Medieval Church History

Abstract

This subject surveys the history of Christianity in the countries of the classical Roman Empire and their immediate neighbours in north-western and eastern Europe and the Middle East. It covers the period from the breakup of the Western empire in the fifth century to the conquest of the Eastern Empire in the fifteenth century. Themes explored include church-state relations, concepts of Christian leadership, Christian scholarship, evangelism, pastoral care, the spiritual life in community and religious orders, and the tense relations between Eastern and Western Christendom.

Syllabus

Western monasticism and later monastic reformsThe evangelisation and re-evangelisation of EuropeGregory the Great and the European role of the PapacyThe Christian ruler (Charlemagne) and the later conflict between Pope and CaesarThe Emperor Justinian and the consolidation of the Byzantine traditionThe scholar saint: the twelfth-century renaissanceRelations between East and West and … For more content click the Read More button below.

Western monasticism and later monastic reforms
The evangelisation and re-evangelisation of Europe
Gregory the Great and the European role of the Papacy
The Christian ruler (Charlemagne) and the later conflict between Pope and Caesar
The Emperor Justinian and the consolidation of the Byzantine tradition
The scholar saint: the twelfth-century renaissance
Relations between East and West and the Crusades
Friars and heretics: preaching, piety and pastoral care
Scholastic and monastic learning: intellectual crises of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries
The Conciliar movement and opposition to the papacy
The fall of Byzantium: Orthodox traditions by the fifteenth century
New scholarship and new devotion: lay piety and Christian humanism

Assessment items

1. Short Task

2. Biographical Study

3. Medieval City Study

4. Short Task 2

5. Essay

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the development of the Christian Church from 500 to 1500 CE in both Western and Eastern traditions

analyse and critically evaluate historiographical approaches to the Christian faith across different cultures and ecclesial communities

demonstrate a knowledge of the primary source documents of this period and be able to analyse, interpret, and critically review these documents

critically review and analyse the contribution of historians from a variety of denominational and historical contexts

research and communicate the relevance of historical documents for understanding the historical origins of contemporary churches in Australia and Asia

demonstrate self-guided and collaborative learning, including sound research, writing and communication skills relevant to history as a discipline

Assumed knowledge

Students are recommended to have prior knowledge equivalent to or studied THL131.