The Christianization of the Roman World, 300-600 C.E.

In the fourth century C.E. the Roman emperors decided to favor Christianity and shortly thereafter to forbid non-Christian activity. The ‘end of paganism’ however did not occur all at once if it ever did. The study of the Christianization of the Roman world is concerned with both the impact of Christian belief and practice on the late antique society and the resistance and/or persistence of the old beliefs and practices.

This seminar will focus on the approaches to the problem of Christianization and on its documentation. Through readings and discussion, we will chart the transformations of the Roman world from 300 to 600 C.E. and try to get a better understanding of what remains one of the most fascinating historical problems of the ancient world.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Presentations and full participation in class discussion [40% of Final Grade]
For each class, a student will give a 20-minute presentation of the readings that will the basis for the discussion.

2. A research paper (10-15 pp.) [60% of Final Grade]
Research paper topics are the responsibility of the seminar members. Breakdown:
5% proposal: a single type-written and double-spaced page (like the introduction to an essay) indicating the aim, scope, and context of your proposed research due October 19
The proposal will be discussed during Office Hours over the following week.
10% in-class presentation (10 minutes) of your work in progress, inviting comments and questions.
45% final written paper due December 8. No paper will be accepted after 4 pm on the due date. 

Attendance policy
Final Grade will be lowered after the second unexcused absence. You will be failed after the fifth unexcused absence.

Academic Integrity
Each student in this course is expected to abide by the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity. Any work submitted by a student in this course for academic credit will be the student’s own work. The Code of Academic Integrity and Acknowledging the Work of Others is found in the Policy Notebook for the Cornell Community and can also be downloaded as a pdf.

REQUIRED READINGS

Detailed reading lists are linked below in the Tentative schedule and will be updated.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Week 1 (8/31 & 9/2): Presentation and Background

Week 2 (9/7 & 9): Constantine and Christianity

Week 3 (9/14 & 16): Anti-Pagan Legislation in the Fourth and Fifth Centuries

Week 4 (9/21 & 23): The Destruction and Christianization of Pagan Temples

Week 5 (9/28 & 30): Aspects of the Christianization of the Aristocracy

Week 6 (10/5 & 7): Tolerance and Intolerance

10/10-12: Fall Break

Week 7 (10/14): Women and Christianization

Week 8 (10/19 & 21): Regional Studies (I)

Week 9 (10/26 & 28): Regional Studies (II)

Week 10 (11/2 & 4): Regional Studies (III)

Week 11 (11/9 & 11): Regional Studies (IV)

Week 12 (11/16 & 18): The Impact of Christianity on Society (I)

Week 13 (11/23 & 25): The Impact of Christianity on Society (II)

Week 14 (11/30 & 12/2): Beyond the Empire

12/5 Last Day of Class

12/6-9 Study Period

12/9 Research paper’s due date