Feast & Fast in Xian Life

Catalog description

Taught by GTU, This course will be a seminar examining the development and meanings of Feasts and Fasts in various Christian Liturgical traditions. Liturgical history will give insights into the pre-Christian roots of fasting, holy days, and festivals as well as theological issues informing commemorations of events in the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Examination of liturgical texts from a wide variety of times and places will reveal how diverse meanings emerge even from shared memorials. Special attention will be given to the development of Easter, Triduum/Holy Week, Lent, Epiphany, Christmas, Marian Feasts, and fasting practices. The course will be seminar in format. Students will be evaluated on the basis of class participation, two short (5-7 page) papers, and one research project.