Historical

TL;DR: The course surveys the history of Islamic, Christian, and Byzantine cultures through various historical and artistic expressions. It explores themes of ministry, theology, mission, and social impact.

Abstract: reflection on the lives of particular African Christian women and explore questions related to ministry, theology, mission, and social impact. Area III and Area V. Course cr REL 747b, This course surveys the history of Islamic cultures through their rich material expressions beginning from the time of the Prophet Muhammed in the seventh century to the present and extending across the Mediterranean from Spain to Syria. The course aims to familiarize students with the major periods, regions, monuments, and media of the Islamic cultures around the Mediterranean; and with basic principles of Islam as they pertain to the visual arts, and in particular their interactions with the Christian world. We discuss architecture (mosques, madrasas, mausolea, etc.) as well as works of art in various media (calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, etc.) within both the Islamic and the larger, universal, and cross-cultural contexts. Area III and Area V. 3 Course cr REL 749a, Global Catholicism Erika Helgen examines the of the Catholic paying close attention to how diverse actors, cultures, and events both shaped and were shaped by Catholic institutions and lived expressions of Catholic III and Area V. 3 Course cr investigates Byzantine monasticism in The to familiarize students with the foundational texts inquire into of saints as both constructs and historical sources; analyze foundation documents that regulated liturgical and everyday life in Byzantine monasteries; explore the architecture of and artistic production in Byzantine and ways and which REL 714, or REL 715, or relevant background from previous studies; or the This seminar aims to introduce students to the literary, historical, and theological tradition of Syriac Christianity and the developing field of Syriac Christian studies. In this vein, students encounter a number of the tradition’s key authors; learn to locate the tradition’s development in the context of different imperial cultures and religious interlocutors, including Judaism and Islam; and explore topics at the vanguard of current scholarship, including distinctive approaches to asceticism, ritual, and historiography. In addition to weekly meetings, the seminar requires attendance at three special sessions: a visit to the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library and its considerable Syriac manuscript holdings; a visit to the Yale Art Gallery and its collection of relevant artifacts and coins; and an introduction to the use of digital humanities in Syriac studies through the Yale Digital Dura-Europos Archive (YDEA). Area III and Area Prerequisites: one of REL 713, and a in theology; or background from previous studies; the Christian traces the development and performance of biblical, hagiographic, and allegorical theater aimed at communicating the Gospel and orthodox doctrine during the Middle Ages in Western Europe. Students read dramatic texts spanning the tenth to sixteenth century, supplemented by secondary sources on the cultural, social, and theological aspects of medieval drama. Students examine the development and scope of medieval Christian theater from a literary and historiographic perspective; learn about the role of ritual, theology, and devotional practice in premodern Western theater; and explore the theological principles behind dramatic representations of Christian doctrine and scripture. Area III and Area V. REL Aquinas and Leppin scholars a closer examination of reveals diversity of theological approaches. we two extraordinary possibilities most theological problems, latter able to grasp faith. Together, we closely read texts both seeking to explore their presuppositions, arguments, and conflicts. This approach both helps us to understand a world and presents challenges for our contemporary thought. Prerequisites: one of REL 712, REL 714, or 715, in theology; background previous studies;