Early Church History
Module Code: 408TEC Credits: 10 Contact Hours: 30 Level: 4 Lecturer: Kathleen Anne Copp OSF
Syllabus
In this module the idea is to introduce students to the early background of Church History from the Apostolic Era up to Chalcedon so as to provide an understanding of the development of the Church within the work of the Patristic theologians.
The module will also overview the difficulties which arose at this time with the thinking of those designated as ‘heretics’ so as to note that they were only for the most part attempting to enrich the fundamental importance of growth of theological ideas. Within this context the module will seek to understand the work of theology through the deliberations of the four great councils: Nicaea 325; Constantinople 381; Ephesus 431; Chalcedon 451. It will also overview the development of Christianity in the British Isles especially in an understanding of the ‘Celtic’ Church.
The sessions will be taught with the understanding that students have read the booklet provided for each session. In the double session we will learn from what has been provided – the single session is reserved as a discussion session. The booklet also has a detailed booklist of books available to all students from the library and they are expected to read articles in preparation for the sessions.
Aims
- To give students an understanding of the original aspects in the development of the Church from the Apostolic era to its spread through the eastern and western ideas up to the time of the Council of Chalcedon in 451
- To be able to use the Early Church History as a background for understanding the development of Christian ministry
- To enable students to understand the Early Church within its growth in both eastern and western theology.
Assessment
This module will be assessed through a 3,000 word essay:
Knowledge and Understanding
By the end of this module students will should be able to demonstrate:
- a knowledge of the subject with regard to an overview of history at this time
- a critical understanding of the state and stage at which theological growth was taking place in the early years of the Church
- a knowledge of how to apply techniques so as to come to an understanding of the historical process as distinct from the process of theological developmental
- an ability to critically read and assess the wide range of documentary argument which is applicable to this fundamental period in Church’s history.
- The students should have achieved a thorough knowledge and critical understanding with ability to evaluate different approaches and interpretations to this period of Church history.
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