Programme

The course examines the main data of ancient Christian literary production, from the first to the fifth century, of which will be highlighted both the peculiarities, as well as the relationship with Jewish, Greek and Latin literature. Main topics: Proto-Christian literature (letters, evangelical literature, apocalypses), formation of the New Testament canon, writings from the sub-apostolic period, Greek apologists, "heretical" and heresiological literature, literature on the martyrs, Tertullian, Cyprian, exegetical literature, Origen, historiography, authors from Cappadocia, Antiochene literature, Hilarius, Ambrose, Jerome, Rufin, hagiographic literature, Augustine.

Core Documentation

The texts examined in the classroom will be provided by the teacher.

Reference Bibliography

M. Simonetti - E. Prinzivalli, Letteratura cristiana antica, PiemmeReligio, Casale Monferrato 2003. For those who would like to deepen: M. Simonetti - E. Prinzivalli, Storia della letteratura cristiana antica, EDB, Bologna 2010.

Type of delivery of the course

Lessons in attendance (at least 30 hours). Educational excursions to religious buildings and/or catacombs and/or museums of considerable relevance to the study of Christian antiquity.

Attendance

Students who have difficulty attending lessons are invited to contact the teacher.

Type of evaluation

Interview with the teacher on the program of the course.