Traces the development, transmission, and translation of the Bible from early attempts to develop the canon to the construction of current English Bibles. Discusses figures that have helped shape the text, important translations, manuscript illuminations, and text-critical methodology.
This course takes a historical approach to writings produced in the second generation of the Jesus movements, including the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John. The course begins with a discussion of the first-century Palestinian context for traditions about Jesus before turning to the ways Jesus was portrayed in the earliest narratives about him. […]
This course explores the literary, social and cultural context of the apostle Paul and the recipients of his letters while also considering the legacies of Paul after his death. The course begins with a study of Paul's own writings (seven letters written ca. 50-60 CE to Christian communities throughout the Mediterranean world), through early biographical […]
Examines the history of the idea of Italy by studying the role of media in the evolution of Italian cultural and national identity from the Renaissance to the present. Course credit exclusions: AP/HUMA 3612 6.00, AP/IT 4775 6.00.
A study of the production of ideas of criminality in Western thought since 1850 to the present, within the context of the social, cultural, political economic and legal history of the modern age. Course credit exclusion: AP/HUMA 3210 6.00.
This course examines Greek myths of gods and heroes in their social, religious and historical contexts through close reading of primary texts and visual representations and through analysis of modern comparative, psychoanalytical and structuralist theories.
Examines Greek and Roman religious beliefs and practices from an interdisciplinary perspective. Special attention is given to four major approaches to the divine (ritual, myth, art and philosophy) and their integration with other aspects of society and culture.
A survey of ancient Greek drama in translation. The plays will be looked at mainly in terms of structure, of religious thought, and of political expression.
A study of concepts of tragedy and tragic themes in literature from antiquity to the present viewed in their cultural and historical contexts as well as in relation to their contemporary relevance. Readings by authors such as Aeschylus, Shakespeare, Ibsen, Chekhov, Pirandello, Brecht. Course credit exclusion: AP/EN 4142 6.00.
Students will do supervised reading and writing in one or two selected areas. Students wishing to enrol should contact the Department of Humanities.