Research Seminar in history of christianity (Antiquity or patristics)

Teacher(s)

Pauliat Marie;

Language

French

Main themes

In order to make students self-sufficient and critical in their research, they will be introduced to the critical and detailled study of a theological or literay question about ancient christian literature or of a historical question about chritian antiquity :
- Individually or in group students will be taught to pratice a rigorous method ;
- They will use specialised tools for patristics or history of Antiquity.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	- use the main tools for patristics and history of Ancient christianity ;
2	- read critically the ancient sources ;
3	- understand and appraise critically articles and monographs on these sources ;
4	- produce a clear and scientific presentation of his work.

Content

This graduate seminar is held every two years. It generally examines the topic explored in the course Questions of Patrology or Questions in the History of Christianity: Antiquity. 
In 2025-2026, it is suggested that students have taken the course LTHEO2321 (Questions of Patrology I), as the seminar focuses on the exegesis of Augustine of Hippo. The introductory sessions focus on scientific methods of analyzing Augustinian exegesis (state of research, Augustinian hermeneutics, commented biblical texts, etc.). In particular, essential digital tools and ongoing research projects in patristic exegesis will be presented. Later in the semester, students will be invited to work on their own writing and oral presentations, simulating the process of preparing an academic paper. In consultation with the instructor, participants will first decide on the verse (or short pericope) whose reception by Augustine they will analyze. They then submit a first draft of their research to obtain written feedback from two of their peers. The comments and critiques they receive guide them in writing the final article, which is submitted at the end of the semester. The last two sessions are devoted to the oral presentation of the results of this research.
The objective is therefore twofold: to acquire scientific knowledge concerning Augustine's exegesis and to develop solid skills in research, analysis, writing, and oral presentation.

Teaching methods

The seminar aims to equip students with the skills needed to conduct independent and academically rigorous research and to effectively communicate its findings. Sessions are structured as collaborative learning, where students participate in concrete, modular research exercises and discussions, under the guidance of the instructor, fostering a mutual learning environment.

Evaluation methods

Validation of the seminar involves participation in the various sessions, the progressive writing of a short essay on the Augustinian interpretation of a verse or a short pericope, the presentation during the seminar, and participation in the peer evaluation.
A formative assessment, with the possibility of improving the work submitted, precedes the final assessment.
The possible uses of AI will be specified as the tasks progress; they must be duly indicated in the work, in accordance with UCLouvain guidelines.

Teaching materials

• Une sélection de textes académiques et de ressources en ligne sera mise à disposition sur Moodle.

Faculty or entity

> TEBI