RLST2612 - Ancient Gnosticism

Semester 2, 2013  |  Credit Points: 6

Coordinator: Iain Gardner
Phone: +61 2 9351 4484
Email: iain.gardner@sydney.edu.au

Description

This unit provides an overview of the Ancient Gnostic, Hermetic and Manichaean traditions, with particular emphasis on certain topics and themes. These include: exploration of the divine and demonic worlds; the nature of gnosis or knowledge; magic, the occult sciences and alchemy; dualism and the problem of evil; cosmogony, apocalypse and eschatology. A special feature of this unit is the use of new or recently discovered texts such as the so-called gnostic gospels.

Assessments

1x2000wd essay (40%), 1x2000wd essay (40%), 1xOral Presentation (500 wd equivalent) (20%)

Textbooks

Course Reader

Classes

1x1-hr lecture/week, 1x1-hr seminar/week, 1x1-hr tutorial/week

Prohibitions

RLST2012

Assumed Knowledge

12 junior credit points of Religion Studies, or equivalent as assessed by the Department

Please Note: This timetable is a draft timetable and subject to change.

The information displayed above is indicative only as online information is subject to change without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney