Course Catalogue

Studies in Early Church History and Theology Non Honours TRS3037

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Critical Studies
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 3 (SCQF level 9)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will explore the development of the Christian church and its theology from the Apostolic Fathers through the patristic period. Attention will focus on the definition of orthodoxy, the development of church order, the role of women, and the socio-political context of Christian development.

Timetable

1x2hr seminar per week over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

 

This is one of the Level 3 options in TRS and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Grade D3 or above in any TRS level 2 course or at the discretion of the Head of Theology and Religious Studies.

Excluded Courses

TRS3002 Early Church History Level 3 

TRS4004 Studies in Early Church and Patristics

TRS4102 Studies in Early Church History and Theology

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Essay (2,500 words) - 55%

■ Presentation of 7 minutes accompanied by a one-page A4 handout - 20%

■ Source criticism exercise (1,000 words) - 25%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the essay or exercise, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Recorded presentation as alternative to presentation.

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ explore the development of Christian theology and the church in its earliest centuries;

■ engage critically with primary sources which offer evidence of this development;

■ deepen understanding of the political, religious, and cultural world of Late Antiquity;

■ develop awareness of a range of historiographical interpretations of this period.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ present an account of the development of Christianity and the reasons for that development;

■ analyse a range of primary sources;

■ compare and contrast different historiographical approaches;

■ present complex arguments in written and oral form.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions