Paper Coordinator: Dr Thomas Graumann Supplementary Regulation This paper will study in detail a topic in the history of Christianity. The topic will be prescribed by the Faculty Board. Councils in Context Prescribed This paper is concerned with synods and councils in the early church, considering their theological themes and their historical and social contexts. It will focus in particular, but not exclusively, on the ecumenical councils of the 4th and 5th centuries. Prescribed Texts There are no prescribed texts for this paper, but a list of recommended readings will be available in the Faculty Office at the end of the Easter Term. Aims and objectives The course will address questions such as the conduct of discussion and methods of decision making at synods, their theological achievements, questions of standing and authority of councils, the mirroring of social reality and the formation of church organisation in disciplinary rulings. The paper will introduce students to the texts produced by, or relating to, these councils. It will be based largely on primary sources and intends to teach skills and methods of source analysis and interpretation, as well as discussing questions and topics prominent in recent scholarship. This focus and requires examination by long essay to allow the source-based and in-depth analysis of exemplary conciliar contexts. Form and Conduct The assessment will consist of the submission of two essays, each of no more than 5,000 words in length, on topics chosen by the candidates in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 20 (Statutes and Ordinances). Teaching The paper will be taught by eight two-hour sessions, integrating lectures and class teaching.
Paper Coordinator: Dr Thomas Graumann Supplementary Regulation This paper will study in detail a topic in the history of Christianity. The topic will be prescribed by the Faculty Board. Prescribed Councils in Context This paper is concerned with synods and councils in the early church, considering their theological themes and their historical and social contexts. It will focus in particular, but not exclusively, on the ecumenical councils of the 4th and 5th centuries. Prescribed Texts There are no prescribed texts for this paper, but a list of recommended readings will be available in the Faculty Office at the end of the Easter Term. Aims and objectives The course will address questions such as the conduct of discussion and methods of decision making at synods, their theological achievements, questions of standing and authority of councils, the mirroring of social reality and the formation of church organisation in disciplinary rulings. The paper will introduce students to the texts produced by, or relating to, these councils. It will be based largely on primary sources and intends to teach skills and methods of source analysis and interpretation, as well as discussing questions and topics prominent in recent scholarship. This focus and requires examination by long essay to allow the source-based and in-depth analysis of exemplary conciliar contexts. Form and Conduct The assessment will consist of the submission of two essays, each of no more than 5,000 words in length, on topics chosen by the candidates in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 20 (Statutes and Ordinances). Teaching The paper will be taught by eight two-hour sessions, integrating lectures and class teaching.