Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to:
- know the western ecclesiastical literature,
- become familiar with the source material,
- learn the Western theological tradition both during the period of the undivided Church and during the first centuries of division
- critically approach the eastern and western spirituality.
Course Content (Syllabus)
The course aims to study the Church Fathers and other ecclesiastical authors focusing particularly on the study of the Latin Christian Literature. The authors are placed in their historical and geographical context with attention to the social, religious, philosophical and cultural influences that shaped or brought about their apologetics.
Throughout the course the life and works of these authors are examined historically and philologically. The specific features of their teachings, experiences and their contributions to the formation of the doctrinal truths and the ecclesiastical traditions are highlighted on the basis of their works. Also the course examines the influence that each author’s thought exerted on subsequent authors with an emphasis on an up-to-date presentation of their message.
The aim is to acquaint students with western patristic theology in the centuries before and after the division of the church.