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ICONS, RELIGION, AND EMPIRE: EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE ART, CA. 200-1453

ARTHIST 310
Course Description

Why did early Christians consider art necessary, if potentially dangerous? How did they adapt and compete with Roman and Jewish traditions? How were the visual propaganda and monumental architecture of the Roman Empire transformed during a millennium of Byzantine (East Roman) rule? These are key questions addressed as we explore the role of architecture and images in religion and imperial politics of the Mediterranean basin between the 3rd and 15th centuries. Other broader topics include the cult of the saints; theories and functions of icons and iconoclasm in Orthodox Christianity; text and image in illuminated manuscripts; multi-sensory aspects of sacred space and ritual; Byzantium's role in global cultural exchange.

Prerequisties

Sophomore standing

Satisfies

This course does not satisfy any prerequisites.

Credits

Not Reported

Offered

Not Reported

Grade Point Average
0.95

-40.48% from Historical

Completion Rate
92.86%

1.23% from Historical

A Rate
7.14%

-47.22% from Historical

Class Size
28

5.26% from Historical

Cumulative Grade Distribution

Instructors (2025 Fall)

Sorted by ratings from Rate My Professors

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