Listed in: Religion, as RELI-175
Matthew Westermayer (Section 01)
Who was Jesus of Nazareth? How was he remembered? What are the social and political implications of telling stories about Jesus’s life and teachings? This course explores the origins of the founder of Christianity, and the evolution of Jesus the Jew from northern Judea to Jesus the divine man, esoteric teacher, and cultural icon. We will read texts from the New Testament, as well as the texts that were excluded, such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Gospel of Judas. Our primary aim is to think through the various ways that Jesus was remembered, both within and outside of Christianity. We will also study how different groups adapted stories about Jesus for political, theological, and social issues. In addition to reading ancient literature, we will study early depictions of Jesus in art and material culture. Students will cultivate insights into not only the contested origins of Christianity, but also the challenges of historical memory and representation.
Fall semester. Visiting Assistant Professor Westermayer.
Pending Faculty Approval
How to handle overenrollment: null
Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: There will be an emphasis on written work, in-class writing, readings, independent research, oral presentations, and group work.
Section 01
M 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM CHAP 210
W 12:30 PM - 1:50 PM CHAP 210
| ISBN | Title | Publisher | Author(s) | Comment | Book Store | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding Early Christian Art | Routledge, 1st ed. (February 17, 2000) | Jensen, Robin M | Required | Amherst Books | TBD | |
| Jesus at the Movies: A Guide to the First Hundred Years | Polebridge Pr Westar Inst; Rev. ed. (January 1, 2004) | Tatum, W. Barnes | Required | Amherst Books | TBD | |
| The Other Gospels: Accounts of Jesus from Outside the New Testament | OUP, 1st ed. (December 18, 2013) | Ehrman, Bart D. | Required | Amherst Books | TBD | |
| The jewish Annotated New Testament | OUP, 2nd ed. (September 6, 2017) | Levine & Brettler | Required | Amherst Books | TBD |
These books are available locally at Amherst Books.