%; final exam 40%; final paper 40%.
