The World of Orthodox Sainthood
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC3160 | Modern Languages and Cultures | 3 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- MLAC3160
- School
- Modern Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This module focuses on the cult of saints in the Orthodox Christian world from New Testament times until the high middle ages. Through study of written and artistic sources, students will become familiar with the various types of saints and how they were venerated. The module will devote approximately equal amounts of time to cultures of sainthood in Byzantium and the Orthodox Slavonic world (Bulgaria, Serbia and Rus/Muscovy).
Target Students
Available for students in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures; available for students in the Arts Faculty. Available for Exchange students.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
- One 1-hour lecture each week for 12 weeks
The module will consist of a weekly lecture (1h per week) and weekly seminar (2h per week). The School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies operates an attendance policy. The details of this policy can be found in the student handbook on Workspace and in module handbooks.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Presentation - 8-10 minutes
- 25% Coursework 2: Online test - 1 hour
- 50% Coursework 3: Final essay - 2,500 words
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
Students will gain an understanding of the growth and development of the cult of saints in the Eastern Christian world in the context of the history and culture of late antiquity and the middle ages. In particular, students will learn to interpret original written sources and icons and will master the basic tools and skills for conducting research in the field.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
Knowledge of the religious, political and cultural history of the Byzantine Empire and the medieval Orthodox Slavs (A3)
Knowledge of the principles of close analysis of literary texts (A4)
Knowledge of the principles of close analysis of religious icons (A4)
Intellectual skills:
Ability critically to analyse a variety of texts and visual sources (B1)
Ability to engage with secondary scholarship on literary texts (B2)
Engaging in independent study and research (B4)
Forming well-researched and critically engaged interpretations of texts and visual sources (B5, B6)
Participating in exchanges of ideas with others (B7)
Professional and transferable skills:
Understanding complex ideas expressed in English and/or Russian (C6, C7)
Presenting work in conformity with academic conventions (C8)
Effective communication of ideas, both orally and in writing (D1)
Gathering, processing, and critically evaluating material from a variety of sources and across different media (D2)
Working independently (D4)
Working as part of a team (D5)
Effective use of IT as a means of communication and learning (D8).