From Constantine to Theodosius: Christians, Pagans and Emperors

Module overview

The 4th century CE was a time of upheaval and change. Christianity became established as the state religion of the Roman empire, the split between the eastern and western empire was cemented, and the first large group of Goths crossed the Roman border. In this century the image of the emperor moved from that of an earthly ruler to an almost mystical being, the representative of God on earth.

In this module, we focus particularly on relations between Christians and pagans, and on the changing role of the emperor in a new Christian context. We investigate how the status of the city of Rome as the centre of the Roman world was challenged by new capitals and new centres of government. We discuss the role of the army and the church in propping up, exercising, or resisting power. We look at some of the main players: Constantine the Great, Arius, Julian the Apostate, Ambrose of Milan, Symmachus, Theodosius I.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

the political developments of the 4th century
the establishment of Christianity as state religion in the Roman Empire and the resistance (or sometimes peaceful co-existence) of pagan society
external pressures on the Roman empire and the changing role of Emperor

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

research historical questions and communicate your findings convincingly and concisely in written assignments
utilise and develop your time-management skills
locate and use effective textual, visual and material culture sources in the library and on-line, synthesising this material in order to develop cogent arguments

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

analyse critically a variety of textual, visual and material culture sources
use source material to illuminate problems and issues with our understanding of the 4th century Roman empire
engage with secondary literature on the 4th century Roman empire, and contribute to the debates relating to the historiography of the 4th century Roman empire and its relationship to the wider world

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include lectures and seminars

Learning methods include close analysis of a range of primary sources and discussion of key themes and ideas

Study time
Type	Hours
Seminar	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	50
Lecture	12
Wider reading or practice	26
Completion of assessment task	50
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Watts, E. J. (2015). The Final Pagan Generation.

Lenski, N. (2002). Failure of Empire. Valens and the Roman State in the Fourth Century A.D..

Curran, J.R. (2000). Pagan City and Christian Capital: Rome in the Fourth Century.

Barnes, T.D. (2011). Constantine. Dynasty, Religion and Power in the Later Roman Empire.

Potter, D. (2004). The Roman Empire at Bay AD 180-395.

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Written assignment	40%
Written assignment	60%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Resubmit assessments	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Written assignment	60%
Written assignment	40%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External