Course info

This module will explore key themes in the organisation, practice, and beliefs of the early and medieval church, focusing mostly on the period from the first to the ninth centuries. Among the topics covered in the first part of the module will be the early church's encounter with the Roman empire, martyrdom, debates over truth, orthodoxy and heresy, the impact of Constantine's conversion and the relationship between paganism and Christianity. The later part of the module covers the coming of Christianity to the British Isles, and especially Scotland, and themes such as the cult of saints, monasticism, pastoral care, worship, and pilgrimage. Weekly seminars will involve engagement with key primary texts from the period.