Andrea Sterk
Department of History, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
History of Christianity I: Martyrs, Monks, Crusaders
This interdisciplinary course surveys the history of world Christianity from its origins as a persecuted minority religion of the Roman Empire to its position of dominance in medieval Europe and Byzantium and its continued minority status under Muslim and Mongol rule. We study not only the emerging western Christian tradition but Asian, African, and East European traditions as well reflecting the wide geographical and cultural scope of ancient and medieval Christianity. We will pay special attention to unity and diversity in the Christian movement; the relation between religion and world empire; "losers" as well as "winners" in theological debates; diaspora religious communities; Christian encounters with pagans, Jews, Muslims, and Buddhists; women’s roles; and expressions of spirituality that flourished in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
While the primary objective is to gain a critical, analytical approach to religious history, a focus on Christianity as a global phenomenon is also intended to increase understanding and critical thinking about contemporary world events and developments: e.g., martyrdom, Christian-Muslim relations, the role of religion in global politics and economics, and ongoing ethnic and religious tensions.
In fall 2008 this class will be taught as a large lecture course with weekly discussion sections. With the help of this award, two qualified graduate students will work with me to develop an extensive class website linked to primary sources, images, and maps and a database of articles on ancient and medieval Christianity in the non-western world. This website will greatly enhance the integration of global themes and will facilitate undergraduate as well as graduate research on pre-modern world Christianity.