This course focuses on the way in which gender, the body, and sexuality were culturally constructed in early Christian texts and practices. The first five centuries CE were a time in which new understandings of the body, sexual difference, and gender roles came into prominence among large portions of the ancient Mediterranean population. This course will explore these uniquely Christian understandings as well as it will investigate continuities between Christian constructions and those found in Greco-Roman and Jewish society at the time. In particular, the course will explore trends within early Christianity, such as the emphasis on extreme ascetic practices and sexual renunciation [3 credits]
This course focuses on the way in which gender, the body, and sexuality were culturally constructed in early Christian texts and practices. The first five centuries CE were a time in which new understandings of the body, sexual difference, and gender roles came into prominence among large portions of the ancient Mediterranean population. This course will explore these uniquely Christian understandings as well as it will investigate continuities between Christian constructions and those found in Greco-Roman and Jewish society at the time. In particular, the course will explore trends within early Christianity, such as the emphasis on extreme ascetic practices and sexual renunciation [3 credits]
