ADVANCE NOTICE - SUMMER 2012

AP/HUMA 4653 6.0 - Advanced Religious Studies
(Mondays/Wednesdays, SU term May through end of July, 7-10pm)

The first half of this seminar-style course examines issues and topics in early Christianity -

• the relationship of Jesus' movement to that of John the Baptist
• the trial and execution of Jesus
• Jesus' disciples and Paul’s relationship to them
• Jesus first followers in Jerusalem under James and Simeon
• The importance of Mary Magdalene
• The emergence of the Church in the 4th century
• Formation of the canon of the New Testament
• Anti-Semitism in the New Testament
• The importance of the creeds
• The role of women within the early Church
• Three forms of early Christianity: the Jesus; Christ; and Gnostic movements

Readings will be selected from: James Tabor, The Jesus Dynasty; Bart Ehrman, Lost Christianities; Barrie Wilson's How Jesus Became Christian; and others.

The second half of the course allows students to pursue a research project in Religious Studies of personal interest. The course director will assist in devising a do-able research project within the confines of the time allotment, suggest bibliography and provide supervision.

Enrollment is restricted. Careful prior preparation is required for each class.

AP/HUMA 3421 3.0
An Introduction to the New Testament and Early Christianity
SU 1 Session (May to mid June), Tuesdays/Thursdays 7-10p.m.

An introduction to early Christianity through selected New Testament and related writings. Topics include:

• The Jewish messianic expectation
• Jesus’ core message
• Gospels: canonical and otherwise
• Paul ‘s letters
• Three forms of early Christianity
• Key issues in early Christianity
• Early Christian writings not included in the New Testament
• Gnostic Christian writings
• Role of the Roman emperors

Barrie lecturing to York University students at Qumran, headquarters of the Dead Sea Scroll community.