Key facts

UNE unit code: RELS387

*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Studying the origins of Christianity is important as doing so will enhance your insight into the beliefs and practices of earlier societies which formed the basis for Christianity as we now know it.

This unit investigates the political, social and religious influences which gave rise to earliest Christianity. You will examine historical and sociological perspectives in order to assess the movement's Jewish and Graeco-Roman roots, and its struggle for self-identity.

You will focus on primary documents, especially the texts of the New Testament, and you will be introduced to various models of interpretation.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
6cp in RELS or any 12cp or candidature in a postgraduate award
Restrictions
HIST387 or HIST487 or HIST587 or RELS206 or RELS306 or RELS406 or RELS587
Combined units

Notes

offered in even numbered years

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Mun-keat Choong
Mun-keat ChoongLecturer - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. critically assess the influence of the various settings (political, social, religious) on the early Christian movement;
  2. exhibit a high level of competence in the use of primary texts as resources for historical and sociological study;
  3. analyse sections of the New Testament using a variety of critical methods; and
  4. demonstrate a critical understanding of early Christianity through the study of primary texts, including the New Testament.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes45%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 1750

Assessment 2Yes55%All offerings

Essay

No. Words: 2750

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Register your interest and we'll keep you updated

UNE collects personal information to help with your enquiry and for marketing. Information may be disclosed outside of NSW and Australia through third parties acting for UNE. By entering your details you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice and consent to this disclosure.

Why study with us?

Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au

I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.

Claire Haiek, graduate, Pathways Enabling Course (photo: kidspot.com.au)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.