Module #1 Introduction to the Byzantine Empire Overview of the Byzantine Empire, its history, and its significance in the context of religion and society
Module #2 The Emergence of Christianity in the Roman Empire Early Christianity, the Roman Empire, and the conversion of Constantine
Module #3 The Establishment of Constantinople Founding of Constantinople, its significance as a Christian capital, and its impact on the Roman Empire
Module #4 The Role of the Emperor in Byzantine Christianity The symbiosis of church and state, the emperors role in ecclesiastical affairs, and its implications
Module #5 The Development of Orthodoxy The early Christian councils, the Creed, and the establishment of Orthodox doctrine
Module #6 The Iconoclastic Controversy The theology and politics of icon veneration and destruction in the 8th and 9th centuries
Module #7 Monasticism in the Byzantine Empire The rise and significance of monasticism, its role in preserving classical knowledge, and its impact on Byzantine society
Module #8 The Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople The Patriarchates role in ecclesiastical governance, its relations with the emperor, and its influence on Orthodox Christianity
Module #9 Theological Debates:Heresy and Orthodoxy Key theological controversies, such as Arianism, Nestorianism, and Monophysitism, and their impact on the development of Orthodoxy
Module #10 Byzantine Liturgy and Worship The evolution of the Byzantine liturgy, its significance in Orthodox worship, and its cultural impact
Module #11 Women in Byzantine Christianity The roles and contributions of women in Byzantine Christianity, including female saints, empresses, and religious patrons
Module #12 Christianity and Islam in the Byzantine Empire The interactions, conflicts, and cultural exchanges between Christians and Muslims in the Byzantine Empire
Module #13 The Crusades and the Byzantine Empire The impact of the Crusades on the Byzantine Empire, including the Latin Empire and its aftermath
Module #14 Byzantine Art and Architecture The development of Byzantine art, architecture, and iconography, and their significance in Orthodox worship and devotion
Module #15 The Influence of Byzantine Christianity on Russian Orthodoxy The transfer of Byzantine Christianity to Kievan Rus, its impact on Russian Orthodoxy, and the development of Russian Orthodox traditions
Module #16 The Decline and Fall of the Byzantine Empire The political, social, and economic factors contributing to the decline and fall of the Byzantine Empire
Module #17 The Legacy of Byzantine Christianity The enduring impact of Byzantine Christianity on Eastern Orthodox theology, liturgy, and culture
Module #18 Byzantine Christianity and the Modern World The relevance of Byzantine Christianity to contemporary issues, such as ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and social justice
Module #19 The Byzantine Empire and its Neighbors The relationships between the Byzantine Empire and its neighboring cultures, including the Slavs, Bulgarians, and Armenians
Module #20 Byzantine Education and Intellectual Life The role of education and intellectual pursuits in Byzantine society, including the preservation of classical knowledge
Module #21 The Byzantine Family and Social Structure The family, gender roles, and social hierarchy in Byzantine society, including the impact of Christianity on social norms
Module #22 Economy and Trade in the Byzantine Empire The economy, trade, and commerce in the Byzantine Empire, including the role of the state and the church
Module #23 Law and Justice in the Byzantine Empire The development of Byzantine law, the role of the emperor, and the administration of justice in the empire
Module #24 Byzantine Medicine and Health The state of medicine, healthcare, and public health in the Byzantine Empire, including the role of the church and monasteries
Module #25 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Religion and Society in the Byzantine Empire career
