EUH 4930: Senior Seminar
Spring Semester, 2010
(Wednesday, periods 6-8; Flint 113)

“Converting” the Mediterranean World: From Classical to Christian Civilization

           
 
Professor:  Andrea Sterk Phone:  (o) 273-3383; (h) 264-7717, before 10:00 pm please
Office:  220 Flint Hall; hours: T, 12:00-3:00; W, 4:00-5:00 E-mail:  sterk@ufl.edu

Course Description:
        This seminar will examine the religious and cultural history of the Mediterranean world in late antiquity (from around 150 to 600) focusing on questions of conversion and Christianization that have remained a subject of lively debate among historians.  How did early Christianity relate to Judaism and Greco-Roman paganism?  Why were Christians persecuted?  How did Christianity become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire?  What did "conversion" mean for men and women of different classes, both before and after the conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine?  Did paganism completely disappear or did it survive in altered forms?  How did “Christianization” affect law, society, and the state as the classical world evolved into the civilizations of early medieval Europe and Byzantium?  These are some of the questions we will consider as we examine varieties of religious experience, patterns of religious conflict, and examples of cultural continuity and change in late antiquity.
        This class will also introduce students to serious historical research in both primary and secondary sources involving two shorter writing assignments as well as active participation in discussions.  The seminar will culminate in a class presentation and substantial research paper (15-20 pages) on a topic of the student’s choice.
 
REQUIRED & RECOMMENDED BOOKS 
 SCHEDULE OF READINGS
REQUIREMENTS, POLICIES, GRADING
 
ASSIGNMENTS
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
BIBLIOGRAPHY

WRITING WORKSHOP
RESEARCH GROUP & PANEL PRESENTATION
RESEARCH PAPER
Other Helpful Links:

Smathers Library Resources for this Seminar

Maps

On-line Encylopedia of Roman Emperors

Internet Ancient History Sourcebook

Internet Medieval Sourcebook