Course

Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies, Distance Education

The course introduces and problematizes the relationship between text and context based on how texts are received in the Church through translations and interpretations. Particular attention is focused on the variety of biblical translations as well as Greek and Syriac Church fathers, but other traditions depending on the choice of the students will be dealt with.

At the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

  • be able to understand the connection between text and context exemplified in Gen. 4:1-16
  • display considerable insight in Early Syriac tradition and Greek patrology
  • demonstrate the capability of analyzing biblical and patristic texts in a particular classic language
  • reflect critically on the relation between language, translation and interpretation.

Scarlata, M. W., 2012. Outside of Eden. Cain in the Ancient Versions of Genesis 4:1-16. New York, NY & London, UK: T&T Clark (225 pp.).

Murray, Robert, 2006. Symbols of Church and Kingdom. A Study in Early Syriac Tradition. New York, NY & London, UK: T&T Clark (363 pp.).

Chrestou, Panagiotes K. Translated by George Dion Dragas, 2005. Greek Orthodox Patrology. An Introduction to the Study of the Church Fathers. Rollinsford, NH: Orthodox Research Institute (198 pp.).

Source texts 100 pp.

The schedule is available at the latest one month before the course starts. We do not recommend that you print the schedule as some changes may happen.

Open the Schedule

Michael Hjälm

Head of Department of Eastern Christian Studies, Doctor of Theology, Senior Lecturer

michael.hjalm@ehs.se

Daniel Öhrvall

Doctoral student, Adjunct

daniel.ohrvall@ehs.se

Grades

A = Excellent, B = Very good, C = Good, D = Satisfactory, E = Sufficient, Fx = Insufficient, F = Insufficient

Examination Format

  • Papers
  • Seminars
  • Take-home examination

A Bachelor's degree in Theology (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen) from an internationally recognized university, Including at least 15 credits in Eastern Christian Studies or equivalent. Certicifed proficiency in English documented by means of an internationally recognized proficiency test, e. g. TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent.

Established by Subject Representative College at Enskilda Högskolan Stockholm on March 5, 2009.

Last revised on October 8, 2019.