RELI 4101/6101:  History of Christian Theology - -

Ancient and Medieval

Professor:  Dr. Sandy Dwayne Martin

Department of Religion - UGA

Office:  #9 Peabody Hall; 542-5356;  martin@uga.edu

Office Hours:  M/Tu 2:00 - 4:00;  Th 2:00 -3:30      Name:

Fall Semester 2008                                                      Date:

 

I.  Course Description

 

    This course surveys the rise and development of Christianity from the time of Jesus of Nazareth until approximately 1500.  The course focuses principally upon the following:

            (a)  main Christian ideas, themes, and doctrinal formulations;

            (b)  the emergence of major groups and movements;

            (c)  the roles of significant leaders;

            (d)  an examination of the lives of ordinary Christians;

            (e)  the relationship between Christianity and other aspects of various cultures

            (f)  gender inclusion or the contributions, participation, and life of women in the                                           churches;

            (g)  the multiracial, multiethnic, and multicultural character and geographical extension                                 of early and medieval Christianity.

 

II.  Required Texts/Readings

      

       The required texts for this course are:

             1)   Justo L. Gonzalez, A History of Christian Thought, Vol. 1

             2)   John W. Coakley, Andrea Sterk, Readings in World Christian History, Vol. 1

 

       Students should also consult library resources or secure a copy of the Bible (especially the New Testament).

 

III.  Course Requirements, Grading Formula, and Attendance Policy

 

       In sum, all students are required to attend class regularly and promptly, do all assigned readings and other assignments,  take two or three examinations and take the final examination. Graduate students will do two pre-final exams,  a 15-18 page paper, and the final exam.

      

 

       A)  Grading Formula - Undergraduates/ RELI 4101

       i.)  Exams/paper  ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ90%

       l)  Exam #1 (Projected Date: 9/30)                                                   

       2)  Exam #2 (Projected Date:  11/13)                              

       3)  Exam #3? (Projected Date:  12/2) ?                Grad papers due 11/18

       4)  Final Examination*  (12.11, 12 noon - 3 p.m. )                     

      

       ii.)   DPG (Attendance/Participation)** ÉÉÉ10%            

                                                                                               

                                                            TOTAL          100%

 

      

*The final exam is cumulative, that is, covering the

       entire course.

 

**Daily Participation Grade or DPG includes attendance, classroom participation, written assignments.  Required assignments include two essay papers -- an Introduction of Yourself paper of 3-4 pages, and a Course Reflection Paper -- NOT an evaluation paper -- of 3-5 pages.

 

B)  Grading Formula - Graduate STudents/ RELI 6101

        

       The formula for graduate students is the same as the above, except they will do a paper (due November 18) rather than a third pre-final examination.  Of course the structure of the exams will be different than 4101 and the paper will substitute for the possiblethird exam taken by 4101.

 

       C)  GRADING SCALE FOR RELI 4101/6101

 

       The Professor will use the following grading scale:

 

90-100 –---- A        87-89   -------B+            77-79  ------  C+

89.1-89.99 - A-       80-86    ----- B               70-76  ------  C

                                79.1-79.99 - B-              69.1-69.99 - C-

 

67-69   -- ----D+

60-66  ------  D        Below 60 -- F

59.1-59.99 --D-                                              

 

IV.  Attendance Policy and Grades

      

       IMPORTANT NOTE:  Attendance and classroom participation are absolutely required. Each period missed by a student with an unexcused absence beyond THREE class periods will mean the loss of 2 percentage points from the final semester grade average -- that is, two points for each unexcused absence above THREE class periods. In addition, students must attend a total of 20 class sessions in order to receive a passing grade in the course.  An excused absence is recognized by the professor as an absence that is unavoidable for emergency or vitally pressing reasons.

 

       Also, the professor,  in addition to the grading formula outlined above,  may consider regular class attendance and classroom participation in assessing each studentÕs final grade.  Therefore, class attendance and classroom participation might prove to be a very crucial, determinative factor in cases where the average is borderline between two grades.

 

       NOTE:    Students are required to take all exams. Students who miss an exam for non-sufficiently valid reason(s) will be assigned "0" for that exam, which will be computed as part of the final grade.

 

       When an attendance sign-up sheet is not passed around, then the class roll will be taken 5 minutes after time for class is scheduled to begin.   Students arriving 6-10 minutes late will be marked extra late;    two extra  lates equal one absence.  A student not present within the first 10 minutes of each class session will be marked absent for that class session and is requested not to enter the class during that period.

