Cultures and Religions

Problems concerning the Christian apocryphal literature, its definition towards the biblical canon and its development during the first centuries of the Christian era; more detailed study of some texts such as the Apocalypse of Paul

Knowledge of the Latin and/or Greek languages is recommended but not required. Texts will be studied in translation.

Two texts to prepare (both attending and non-attending students): 1) Reading of ancient apocryphal texts in translation: lone of the four volumes, of your choice, published by M. Erbetta, Gli apocrifi del Nuovo Testamento, vol. I/1. Vangeli; vol. I/2. Vangeli; vol. II. Atti e leggende, vol. III. Lettere e apocalissi, Marietti, Casale Monferrato (AL) 1966-1981 2A) The second text, for those who have NOT attended a course in Ancient Christian Literature or the History of Ancient Christianity during their undergraduate studies, is the following textbook: C. Moreschini - E. Norelli, Storia della letteratura cristiana antica greca e latina, vol. I. Da Paolo all'età costantiniana, Morcelliana, Brescia 2019 (N.B., those taking the two-year exam will prepare a selection from volumes II.-III. Dal concilio di Nicea al Medioevo, ibid., 2020-2021; in this case, they will have to agree with the professor which parts of the textbooks to prepare) 2B) The second text, for those who have already taken one of the above-mentioned courses in their three-year program, is the following monograph: Bart D. Ehrman, I Cristianesimi perduti. Apocrifi, sette ed eretici nella battaglia per le Sacre Scritture, Carocci, Roma 2005 (also available in English).

Traditional

Analysis of some chosen texts in their literary and historical context

Traditional