History of Eastern Christianities

The course aims to provide a general overview of the history of Eastern Christianities, particularly in the Egyptian, Syro-Palestinian, and Armenian regions in antiquity and late antiquity. By examining various historiographical approaches and their engagement with primary sources, the course provides essential analytical tools for interpreting the key religious dynamics that shaped the formation and consolidation of Eastern Christian churches in their early phases.

By the conclusion of the course, students will have acquired a comprehensive framework for the critical study of the history of Eastern Christianities from antiquity to late antiquity. Particular emphasis will be placed on the doctrinal conflicts between orthodox traditions and those classified as heretical, as well as on the principal forms of religious experience, including urban and non-urban expressions and ascetic-monastic traditions. The course will engage with historical and historiographical inquiry through the examination of literary, documentary, and archaeological sources. This methodological approach will enable students to cultivate and refine their ability to critically analyze key events and religious phenomena that shaped the early development and consolidation of Eastern Christian traditions.
These competencies will be developed through sustained interaction with the instructor in the classroom, with a focus on the critical evaluation of assigned texts for independent study, participation in seminar discussions, and engagement with specialized readings for in-depth exploration of specific themes. Non-attending students will have access to instructional materials made available on Ariel, deepen their understanding of central topics through readings agreed upon with the instructor, and seek further clarification and discussion during office hours.