The Rise of Christianity 2: The Conversion of the Roman Empire

Overview

A study of the growth of the Christian community within the Roman world from the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (AD 70) to the death of Constantine the Great (AD 337). Students will assess the variety and character of early Christian teaching; the appearance and definition of heresies; the literary interaction between the upholders of Roman religio and Christians; the nature and extent of persecution within the Roman empire; the conversion of Constantine the Great (c. AD 312) and its significance for the Roman empire.

Learning Objectives

To understand the methods used for the resconstruction of an historical topic and acquire advanced perspectives of early Christianity in its Roman context.

Skills

Advanced development of skills of analysis and evaluation, in particular the organization and interpretation of widely scattered and frequently fragmentary source material.

Assessment

None