       In more detail: Consistent with the instructor's own educational philosophy and the rules and regulations of the University of Georgia, attendance,  regular and prompt, and for the entire duration of the class sessions, is required.   Students who have unavoidable appointments or unavoidable obligations that require their absence during any portion of the class time should see the professor prior to or as soon after the date of the appointment/obligation as possible because under no circumstances whatsoever should students leave class before it is dismissed by the professor.  Students who cannot stay for the entire class period must miss that class period rather than leave during class time.  Failure to abide by this policy will result in being marked absent for the entire class session and removal from class if the professor believes such becomes necessary.   

       Of course students must attend class on the examination days.  Students are 100% responsible for all information missed because of absences.  Exam dates are subject to change with at least a one-week notice.  Students are responsible for keeping abreast of all exam schedules originally projected or revised.  

       This class will be largely lecture in nature.  The professor will attempt to provide time for class discussion and participation.  The professor may consider participation and discussion in determining final grades in borderline situations between two grades.

       An excused absence is one for which a student has written proof (if at all attainable) that one's absence was necessitated by a valid cause, e.g., incapacitating illness, death in one's immediate or close family or of someone close to the student.  Sleeping late,  hangovers,  and studying for exams are not accepted as excused absences.  Doctor and dental appointments, participation in extra-curricular UGA activities, and job interviews may or may not be excusable.  Consult  the instructor prior to the absence, if at all possible;  if such is not possible, then consult the instructor as soon as possible after the fact.  Attendance at weddings, baptisms, bar or bat mitzvahs, etc. are not normally excusable absences.  But, again, consult the instructor.

 

       Honesty Policy:  All academic work must meet the standards contained in ÒA Culture of Honesty.Ó  All students are responsible to inform themselves about those standards before performing any academic work. 

 

      This Syllabus:  The course syllabus is a general plan for the course;  deviations announced to the class by the instructor may be necessary.

 

       Office Hours:  Note the professor's office hours and use them as the need or inclination arises.  Remember, if you have questions or concerns, it is your responsibility to discuss these matters in a rational, courteous, and responsible manner with your instructor.  You are free to drop by during my office hours.  A better approach and the one I strongly recommend, however, would be to call 706-542-5356 and schedule an appointment.  This would increase the chances that there will be no appointment conflicts or unnecessary delays.

.

 

This syllabus continues with the course outline on the following pages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

V.  Course Outline: 

RELI 4101/6101 -- ANCIENT/MEDIEVAL CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

 

Undergraduates and graduates are required to do all the "readings."  Graduates must and undergraduates are encouraged to read all the "recommended" material.

 

I.    Introduction:  Nature, Purpose, and Scope of Course.  (AUG. 19)

         Readings:  Gonzalez, History, "Forward," Ch. 1

 

II.     The Embryonic World of Christianity    (AUG. 21)

 

         Readings:  History, Ch. 2

 

III.   Jesus of Nazareth (c. 6 BCE - 30 CE):  Quest for the Historical Jesus  (AUG. 26)

        

         Readings:  The Holy Bible

                                    (1)  Gospel of Matthew, Chs. 5-7; 24, 25, 28

                                    (2)  Luke, Chs. 10, 15, 24

                                    (3)  Mark, Ch. 13

         Recommended/Graduates required:        (1)  The Gospel of Mark

                                                                        (2)  John, Chs. 10-11

 

IV.   Paul, Judaism, and the Gentiles, c. 30-100 (AUG 28)

        

         Readings:           (1) Book of Galatians

                                    (2) Book of James

                       

         Recommended/Graduates required:        (1)  Romans, Chs. 1-8

                                                                        (2)  I Corinthians, Chs. 12-14

                                                                        (3)  1 John (entire book)

(4)   Matthew, Chs. 7:12-24

 

DISCUSSION:  SEPTEMBER 2

 

 

V.     The Apostolic "Fathers," c. 95- c. 200  (SEPT. 9)

        

         Readings:  (1)   Readings, #1, #2, #3

                           (2)  History, ch. 3

 

VI.   From Persecuted Sect to State Religion, c. 30 CE - 500 CE:  Persecution, Martyrs, Apologists, and Christian Rulers         (SEPT. 11)

        

         Readings:  (1)  History, Ch. 4

                           (2)  Readings,  #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #23, #28

         Recommended/Graduates required: Readings,  #11, #18, #22

 

DISCUSSION:  SEPTEMBER  16

VII.  Gnosticism and Other Heresies, c. 150 CE - 250 CE   (SEPT. 18)  

        

         Readings:  (1) History, Chs. 5, 6

                           (2) Readings, #12, #13

 

VIII. Montanism and Monasticism:  Restoration Movements, c. 170 - 500 CE (SEPT. 23)

        

         Readings: Readings,  #29, #30, #31, #32, #33

 

DISCUSSION:   SEPTEMBER 25

 

