BYZANTIUM: RESPLENDENCE & TWILIGHT

 
 
Unit Weighting                       

9 cps

Type of Unit                

Intermediate

Prerequisite                 

H7230A

Academic Staff

Rev. Gerasimos Koutsouras, BA (Sydney 1998) MA (Sydney 2000) DipByzMusic (Thessalonica 2002) MTh (Thessalonica 2005), Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

Building upon Byzantium: Empire of New Rome, this course unit examines the historical, cultural and theological factors of the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantium, generally from the 9th to 15th centuries, as well as the empire’s relations with its neighbours.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. distinguish the various social, cultural and religious factors both within the Byzantine empire and its immediate cultural context from the 9th to 15th centuries.
2. demonstrate an understanding of historical and historiographical trends relating to this period.
3. illustrate the capacity to critically interpret primary sources from this period.
4. exhibit the capacity to critically interpret the secondary sources relating to this period.
5. apply the key contributions of leading figures and significant events in this period to the Church’s present mission.

Content

1. Historical method, themes, concepts and sources of the period
2. The Schism between East and West, the Crusades and attempts at re-union
3. Christianity as inspiration for the blossoming of culture: art, architecture, music, and literature
4. Natural phenomena and the decline of Byzantium, including their effect on the Byzantine mentality
5. Relations of Byzantium with its neighbours: cultural exchange and antagonism
6. Biographical studies of major personalities: emperors, intellectuals, saints, women
7. The fall of Constantinople and the legacy of Byzantium

Assessment Profile

1. Demonstrate an ability to critically engage with primary and secondary sources e.g. reviews, summaries, or a multimedia presentation.
2. Assess the key social, cultural, historiographical, and/or religious aspects relevant to the early Byzantine period, e.g. essay.
3. Interpret and appraise the key events and personalities in the early Byzantine period from the available literary sources, e.g. take-home exam.

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus