REL 325: History of Eastern Christianity II: From the Fall of Constantinople to the Fall of Communism

Attendance at all class sessions is expected.  Since class sessions will involve a fair amount of student discussion, students should read all the assignments carefully before coming to class.  Assignments will generally involve about 100 pages of reading per week.  Everyone should be prepared to contribute both ideas and questions to the class discussions.  Assignments and grading are as follows:

A.  Two exams: 4/28 & 8:00 Friday, June 10 (60%) 

B.  Class attendance and participation (10%) 

C.  One 5-6 page (double-spaced: approx. 1500 words) essays (30%), chosen from the following options.

1.      Due 4/19.  Read The Way of a Pilgrim, 13-94 and the appended selections from the Philokalia in the same book, 176-194 and answer the following questions: “How does 'the Pilgrim' understand the Bible's command to pray constantly?  What sort of practices does the Pilgrim adopt in order pray constantly?  How does he understand the relationship of prayer to other aspects of the Christian life, such as serving others, or theology?  What do you think of this interpretation of Christianity?  Do you have a different understanding of what the command to pray constantly might mean?”

2.      Due 5/5.  Read Mastrantonis, Augsburg and Constantinople, 31-103; 106-149 (and the pages assigned below) and answer the following questions: “What are the primary issues of disagreement between the Lutherans and the Patriarch?  Is there significant agreement on certain points?  Do you think that the two sides have more in common than in dispute?  Are some points of disagreement more significant than the others?  Do you sympathize with one side more than the other?  Explain your answer.”

3.      Due 5/24.  Read Oleksa, Alaskan Missionary Spirituality, 68-72; 80-120; 132-135; 238-251; 285-340 (Blackboard) and answer the following questions: “How would you characterize the relations between the Russian missionaries and the native Alaskans?  What is the nature of the Christianity that the missionaries preach?  To what extent to the missionaries show respect for traditional religion?  Do you see them more as exploiters or protectors of the native peoples?  Do you observe any significant differences in the treatment of the natives by the Russians and Americans?”

4.      Due 5/31.  Read Solovyov, The Meaning of Love and answer the following questions: “What is Solovyov's understanding of erotic love between humans and its religious significance?  What does erotic love have to do with Christian faith and the relationship between God and human beings?  What do you think of Solovyov's views?  What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of his position?  To what degree do you find his views compatible with the Christian tradition?  Why or why not?”

1.  Preparation:  You are expected to come to class having completed the reading assignments for that session.  You should be prepared to discuss and ask questions about the assignments.  Note also that some material from the readings that is not covered in class may be included on the examinations. 

2.  Participation and Class Attendance: You should come to class prepared to ask questions and to discuss the readings for that session.  Regular class attendance is required, and attendance will be taken.  If you expect to miss class doe to illness, observance of religious holy days, or other extenuating circumstances, please notify the instructor in advance at sshoemak (at) uoregon (dot) edu.

3.  Late Papers: Unless an extension has been arranged in advance, late papers will be marked down one full letter grade for each day after the due date.  Late papers will not be accepted more than three days after the due date. 

4.  Make-up or Early Exams: will be allowed only in truly exceptional circumstances, in the case of unforeseeable events beyond the student’s control and must be approved by the instructor in advance. 

5.  Plagiarism or Cheating: Plagiarism or Cheating: Students caught plagiarizing or cheating on any assignment will be reported to the Student Conduct Coordinator in the Office of the Dean of Students.  Students who are aware of cheating or plagiarism are encouraged to inform the instructor.  If you are uncertain as to what constitutes plagiarism (or other forms of academic dishonesty), please consult this helpful guide from the UO library concerning plagiarism, as well as the UO's Policy on Academic Dishonesty. 

6.  Completion of Assignments:  Completion of all required assignments is necessary to pass and receive credit for the course.  Incompletes will be granted only at the discretion of the instructor and only in case of circumstances beyond the student's control. 

7.  Special Needs: Students with special needs requiring academic accommodations should 1) register with and provide documentation to Disability Services; 2) bring a letter to the instructor indicating that you need academic accommodations, and we will arrange to meet them.  This should be done during the first week of class. 

Grading Scale

98-100 94-97 91-93  88-90  84-87  81-83  78-80  74-77  71-73  68-70  64-67  61-63  0-60

A+ A A-  B+  B  B-  C+  C  C-  D+  D  D-  F

Course Outline

Week 1 (Handout 1)

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 7

Week 8

Week 9

Week 10