EXAMINATION #1:  SEPTEMBER 30

 

IX.   The Rise of the Western Theological Tradition, c. 180 - 300 CE (OCT. 2)

        

         Readings:  (1) History, Chs. 7 and 9;

                           (2)  Readings,  #4, #10, #16

 

X.     The Rise of the Eastern Theological Tradition, c. 180 - 300 CE  (OCT. 7)

        

         Readings:  (1)  History, Chs. 8 and 10;

(2)   Readings, #15

 

DISCUSSION:  OCTOBER 9  (MIDTERM - OCT. 9) **

 

XI.   Trinitarian Controversies, c. 318 – 381 (OCTOBER 14)

        

         Readings:  (1)  History, Chs. 11 and 12;

                           (2)  Readings,  #18, #19, #20, #21, (#26?), #27

 

         Recommended/ Graduates:  Readings,  #15, #21

 

XII. Augustinianism, Donatism, and Pelagianism, c. 300 – 500  (OCT. 16 –  NOTE:  MIDTERM // WITHDRAWAL DATE – OCT. 23)**

        

         Readings:  Readings, #40, #41, #42

 

DISCUSSION:  OCTOBER 21

 

XIII. Christological Controversies, c. 325 – 500  (OCT. 23)

        

         Readings:  (1)  History, vol. 1,  Chs. 16, 17, 18

                           (2)  Readings, #34, #35, #38, #39, (#71?)

 

XIV.  Eastern Theological Developments, ca. 451-700  (OCT. 28)

        

         Readings:   (2) Readings,  #45

DISCUSSION:  OCTOBER 30

 

FALL BREAK:  OCTOBER 31

 

XV.  Global Spread of Christianity to 600 (Lecture/Discussion: NOV. 4)

 

         Readings:   Readings, #23, #28, #38, #39, #72, (#71?)

 

XVI.  Global Spread of Christianity to 1500 (L/D: NOV. 6)

 

         Readings:  Readings,  #45, #46, #47, #50, #51, #69, #70, #71

 

DISCUSSION:  NOVEMBER 11

 

EXAMINATION #2:  NOVEMBER 13

 

GRADUATE PAPERS DUE: NOVEMBER 18

 

XVII.   Western Theological Developments, 500 – 1300  (NOV. 18)

 

         Readings:   Readings, #55, #56, #64, #65, #66, #67, #68

 

XVIII.  Eastern Theological Developments, 500 – 1451  (NOV. 20)

 

         Readings:  Readings,   #55, #56,  #58, #61, #62

 

THANKSGIVING BREAK:  NOVEMBER 24-28

 

DISCUSSION OR EXAMINATION #3:  DECEMBER 2

 

XIX. Theology, Reform, Renaissance, and Exploration, ca. 1300-1500  (DEC. 4)

 

         Readings:  Readings,   #72, #73, #74, #75, #76

 

XX.        Conclusion  (DEC. 4)

 

FRIDAY CLASS SCHEDULE:  DECEMBER 9

 

READING DAY:  DECEMBER 10

 

XXI.  FINAL EXAMINATION  (Dec. 11 from 12 noon. to 3:00 p.m., but double check to make sure.)

 

NOTE:  Keep this syllabus and consult it often.  It is a vital guide for this course.  Students are encouraged, expected, and advised to ask questions during the quarter about this syllabus in particular or the course in general concerning points which they feel require greater clarity.  The instructor reserves the right to alter the format or content of this course outline as his professional discretion dictates or allows or as the occasion demands.  But the format and content should remain reasonably and fundamentally intact.

 

 

 

 

WHERE DO I STAND?

 

RELI 4101 / 6101

Fall Semester 2008

DR. S. D. MARTIN

martin@uga.edu

(706) 542-5356 - Peabody Hall, Rm. 213

 

 

 

NAME _____________________________________________

 

 

MAJOR EXAMS   --  Where I stand going into the final exam?      

 

____________ #1, plus                                 

 

____________ #2, plus                                 

 

____________ #3, equals

 

____________  divided by 3 =  ____________ X  .90  =

 

 ____________, plus

 

____________ DPG points equals  _________________ *

 

 

*This is where you stand in the course going into the final.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

COMPUTING SEMESTER'S GRADE -- having taken the final exam

 

Add all  three or four exams (two or three pre-finals and the final), divide by 4, multiply that number by .90,  and add the DPG points.  That is your semester's grade,  assuming acceptable attendance.  See the section(s) in this syllabus regarding how attendance and absences impact semester's grading.

 

Ex#1 ____ + Ex#2 ____+Ex#3 + Final Ex _______  divided by 4 = _______ X .90

 

= _______ + DPG Points _______ = Semester's Grade _____________