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RRE4203 - Minucius Felix's Octavius: Pagans and Christians, dialogue and polemic

Course content

Marcus Minucius Felix was one of the earliest of the Latin apologists for Christianity. His treatise “Octavius” is probably written between the end of the second and the beginning of the third century. The text is composed as a dialogue where Christianity is defended against pagan accusations. Caecilius Natalis defends the cause of paganism, Octavius Januarius that of Christianity; the author himself is the judge of the debate. The text represents remarkable rhetorical, philosophical and intellectual insights. There are for example references to Cicero, Seneca, and Virgil. But “Octavius” is also puzzling since central Christian conceptions are missing; even Christ is not referred to.

Minucius Felix was possibly a North African lawyer and rhetor, and there are close ties between “Octavius” and Tertullian’s “Apologeticum”. There is a long discussion going on about whom of the two writers is directly dependent on the other.

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire:

• Comprehensive knowledge of early arguments between pagans and Christians.
• Skills in analysing, discussing and interpreting a primary source text.
• The ability to demonstrate such skills and communicate such knowledge in writing.

Admission

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Bachelor with 80 credits from theology or religion or similar.

In addition to the general requirements for the program, a minimum of 10 ECTS of Latin

Teaching

The teaching will combine:

• Compact seminar in Bergen.
• Tutorials at your home university.
• Distance learning, with written assignments. E.-tivities on the e.-learning platform Aula.

During the present course we will closely analyze 30 pages of the Latin text. The rest will be read in English translation. One third of the curriculum (syllabus) is chosen by the student – i.e. 300 pp.

Teaching takes place throughout the semester.

Criteria for access to teaching resources

A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, contingent on available capacity.

Exam information

Paper to be handed in.

Language of examination

English

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

You can usually resit an exam, but the conditions depend on whether you had a valid reason for absence from the regular exam. Read more about resitting an exam .

Exam options for students with special needs

Students may apply for access to alternative exam resources or exam forms on the basis of chronic illness and/or special needs that create a marked disadvantage to other students in the exam situation. Mothers who are breastfeeding may apply for extra time to complete the exam.

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