Christianity in the Middle Ages
This course examines the development and expansion of Christianity during the Middle Ages (AD 700?1300). It focuses on:
- The growth of Christianity in medieval Europe
- The interaction between Christianity and other religions
- Institutional developments within the Church
Key areas include:
- Christianity and Islam
- The Papacy and Church authority
- Religious orders and monasticism
- Heresies and doctrinal conflicts
The course equips students to understand the historical evolution of the Church and its influence on medieval society.
Course Description
This course studies the growth and development of Christianity during the Middle Ages, including its interaction with Islam, the role of the Papacy, and the emergence of religious orders. It also examines major crises such as heresies and the Great Schism.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, students will:
- Understand the historical development of Christianity in the Middle Ages
- Analyse the relationship between Christianity and Islam
- Examine the structure and influence of the Papacy
- Evaluate key events such as the Great Schism
- Assess the role of religion in shaping medieval society
Course Content
- Growth of Christianity (AD 700?1300)
- Christianity and Islam
- The Papacy and Church authority
- Religious orders (monastic movements)
- Heresies and doctrinal conflicts
- The Avignon Papacy
- The Great Schism
- The Renaissance
- Magic and witchcraft (European and Ghanaian perspectives)
Mode of Delivery
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- Independent study
Reading Materials
- Church history textbooks
- Medieval historical sources
- Academic theological resources
Evaluation
- Examinations: 60%
- Coursework and participation: 40%
Weekly Schedule
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to the Middle Ages |
| 2 | Growth of Christianity (AD 700?1300) |
| 3 | Christianity and Islam |
| 4 | The Papacy and Church Authority |
| 5 | Religious Orders and Monasticism |
| 6 | Heresies and Doctrinal Conflicts |
| 7 | Mid-term Review |
| 8 | The Avignon Papacy |
| 9 | The Great Schism |
| 10 | The Renaissance |
| 11 | Magic and Witchcraft in European Context |
| 12 | Magic and Witchcraft in Ghanaian Perspective |
| 13 | Legacy of Medieval Christianity |
| 14 | Final Review and Examination Preparation |
Historical summaries, lecture outlines, and thematic notes on medieval Christianity for this course are available as downloadable files. Materials include structured lecture documents provided by the instructor.
Required Readings
- Church history textbooks (provided by instructor)
- Medieval historical sources and primary documents
- Academic theological resources
Media Resources
This section includes lectures on medieval Christianity, documentary-style teachings, and historical analyses. Audio resources include recorded lectures and teaching sessions. These materials provide rich historical context for understanding the development of Christianity in the Middle Ages.
Types of Assignments
- Essays
- Historical analysis papers
- Research assignments
- Class participation
Submission Guidelines
- Submitted via course platform or directly to instructor
- Accepted formats: PDF, Word documents (.doc / .docx)
Requirements
- Clear historical analysis
- Proper referencing
- Logical and structured writing
Academic Integrity
- Original work required
- No plagiarism
- Proper citation mandatory