LATER BYZANTINE PATRISTIC THEOLOGY

T7383A

 

Unit Weighting           

9 cps

Type of Unit                

Specialised

Prerequisites                

T7382A

Academic Staff            

Very Rev. Dr Doru Costache, BTh (Bucharest 1993) PhD (Bucharest 2000), Senior Lecturer

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit engages the thought and methods of the middle and later Byzantine Fathers, investigating the major trends within the Greek Christian tradition from the eighth to the fourteenth century. Building on Early Byzantine Fathers, it assists students to understand the connection between historical circumstances, the spiritual life and the formulation of Christian theology in the middle and later Byzantine period.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Appraise the historical and ecclesial contexts of various trends in middle and later Byzantine tradition
  2. Display a broad understanding of the main theological and spiritual themes developed by the middle and later Byzantine Fathers
  3. Utilise primary and secondary sources in the analysis of middle and later patristic Byzantine themes such as iconology, hesychasm and mystical theology
  4. Analyse in depth the themes developed by the middle and later Byzantine Fathers within their immediate and distant literary and historical contexts
  5. Assess the place of patristic Byzantine tradition within contemporary scholarship and its relevance to Christian experience

Content

  1. Byzantine theology, homiletics and hymnology
  2. Byzantine iconology
  3. Representatives of Byzantine humanism
  4. The Hesychasts
  5. Liturgical mysticism

Assessment Profile

  1. Show the capacity to critically assess the relevant literature (e.g. summaries or reviews)
  2. Demonstrate a thorough awareness of the main trends and themes in patristic Byzantine tradition (e.g. essay)
  3. Assess the significance of various trends and themes in patristic Byzantine tradition from the viewpoints of contemporary scholarship and the Christian experience (e.g. take-home exam)

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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