CLAS 281 Pagans and Christians in the Roman Empire
Surveys the religious practices, structures, and beliefs of the culturally diverse populations under Roman imperial rule from the first to the fourth centuries AD. Particular focus on traditional (pagan) religion and early Christianity, with parallel treatment of Second Temple/rabbinic Judaism, Manichaeism, and other universal systems. Emphasis on lived religious experience, literature, ritual, and material representations of divine/human relations. Class time will be devoted to lectures (some illustrated), student presentations, and discussion of the primary sources.