Aims

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:
- situate (geographically and chronologically) the main Fathers of the Church and their works;
- emphasise the theological content of selected patristic texts;
- use the basic tools for the field.

Main themes

The life and works of the main Church Fathers are studied, and patristic texts (in Greek and Latin) of interest for theological reflection are read. A practical initiation is given to the tools: encyclopaedia, handbooks, atlas and clavis.

Content and teaching methods

The main figures and most representative Opera of the patristic period are chronologically presented. The texts of the 2 first centuries are examined acoording to the literary genres, with special attention on the apocryphal writings. From the 3rd century on, a whole chapter is devoted to each important author, his life, his works, his thought... Important extracts of patristic writings are given in translation, according to a reading and exercices programme.

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

Prerequisite : useful, but not essential: Introduction to the history - module "Panorama of history of the Church - THEO 1130 A".

Other credits in programs