Course content

This introduction aims at providing orientational knowledge of historical and contemporary forms of Christianity from a religious studies perspective. Proceeding from the wider religious landscape in which Christianity emerged and further developed, we will study the changing social and cultural contexts that shaped and re-shaped Christian self-understandings, theologies, and ethics. Our focus lies on changing Christian practices and beliefs throughout European history; on the relation between doctrine and faith; and on the various and manifold interpretations of Christianity in institutional contexts and popular cultures around the globe.

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills):

Knowledge

• contextualize Christianity by demonstrating orientational knowledge of its origins and historical developments
• identify different forms of Christian practice
• demonstrate basic knowledge of the distribution of Christianity and reflect on its regional and cultural variations
• locate Christianity in the wider (European) history of religions by identifying the cultural context of selected sources documenting practices, beliefs, and institutions
• contrast the ideal of Christian unity with the empirical plurality of Christianities

Skills

• differentiate between a theological and a religious studies approach to Christianity
• apply critical reading strategies to historical and contemporary sources
• convey academic knowledge about past and present Christianity in different medial formats to a general audience

Learning methods and activities

The instruction consists of lectures and seminars, and it includes digital components.

In order to sit the exam students must get two assignments approved (a video submission and a script). For more information on the obligatory activity, see Blackboard. The obligatory activity can only be approved in the semester when the course is taught, but is valid in this and the subsequent term.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved obligatory activity

Required previous knowledge

None.

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.

Credit reductions