ECST 700 Introduction to Early Christian Studies
The course examines the way in which the early Christian period was interpreted by scholars between the early sixteenth and the early twentieth century. Topics include: the growing distinction between the 'ancient' and the 'modern'; changes of method in the editing and interpretation of texts, and in the handling of archaeological data; the development of a particular interest in patristics; more general changes in historical method; the development of biblical scholarship, particularly in relation to the New Testament and to religious documents contemporary with its emergence; the influence of the Enlightenment, the Romantic Movement, and revolution and nationalism; attitudes to the early church evident in developments in canon law and liturgy; and the impact of newer disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and psychology. The opportunity occurs for each student to undertake the study of a major figure in the period.