University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 20

ECTS credits : 10

Level : SCQF level 8

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 2.00 pm Mon, Tue, Thu

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.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 3 lectures and 1 tutorial.

Scheduled learning hours: 43

Guided independent study hours: 157

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 2-hour Written Examination = 50%, Coursework = 50%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 50%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 50%

Re-assessment: 3-hour Written Examination = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr W P Hyland
Module teaching staff: Dr W Hyland and Dr O Langworthy
Module coordinator email wph3@st-andrews.ac.uk

Intended learning outcomes

• Intended learning Outcomes: By the end of the module, students will be able to: • have a sound grasp of the essential terminology and conceptual categories classically used to describe the patristic and medieval Church. • have a firm idea of the development of doctrines, institutions and religious life in the Church in the patristic and medieval period. • have the critical ability to assess key aspects of patristic and medieval Christianity as presented in the scholarly literature. • have an appreciation of the varieties of genre used to express early theology and spirituality, and an understanding of various types of primary sources.