"Converting" the Mediterranean World:
From Classical to Christian Civilization

History Senior Seminar Conference
The University of Florida
April 7-21, 2010

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

April 7

Session 1: Evolution of Orthodox Doctrines & Ideas

        “Rescuing the Church:  Cyprian on Salvation, Baptism, and the Lapsed” (Graham Wigle)
       
        “Conceptualizing the Afterlife in Early Christianity: How Fiction Became Doctrine” (Danielle Poidevin)

        “Hardening the Doctrinal Barrier Against Hermeticism: The Role of Augustine” (Shannon Liston)

           "Hear Ye Hear Ye, By Decree of the Ecumenical Council: Councils, Controversies and Christian Doctrine"
                (Cameron Kellermann)


Session 2:  Pagans, Chrisitians, Barbarians

        "Elite Communication: East and West" (Allison Hopkins)

        “Christianity and Roman Decline” (Kassim Bhamani)

        "Attila the Hun:  Barbarian Savior (Steven Alford)


April 14

Session 3:  A Woman's Touch: Proselytizers, Prostitutes, and Poetic Portrayals in Early Christianity

        “The Role of Women as Agents of Christianization” (Megan Kelberman)

        "Virgins versus Church Fathers: How Independent Women Defied Tradition" (Allison Gilde)

        "Sins of the Flesh: Sexuality and the Emerging Christian Identity" (JamieLynn Bucci)

        “Portraying Women & the Feminine: The Poetry of Prudentius” (Michele Epple)


Session 4:  The Urban Setting: “Converting” Cities

        “Alexandria: A Conversion of the Populace” (Tyler Davidson)

        “Deconstruction and Construction: Conversion through Buildings” (Alan Alvarez)

April 21

Session 5:  Imperial March to Conversion

        “Changes of Heart and Faith: Constantine and Julian” (Ryan Hinckley)

        “Hellenistic Holy War: Julian’s Invasion of Persia” (Matt Chambers)

        “Conversion or Coercion? Constantine and Clovis on Christianization” (Matt Yozgatlioglu)


Session 6:  Law and Disorder: The Christianization of Institutions

        “The Two-Faced Bible? How Christians Supported Intolerance” (David Placke)

        “Christianizing the Family: Marriage Law in Late Antiquity” (Ashley Adams)

        "The Theodosian Code: Defining Christianity in the Context of the Roman Empire" (Valerie Rymar)