BYZANTIUM: EMPIRE OF NEW ROME

H7230A

 
Unit Weighting                       

9 credit points

Type of Unit                

Intermediate

Prerequisite                 

H7110A History of the Early Church

Academic Staff            

Rev. Anastasios Bozikis, BCom (UQ 1990), BTh (SCD 1995), MTh (Sydney 1997)

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit examines the historical, cultural and theological factors of the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantium, generally from the age of Constantine the Great until the period of the ‘Triumph of Orthodoxy’ (or, from the 4th to 9th 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 4th to 9th 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.  Studying the Byzantine empire in context; methodology and historiography.
  2.  Constantinople, the imperial cult, and the ecumenical councils.
  3.  Byzantine historians and historiography.
  4.  Religious, cultural and social aspects of the Byzantine state.
  5.  Byzantium and its neighbours.
  6.  Aspects of an emerging Byzantine worldview; landmarks and threats.
  7.  The ‘triumph of Orthodoxy’ and its implications.

Assessment Profile
Face to face

  1. Tutorial presentation (12 mins) + one page write-up (650 words). Value: 30%
  2. Essay (2,000 words). Value: 50%
  3. Exam (30 mins). Value: 20%

Distance

  1. Article or chapter review (800 words). Value: 20%
  2. Primary source analysis (1,200 words). Value: 30%
  3. Essay (2,000 words). Value: 50%

Schedule

3hr lecture per week on campus, or via distance education

 

Introducing the Master of Greek Philosophy

Greek philosophy remains foundational to the history of ideas in the Western and Eastern traditions. It has shaped disciplines as diverse as theology, ethics, politics, science, and metaphysics. In particular, the writings of Plato, Aristotle, and the later Hellenistic and Byzantine philosophers have exercised enduring influence on Christian theology, especially in the Patristic and medieval Byzantine periods.

The Master of Greek Philosophy cultivates advanced capacity for critical engagement with the key figures, texts, and ideas of the ancient and Byzantine Greek philosophical tradition, preparing graduates to integrate these insights in further scholarly research, higher education, ministry, or other cultural and professional spheres.

Courses

How to Apply

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