HISTORY OF CRHISTIANITY III

Course objectives

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the methodological, critical and applicable aspects of the Discipline; it proposes geographical areas and sectorial perspectives in which related projects are activated; it shows the variability of fields of interest; it enables the student to master the specific topics in order to use them and apply them in other fields of study while using the correct specific language. With the acquired knowledge the student will be able to develop autonomous ability of connections with other disciplines in the various historical epochs and cultural contexts.

Channel 1
ELENA ZOCCA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Reflections on peace (and war) in early Christianity and in the statements of the last three popes. The relationship between Christianity peace, war, and militia has been studied for a long time, and many opinions have been confronted without reaching any final agreement. There are two main reasons for this difficulty: on the one hand, a certain vagueness of the sources; on the other hand, the strong emotional impact of the theme on researchers, involving both confessional motives and historical contingencies, the latter sometimes dramatically felt. However, by carefully reviewing the ancient testimonies, it is possible to see that the answer given by the Christians to the problem, was not as monolithic as one might think. Indeed, the sources allow us to discern a wide range of responses, some of which anticipate and prepare for not only the changes of the fourth century, but also the views of the last three popes.
Prerequisites
Good language skills, the ability to understand written texts, and critical comparison with sources are required, as well as general knowledge of the indicated historical-religious context.
Books
- Lecture slides (available at the end of the course on Classroom) - E. Zocca, Militari cristiani e pace imperiale in età precostantiniana, «Studi e materiali di storia delle religioni» 73,2 (2007), pp 305-319 (available at the end of the course on Classroom) - E. Zocca, Tornando sui santi militari. Riflessioni sull'origine di un modello agiografico (occidente latino), in Simul conversari ad amicum. Convegno in memoria di Alba Maria Orselli. Ravenna, 8-9 giugno 2023, Spoleto, CISAM, 2024, pp. 75-113 (available at the end of the course on Classroom) - M-F. Berrouard, Bellum, Augustinus-Lexikon online DOI: https://doi.org/10.24894/AL.Bellum - M. Atkins, Pax, Augustinus-Lexikon online DOI: https://doi.org/10.24894/AL.Pax
Frequency
Attendance is highly recommended but not mandatory.
Exam mode
The assessment of the student's performance will take into account the clarity of presentation, accuracy and relevance of content, and correctness of expression. The oral examination is intended to ascertain whether the expected skills have been trained to the level required by the learning outcomes and whether the bibliography indicated has been adequately studied and understood
Lesson mode
Lectures, workshops, seminars, visits
  • Lesson code1041836
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseHistory, Anthropology, Religions
  • CurriculumStorico-religioso
  • Year3rd year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDM-STO/07
  • CFU6