IDE4022 – Augustine of all times
Course description
Course content
Augustine (354-430) was an important figure in his time. As a thinker, he reflects elements of Greco-Roman philosophy as well as his own Christian theology and beliefs. His works have made a lasting impact through the ages and until our own times.
Augustine has had a strong influence on a variety of areas, such as philosophy, theology, perceptions of history, society, language, and anthropology. He has also been a controversial figure, for example in his views on free will, original sin, gender roles, and just war.
If you want to understand important aspects of the history of philosophical thinking in the Western world, Augustine is essential. In the course, we study a central selection of his texts, inquire into the historical and cultural contexts that shaped his thinking, explore his reception history and later interpretations, and also reflect on the relevance of his thinking for today.
Learning outcome
- gain an overview and knowledge of central themes in Augustine`s thinking and life
- become able to situate his thinking and life within the history of philosophy, theology, and intellectual history
- acquire knowledge of modern research on Augustine
- gain insight into central perceptions of the world and of history in Greco-Roman antiquity and early Christianity
- acquire skills in reading and interpreting ancient texts such as Augustine`s (in translation) and to situate them within the context of intellectual history
- get exercise in analyzing, assessing, and discussing ancient, often demanding, primary sources
- get exercise in critical reading and assessment of secondary literature in writing and in commenting on the texts of other students
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with IDE2022 – Alle tiders Augustin.
Teaching
The teaching is given as lectures/seminars throughout the semester (12 double sessions).
In order for you to be allowed to submit the final essay, the following compulsory tuition activities must be apporved by the teacher:
- brief oral presentation of a text/topic
- Oral presentation of the topic of your seminar paper, together with a written outline. You must choose 200 pages of literature for in-depth study related to the topic of your paper.
Examination
The exam is a seminar paper .The paper should be 8-10 pages long, 2300 characters per page, excl. bibliography and appendices.
All compulsory tuition activities must have been approved by the teacher before you can submit your paper for examination.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.