Monotheism from Moses to Freud - 20 credits (RT1343)
Module Tutor: Professor Josef Lössl
Summary of course content
This module offers an introduction to the phenomenon of western monotheism as discussed in current scholarship. It explores the concept in principle, its place in cultural memory, and various historical contexts in which forms of monotheism emerged and developed. Its aim is to provide an overview of a range of methods and discourses used in current discussions of the topic and to equip students with knowledge and skills to join one of the great debates in Religious Studies today.
Credits: 20 credits
Availability of module: Every other year – Autumn
Prerequisites
RT1108 Religion, Culture and Society I
RT6104 Religion, Culture and Society II
Necessary for
No courses currently build on this one
Aims
To study the phenomenon of Monotheism, how it emerged and developed and how it is discussed in Religious Studies today.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate
• knowledge of the history of Monotheism and the way it is discussed in Religious Studies today
• an ability to analyse historical sources reflecting the origin and development of Monotheism and relevant literature discussing these
• an ability to discuss issues related to Monotheism, its history, its study and its influence on culture today
Teaching methods
Lectures and seminars
Assessment
Coursework (one essay and oral presentation) and examination (25:75)
Suggested book purchases
J. Assmann, 1997. Moses the Egyptian. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press
Suggested preparatory reading
J. Assmann, 2006. Religion and Cultural Memory. Stanford, CA: University of California Press
Fowden, G. 1993. Empire to Commonwealth. Consequences of Monotheism in Late Antiquity. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press
Hornung, E. 1999. Akhenaten and the Religion of Light. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press
Mann, Th., 2005. Joseph and His Brothers, translated by J. E. Woods. New York: Knopf
Mitchell, St. and Van Nuffelen, P. (eds) 2010. One God. Pagan Monotheism in the Roman Empire. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Stuckenbruck, L. T. and W. E. S. North (eds.) 2004. Early Jewish and Christian Monotheism. London: T&T Clark
Primary sources
The Bible; early Christian writings; Hermetic, Gnostic, Jewish, Manichaean, Sabaean and other ancient writings