St. Augustine’s Confessions as the mirror of the culture of Late Antiquity

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

to gain general knowledge of St. Augustine of Hippo and his writings
• - to gain knowledge of the main intellectual and spiritual currents of Late Antiquity
• - to develop the ability to see various cultural contexts and dimensions of the Confessions
• - to develop the ability to discuss the problems raised in the Confessions
• - to gain knowledge of the interaction of Pagan and Christian culture in Late Antiquity

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

none

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Late Antiquity. St. Augustine: his life and works.
2. Introduction to Late Antiquity. St. Augustine: his life and works. - continued.
3.The Confessions – a very strange book?
4. The Confessions – a very strange book? - continued.
5.What does it mean to be a philosopher?
6. What does it mean to be a philosopher? - continued
7.What is the source of evil? (sin, free will, and God’s grace)
8. What is the source of evil? (sin, free will, and God’s grace) - continued.
9. Is sex any good? (Sexuality and marriage)
10. Is sex any good? (Sexuality and marriage) - continued.
11. What is friendship?
12. What is friendship? - continued.
13. What does it mean to be a saint?
14. What does it mean to be a saint? - continued.
15. Final test.

Reading list

Augustine of Hippo, Confessions, tr. H. Chadwick, Oxford 1991.