TRS 363R:
Christology in the City of Rome
The Catholic University of America – Rome Program
Summer, 2014
Dr. William C. Mattison III,
Course Description
The past two thousand years of Roman history is marked by Christianity. Indeed, for much of this time, and still today for Roman Catholics, Rome was and is the premier Christian city, rivaling the Holy Land as a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and encounter with Jesus Christ. The course will study this aspect of Rome by examining the Christian understanding of Jesus, his life, death, resurrection, his continued presence in the Church, and his influence on Christians throughout time. It will use the places, the architecture, and the art of Rome to illustrate and deepen the reading of classic texts in Christology. Through this course, students will come to a critical understanding of the Christian belief in Jesus as the Christ and Son of God and how this belief is manifest throughout ages in texts, images, and architecture.
General Course Goals
The course will introduce the student to the understanding of Jesus Christ in the Christian tradition, particularly as understood by Roman Catholics. Instructional methods include: reading of primary texts, class lectures, class discussion, site visits, written assignments, and exams.
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
-Articulate major christological themes in each of the four canonical gospels and Paul’s
epistles.
-Use theological sources as well as Scripture to provide an account of the Incarnation
-Use theological sources as well as Scripture to provide an account of salvation and
atonement
-Use theological sources as well as Scripture to articulate significant Christian beliefs
about Resurrection and eschatology
-provide an account of the historical events and theological arguments leading up to the
Council of Nicea
-provide an account of the historical events and theological arguments leading up to the
Council of Chalcedon
-articulate the relationship between Christology and discipleship using primary texts
-in all of the above, articulate how the artistic and architectural resources in Rome are
illuminated by and in turn help illuminate the theological topics addressed in this course
Course Requirements
Preparation and Participation
1. Class attendance is mandatory. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences. Each student is allowed two sessions of unpenalized absence, a session being an entire am in class or pm at a site visit. After that the student’s grade is lowered a grade and a half per absence. If there is a serious illness or crisis, speak to me about it immediately.
2. Class participation is expected. Participation means being prepared for each session by having read and engaged the assignment, and responding to and asking questions. Bring the assigned readings to class! Questions and discussions are essential parts of the course - granting sincerity and preparation, there are no stupid questions or unwelcome viewpoints.
Examination
1. Students take two quizzes.
2. Students take a final exam on the second to last day of class.
Writing Assignments
1. The goal of the course’s written assessment is a 6-7 page paper, due the last day of class, that uses Scripture and primary texts to address some important topic in Christology, and uses some artistic resources to show how theological analysis helps inform understanding of the piece of art, and the art in turn helps further illuminate theological inquiry. This paper is a research paper, and an analysis – not a personal reflection. It should be clearly organized and have a specific defensible thesis that is argued cogently. It should use footnotes to cite Scripture and theological texts, as well as resources on the piece of art under examination. Students will deliver a 15 minute graded presentation on the final paper on the last day of class.
2. To prepare for their final paper, students do two shorter papers (3-4 pages) of the same genre.
Students with particular learning needs are more than encouraged to speak with the professor about their situation, well in advance of the relevant assignment.
Academic Integrity
It should go without saying, but unfortunately it must be said, that all work submitted in this class must be your own. This is obviously the case for tests and quizzes. As for papers, it is wise to get help from others in study groups, at the writing center, or from knowledgeable persons on a topic. But all writing must be your own, and you should cite ideas of others when they are not your own. Papers will all be submitted through turnitin.com. If you are unsure about whether or not something counts as plagiarism, find out before you submit it! (I’ll be glad to help.) Students are bound by recent University policy (and more importantly their own consciences) as to academic honesty and integrity: see http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad//integrity.cfm
Grading
A: 95% C+: 78%
Shorter paper: 20% A-: 92% C: 75%
Final Paper (w/presentation): 30% B+: 88% C-: 72%
Quizzes: 10% each (20%) B: 85% D: 65%
Final Exam: 30% B-: 82% F: below 65%
Class Texts
Required Texts
1. Catholic Study Bible
2. Athanasius, On the Incarnation
3. Numerous Blackboard articles – these should be printed in advance of the trip
4. Saint Bonaventure, The Life of St. Francis of Assisi, trans. Ewert Cousins (New York: Harper Collins, 2005), ISBN 978-0060576523
Course Outline and Schedule of Assignments
Tuesday, May 20 Christology and “The Big Picture”
1. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity selections
2. Catechism of the Catholic Church, selections on the Incarnation
Outing: St. Peter’s and the Scavi
Wednesday, May 21 Matthew’s Gospel - Jesus and the Old Testament
1. Selections from Mathew’s gospel
2. NT Wright on Matthew
Papal audience (8 am - 1 pm: class is 2-5 pm)
Thursday, May 22 Luke’s Gospel - Jesus the Compassion of God
1. Selections from Luke’s gospel
2. NT Wright on Luke
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Friday, May 23 Quiz One
John’s Gospel – the Father & Son and the Road to Nicea
1. Selections from John’s gospel
2. Athanasius, Orations Against the Arians pp. 83-89
3. Loewe on Nicea
Monday , May 26 Mark’s Gospel – the Road to Chalcedon
1. Selections from Mark’s Gospel
2. Athanasius, Orations Against the Arians pp. 89-99
3. Loewe on Chalcedon
St. Mary Major
Tuesday, May 27 Passion and Death of Jesus
1. gospel passion accounts
(to see the gospels in parallel: http://www.utoronto.ca/religion/synopsis/meta-4g.htm )
2. Athanasius, On the Incarnation selections
St. John Lateran
Wednesday, May 28 Paper One Due
Resurrection
1. gospel resurrection accounts
2. Athanasius, On the Incarnation selections
3. spe salvi selections
Priscilla Catacomb
Thursday, May 29 Discipleship – Assisi Trip
Friday, May 30 Quiz Two
Discipleship & Martyrdom
1. Acts 9
2. The martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas
Recommended during your trip: Coliseum
Monday, June 2 Ascension and Pentecost
Borghese Gallery (possibly Gesu)
Tuesday, June 3 Discipleship as Life in Christ
1. Philippians
Paul Outside the Walls
Wednesday, June 4 Final Exam
Individual Visits
Thursday, June 5 Final Paper Due - Presentations
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