24-08 History of Christianity: The First Five Centuries

Partner dioceses receive discounted courses. This link provides a list of partner dioceses and discount codes to use when registering.

This course aims to introduce students to the richness of the early Christian tradition between the first and fifth centuries. This is not a survey of great theologians, but, rather, an exploration of the social, ritual and doctrinal dimensions of life in the early Christian communities. The course will consider the Church's relationship with the Empire and discuss Christianity's success in the Mediterranean and beyond.

Course Content

Unit 1: Jews and Christians in the Roman Empire

Unit 2: Apostolic Christianity; martyrs

Unit 3: Liturgical life and church order

Unit 4: Persecution and Imperial Christianity

Unit 5: St. Augustine and Monasticism 

Course Format

• Six weeks in duration; first week for orientation.
• Up to 20 students in each course.
• Text based lectures.
• Supplemental readings are provided to encourage further exploration, internet links provided for all readings.
• Written assignments (200-250) required.
• Facilitator-moderated weekly Zoom sessions with participants.

Participation Requirements

• Read the lecture for each unit.
• Read assigned texts; keep notes, questions, and comments for class discussions.
• Answer weekly discussion question. 
• Respond to weekly unit assignment.
• Attend weekly Zoom for each unit. If you cannot attend, you can still meet the participation requirements.
• Complete the course evaluation.

Time Expectations

3 to 5 hours per week, depending on your learning style and schedule.

Course Certificate

An electronic certificate of completion awarding 30 contact hours will be available in course when completing all course requirements.

Area: History