Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject A: Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World
School	History and Cultures
Department	Classics, AH and Archaeology
Module Code	09 37452
Module Lead	Dr Philip Burton
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Special Subject B: Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World - (09 37453)
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module and its co-requisite (Special Subject B: Christianity in the Graeco-Roman World) will allow students to engage in in-depth research and study on a topic in Classics, Byzantine Studies, Egyptology, Ancient History, or Archaeology. Working in a small group format under the guidance of the module co-ordinator, students will engage with key primary material and with research findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies associated with the module topic. The module will help students to develop and exercise advanced research skills and to learn through critique and discussion, as well as to acquire knowledge and expertise in their chosen topic. This module examines the growth of Christianity from its origins in Second Temple/Hellenistic Judaism to its establishment as the official religion of the late Roman/early Byzantine Empire. We shall be approaching this from a range of historical and cultural perspectives, and seeking to identify where Christian belief and practice overlaps with wider currents in the high Roman Empire (for example, in its attitudes towards demons and towards the human body) and areas in which it is more distinctive (crucially, in beliefs about Jesus, but also in institutions such as monasticism and pilgrimage). Topics covered may include the formation of the New Testament as a canonical body of texts, the rise of bishops as power-players in the Mediterranean world, the spread of Christian art and architecture, particularly of the Christian basilicas, and the relationship between Christianity and other systems of philosophical or religious belief. The chronological focus of this course runs from the first to the fifth centuries AD, with occasional reference to earlier or later sources.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: analyse and appraise key findings, interpretative approaches, and methodologies relevant to the material under discussion analyse and evaluate a wide range of relevant primary source material critically evaluate the scholarly context and trends of the subject under exploration summarise and evaluate the subject material with clarity and confidence, in writing and in oral presentation
Assessment	37452-01 : 2500 Word Esssay : Coursework (50%) 37452-02 : 15 Minute Presentation : Presentation (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 1 x 2,000-word essay (50%) and 1 x 10-minute individual presentations (50%) Reassessment: Resubmission of failed component(s)
Other
Reading List