Course Description:
This j-term will be held in the city of Rome and environs. Participants will study the emergence of the Christian movement through reading primary and secondary texts, the study of imperial and early Christian buildings and artwork, and lectures with PLU and on-site instructors. Students will examine the Roman imperial social context, the entrance of Christians into the city through Jewish communities, the establishment of house churches and Christian community centers, and the emergence of western monasticism.
Features included visits to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with Michaelangelo's paintings; day trips to the ancient roman town at Ostia by the sea and the monastic community at Subiaco. Optional day trip to the medieval hill town of Assisi, home of Francis and Clare, and the basilica that holds Giotto's gorgeous frescoes of the life of Christ and St. Francis.
Course Objectives:
Identify and analyze imperial, Jewish, and early Christian sites.
Study and analyze texts concerning early Christian food distribution systems.
Demonstrate relationships between ancient Christian and modern secular global hunger strategies.
Course Credit:
RELI 220 Early Christianity (4 credits): Department Credit or GUR
Program Fee:
$4,425. Includes airfare, lodging, program related transportation, entrance fees.
Application Deadline:
April 18, 2008. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required with the application. A $250 non-refundable program payment to confirm participation in the course is due within 10 days of notification of acceptance. Maximum 16 students.
Faculty Leader:
Dr. Samuel Torvend, Associate Professor of Religion
253-535-8106 or torvensa@plu.edu