Learning objectives
In-depth knowledge of early Christian literature, with particular reference to the treatment of the literary genres and to their evolution.
Course unit content
The course will focus on the analysis of the most prominent literary and theological features of the apocalyptic literary genre, with specific focus on canonical, apocryphal and gnostic texts.
Bibliography
1) M. MARIN, Orientamenti di esegesi biblica dei Padri, in A. Quaquarelli (a cura di), Complementi interdisciplinari di Patrologia, Roma 1989, pp. 273-317;
2) M. SIMONETTI, E. PRINZIVALLI, Storia della letteratura cristiana antica, EDB Editore, Bologna 2010;
3) Una tra le seguenti letture a scelta:
- C. GIANOTTO, E. NORELLI, M. PESCE, L'enigma Gesù. Fonti e metodi della ricerca storica, Roma 2008;
- H. MERKEL, La pluralità dei Vangeli, Torino 1990.
Fot the students of Classics:
1) J. SCHRIJNEN, I caratteri del latino cristiano antico; con un’appendice di Christine MOHRMANN: dopo quarant’anni, ed. it. Pàtron, Bologna 2002;
2) E. NORDEN, Dio Ignoto. Ricerche sulla storia della forma del discorso religioso, ed. it. Morcelliana, Brescia 2002;
3) The student will be given the possibility of choosing 15 chapters, to be read in the original language with commentary, among the works listed below:
- Tertullian, Apologeticum;
- Justin, Apologies.
Teaching methods
The course consists of classroom lectures supplemented by weekly tutorials.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam on the different parts of the program.
Other information
English Seminar: Christianity and syncretism: the Gnostic "menace".