The course addresses an important topic in the history of Late Antiquity and Early Christianity: the theories of legitimacies, namely that of the Empire and the Church, and their struggle over the first six hundred years (from the first century to Justinian).
What were the reasons for the conflict and how did it play out in Late Antiquity? The relation of Christianity to the secular political sphere has been a constant concern for two millennia, starting with a rejection of the legitimacy of the Roman Empire and then accepting the Christian Roman Empire, symbolized by Constantine, the pagan Emperor, who convened the first Ecumenical Synod in Nicaea. What happened before and after the “Christian turn” of the fourth century, when Christianity moved slowly from being a persecuted “sect” to the privileged religion of the Empire? How did it impact the legitimacy of the political order and how did this change affect Christian conceptions of the secular polity?
This ten-day summer school examines the dynamics of the interrelation of the political and the various ecclesiastical theories from the first century until the turning point which arrived with emperor Justinian. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects, which had been often neglected in the accounts of the political history of this period, thus providing the students with new research tools.
It is primarily addressed to MA and PhD students interested in Late Antique political thought and Patristic Studies, since it will take place two years after the Oxford Patristic Conference (19-24 August 2019), the most significant scholarly event of Patristic Studies, organized every four years, but inaccessible to MA and PhD students despite its importance. The source persons are distinguished international scholars working on philosophy, the social and political history of Late Antiquity, Patristic, canon law, liturgy and monasticism.
The course, either on-site or online (in case the COVID-19 pandemic still requires it) would represent a unique opportunity of examining a problem which has always been highly challenging in the following centuries up to the present, in every region where Christianity spread, from a multidimensional perspective.
The summer school will consist of ten days of seminars, workshops and (if the pandemic situation permits) visits to the National History Museum of Budapest and Aquincum or in Pécs to the early Christian cemeteries.
Target group
This summer school addresses MA and PhD students with interest in the emerging field of Political Theology in Late Antiquity. Advanced BA students will also be considered.
Pre-requisites
The course requires minimal knowledge of the political and religious context of Late Antiquity. It is desirable, but not mandatory, that students have intermediate knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek.
Language requirement
The language of instruction is English, thus all applicants have to demonstrate a strong command of spoken and written English to be able to participate actively in discussions at seminars and workshops. Some of the shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a telephone interview.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://summeruniversity.ceu.edu/political-theology-2021/eligibility
