RELS205 - Christianity

Course Code: RELS205 Course ID: 5277 Credit Hours: 3 Level: Undergraduate

An introduction to Christianity as a world religion — with origins, history, beliefs, literature, ritual and practical ethics as points of departure — this course places emphasis on understanding the multiple and complex global interpretations of Christianity as expressed by the great church traditions (including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant denominations, and traditional churches of the Middle East and Africa) and in regional variations worldwide. Students will study key events in the history of Christianity, such as the iconoclasm and the rise of Islam, schism between East and West, Crusades, Reformation, and the role of the Enlightenment with attention paid to key councils, authoritative decisions of historic church leaders, and the writings of some the most influential global Christian voices. For each of the focal points we will consider the historical, geographic and cultural contexts, and listen to the various participants in key debates —winners and losers. Students will have an opportunity to examine Christian influence on art, literature, science, intellectual movements, and politics through the history.