HIST6216 Religion and Society in the Roman Empire

Offered By	School of History
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	History
Offered in	HIST6216 will not be offered in 2011
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	The Roman Empire saw the gradual replacement of local Mediterranean religions with the 'universal' religion of Christianity. Traditionally this development has been understood in theological terms, but in this unit it will be considered from historical, anthropological and social points of view. The course will begin with a brief survey of the political and social world of the Roman Empire. It will then examine: the traditional and official religion of the Empire; quasi-religious philosophical movements in the Empire; the development of 'mystery religions'; and the expansion of Christianity in the Empire down to Constantine. For each of these forms of religion the social clientele, and the social effects of religious belief, will be studied. Particular attention will be given to literary, archaeological and inscriptional sources.
Indicative Assessment	A research essay of 3,500 words (50%), two tutorial papers of 1,500 words (25% each).
Workload	22 lectures and 11 tutorials (each of one hour). Lectures will be taped and also made available online via Digital Lecture Delivery.
Course Classification(s)	TransitionalTransitional courses are designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds and learning achievements, which provide for the acquisition of generic skills; or an informed understanding of contemporary issues; or fundamental knowledge for transition to Advanced or Specialist courses.
Areas of Interest	History
Preliminary Reading	The New Testament. Stevenson, J.A., The New Eusebius, SPCK pb.
Academic Contact	To be advised.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2011 website applies to the 2011 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2010 website.