RS 339A: Celtic Christianity
Syllabus- Fall 2003
MW 1:00-2:15pm
SE 207
| Instructor: | Dr. Raymond A. Patterson | |
| Office: | JE 148 | |
| Phone: | ex. 2427 | |
| E-mail: | rpatterson@smcvt.edu | |
| Web Page: | http://academics.smcvt.edu/rpatterson | |
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Office Hours: |
M |
4-5 pm |
Course Description
RS 339: Celtic Christianity is a study of a unique period in the history of the development of Christianity. As Christianity encountered Celtic culture in lands isolated on the edge of Western Europe, a variety of distinctive Christian teachings and practices emerged, some that would have lasting influence on the course of Christian history and continue to have appeal to Christians today. To study the distinctive elements of this "Celtic Christianity," the course will survey a variety of primary sources produced between 400 and 1200 C.E., primarily in Ireland, that includes the literature, both sacred and secular, as well as the art and architecture of the period. The course, then, is divided into major three segments:
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1) |
An overview of the introduction of Christianity into Celtic lands, including Patrick’s mission, as well as the subsequent "Golden Age" of monastic expansion in Ireland |
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2) |
An examination of Celtic Christian culture and spiritual reform movements in the period before the Viking invasions |
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3) |
A consideration of further developments in the Irish Church in the period between the Viking invasions and the coming of the Normans in the Twelfth century |
Required Texts:
The text for the class, available at the bookstore, is:
Davies, Oliver, trans. and ed. Celtic Spirituality. New York: Paulist Press, 1999.
Other readings will be made available on Reserve. Students should search the library catalog for the reserve readings, which are organized by the title of the articles listed under my name or the course number. Select the title to see the folder number of the article. Please do not mark the Reserve readings when taking notes.
Class Requirements:
Regular attendance is expected of all students. If a student is unable to attend class, he or she should notify the instructor. More than one absence without the instructor’s permission will negatively impact the final grade. Frequent absences will result in a failing grade.
Students should be on time for class. Arriving late or leaving during the class period can be disruptive for the instructor and other members of the class. Excessive tardiness will be reflected in a lower grade for class attendance.
A student who fails to show up for an exam will receive a zero. A make–up exam will only be given for a student experiencing a serious family emergency or illness, verified by the Dean’s office.
Students will be evaluated on the following course work:
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Mid-term Exam |
25% |
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Term Paper Project (10-15 pages) |
40% |
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Final Exam |
25% |
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Presentation/Class Participation/Attendance |
10% |
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to adhere to the Academic Integrity Policy established by St. Michael’s College and distributed to all students. Plagiarism of any kind will result in a failing grade and could result in dismissal from Saint Michael’s College.
Class Schedule
(The instructor reserves the right to change the schedule. Students will be notified in class of any changes.)
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September 1 |
Class Requirements Introduction-Is there a Celtic Christianity?
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400-700: Missions and Foundations |
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| September 3 |
Celtic Culture
Green,
“Celtic Religion,” 129-143.
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September 8 |
Pre-Christian Ireland Selections from the Mythological and Ulster Cycles,
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September 10 |
Continental Christianity in the Fifth Century Selections from the Life of Anthony, 8-19, 36-41, 64-69 Map: Barbarian Invasions
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September 15 |
Patrick’s Mission Declaration (Confessio) and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus, in Celtic Spirituality, 67-89.
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September 17 |
Irish Society in the Sixth and Seventh Century Kelly, Guide to Early Irish Law, 1-15, 125-157.
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September 22 |
Irish Church in the Sixth and Seventh Century Cambrai Homily, in Celtic Spirituality,
369-370.
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September 24 |
Patrick and Armagh Muirchú’s Life of Patrick, in Celtic Spirituality, 91-117. Tírechán’s Account of St. Patrick’s Journey, 154-174.
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September 29 |
Brigit and Kildare Cogitosus’ Life of Brigit, in Celtic Spirituality, 122-139.
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October 1 |
No Class! |
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October 6 |
Columba and Iona Selections from Adomnán’s Life of Columba
(on reserve-
PAT FO 79)
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October 8 |
Bede's Britain and the Council of Whitby Selections from Bede’s Ecclesiastical History (on reserve- PAT FO 80) |
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October 13 |
Columbus Day Holiday
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October 15 |
Mid-Term Exam
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October 20 |
Penitentials "Penitentials of Gildas and Cummean," in Celtic
Spirituality, 227-245. |
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October 22 |
Célí Dé Reform Selections from the Rule of Tallaght,
Monastery of Tallaght |
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October 27 |
Liturgy Selections from Stowe Missal and Martyrology of Oengus |
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October 29 |
Art I: Illuminated manuscripts and reliquaries TBA |
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November 5 |
Art II: Celtic Crosses and Architecture TBA |
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November 7 |
Poetry |
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November 10 |
Viking invasions TBA |
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November 12 |
Hagiography revisited Selections from Vita Tripartita and Irish Life of Brigit
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November 17 |
Irish Apocrypha Evernew Tongue, in Celtic Spirituality, 321-327.
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November 19 |
Vision literature Vision of Adomnan, in Celtic Spirituality, 330-340.
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November 24 |
AAR Convention
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| November 26 |
Thanksgiving Holiday
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December 1 |
Voyage Literature Voyage of Brendan, in Celtic Spirituality, 155-190.
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December 3 |
Satire
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December 8 |
Twelfth Century Ireland Selections from Bernard of Clairvaux and Gerald of Wales
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December 10 |
Coming of the Normans Life of Declan
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December 19 |
Final Exam 9-11:30 am
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