Aims

The student will become acquainted with some centers of the Christian Orient which were of historical, cultural, political and economical importance for the different Christian Communities. The attention is focused on the exchange and interdependancy of the cultural heritage of the Christian Communities in the Near East. The course will give concrete examples of what is taught in a more theoretical manner in the course "Encyclopedy of the Christian Orient".

Main themes

Short introduction in the historical geography of the Chrisitan Communities and their ecclesiastical denominations. Some significant regions and cultural centers will be treated in their historical monastic, literary and political aspects before and after the Islamisation of the Near East. (e.g. Edessa, Jerusalem, Sinai, Antiochia, Constantinople, Cilicia, Damascus, Bagdad, Athos, Egypt, Palestine).

Content and teaching methods

The course will show the Christian Orient in its coherent history and widen the view of the cultural impact of the individual Christian Communities. Attention will be therefore given to some bi- or trilingual regions where several Christian Communities developped their culture in mutual exchange. Some relevant texts will be read in translation.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisitie : the knowledge of oriental languages are not requiered.
Evaluation : oral or written examens on an item treated in the course. The subject of interest can be choosen by the student.
Teaching materials : a bibliography will be given by the Professor.

Other credits in programs