Kategori: Standalone courses

2026-2027

Biblical studies, distance learning

The course is offered as a stand-alone course. It is included in Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology, 60 ECTS.

This course introduces students to the Bible as a literary collection that emerged from concrete historical situations and served concrete communities. Rather than examining biblical books according to the classical schema, the course explores why and how these texts arose in response to the social, political and material realities of their time. Students explore the formation of the Hebrew Bible against the backdrop of the ancient Near Eastern world and the emergence of the New Testament writings within the social and literary fabric of Greco-Roman culture. In addition, this course engages with early Christian writings, through which students examine how early Christians received, used and interpreted Scripture. 

Learning objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

1.1 describe the specific social, political and material conditions under which the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament emerged; 

1.2 identify key methodological differences between a classical overview approach and a contextual approach to Bible study; 

1.3 provide a general explanation of how early Christians received, used and interpreted Scripture during the first centuries; 

2. Competence and skills:

2.1 analyse a biblical text in light of its ancient Near Eastern or Greco-Roman context, using the methods and perspectives provided in the course; 

2.2 present critical arguments in speech and writing in dialogue with various target audiences; 

3. Assessment and approach:

3.1 evaluate scientific arguments concerning the origins and formation of biblical texts from historical, social and ethical viewpoints; 

3.2 assess how the production and reception contexts shape the interpretation of Scripture. 

Course Literature

Miriam de Cock and Elizabeth Klein (eds), Exploring the Literary Contexts of Patristic Biblical Exegesis. Leiden: Brill, 2023 (276 pp).

Paula Fredriksen, Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2024 (209 pp.)

Peter W. Martens, Origen and Scripture: The Contours of the Exegetical Life. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014 (294 pp).

Candida Moss, God’s Ghostwriters: Enslaved Christians and the Making of the Bible. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2024. (336 pp.)

Robyn Faith Walsh, The Origins of Early Christian Literature: Contextualizing the New Testament within Greco-Roman Literary Culture. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021. (246 pp.)

Jacob L. Wright, Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2023. (472 pp.)

Articles may be added.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Christian Theology and the Practice of Faith, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a stand-alone course. It forms part of the Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology, 60 ECTS.

How does theology relate to the practical life of faith? Practical theology sometimes defines itself against the negative foil of systematic theology, and practical theologians worry that systematic theology neglects the role of context in Christian thought. But is this really a fair way to assess systematic theology? In this course, we explore the relationship between Christian theories and the practice of faith, and in re-imagining the relationship between these two, the course sheds light on the relation between theory and practice, as well as between systematic theology and practical theology. 

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Learning objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

1.1 relate different positions on the dichotomy between theory and practice to various thinkers within the field of theology, and identify how they apply theories to a variety of materials and research objects

1.2 identify common positions in the current scholarly discourse of qualitative and empirical methods in the field of theology

2. Competence and skills:

2.1 independently formulate and solve problems related to qualitative research, within the field of theology, even with limited information

2.2 identify and critically analyse the two perspectives of Christian doctrines and lived faith, using appropriate critical methods within a given time frame

3. Assessment and approach:

3.1 select and argue for appropriate methods for studies related to faith reflection and practised faith, and the limitations such methods place on the study object, from both a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective

3.2 assess and argue for the limitations of qualitative research, and the need for ongoing research in the field, as well as the ethical issues and social concerns relating to empirical methods and qualitative research.

Course Literature

Fahlgren, Sune & Ideström, Jonas (2015) Ecclesiology in the Trenches: Theory and Method under Construction. Pickwick Publications (256 pp.).

Forrester, Duncan B. (2015) Truthful Action. Explorations in Practical Theology. Edinburgh, UK: T&T Clark.

Gunton, Colin E. (2000) Intellect and Action. Elucidations on Christian Theology and the Life of Faith. Edinburgh, UK: T&T Clark.

Ward, Pete & Tveitereid, Knut (2022) The Wiley Blackwell Companion to Theology and Qualitative Research. John Wiley & Sons (750 pp.).

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Comparative Religion: Between Phenomenology and Hermeneutics, distance

The course is offered as a stand-alone course. It is included in Pre-Master in Religious Studies and Theology, 60 ECTS.

In this course, students learn how to compare religions in scholarly ways and how to understand them through being in dialogue with them. The course approaches religions both through the phenomenology of religion and through hermeneutics. Phenomenology is used to describe and understand lived religious experiences and structures of consciousness, while hermeneutics is used to interpret texts and traditions in specific contexts and across different faiths. By combining these approaches, scholars aim to gain an accurate, empathetic and experientially grounded understanding of different religious traditions, which in turn may lead to a deeper interreligious dialogue and understanding. 

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Learning objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

1.1 relate different theoretical positions within comparative religion to thinkers and broader developments in the field of the study of religions and theology 

1.2 thoroughly explain how thinkers in comparative religion apply methods to different materials and research objects; 

1.3 describe how sociology contributes to the discipline of comparative religion; 

2. Competence and skills:

2.1 independently identify similarities and differences between religions using literature; 

2.2 critically contrast different hermeneutical methods and sociological models within the field of comparative religion; 

3. Assessment and approach:

3.1 formulate problems of ethical and social concerns related to comparative religion;

3.2 assess the possibilities and limitations of research and its role in society, as well as the individual's responsibility for how it is used.

Course Literature

René Gothóni, ed. How to do Comparative Religion? Three Ways, Many Goals. Berlin and New York: Walter de Gruyter, 2015 (221 pp).

Paul Gwynne, The World Religions in Practice. A Comparative Introduction, 2nd ed. Oxford: John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2017 (384 pp).

Stephen Sharot, A Comparative Sociology of World Religions: Virtuosos, Priests, and Popular Religion. New York and London: New York University Press, 2001 (353 pp).

Jens Zimmermann, Hermeneutics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2015.
Articles and source texts will be added (approx. 500 pp).

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Liturgics and Liturgical Theology

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course introduces students to the systematic approach to the variety of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions and spirituality understood in a theological sense as well as from the perspective of liturgical traditions as embodying the intersection between textual criticism, literary criticism, history and linguistics. An important aspect of the course will be the historical development of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions in proximity with the question of how the liturgy is perceived and lived by all the members of the worshiping community.

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Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • explain in what ways the Eastern Christian liturgical families map the various Eastern Christian churches today
  • describe the range of methodological approaches to the study of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions utilized by scholars today
  • identify the major tools of scholarly research in the discipline of liturgical studies and any ancillary disciplines pertinent to the student’s research interests

Competence and skills

  • use a variety of methodological approaches in solving specific scholarly problems in Eastern Christian liturgy, within a given time frame, and present them clearly in writing and argue for the relation between conclusions and arguments
  • independently apply standard scholarly tools in the field of liturgical studies, followed by analysis and assessment, even with limited information

Judgement and approach

  • critically assess the variety of methods in liturgical studies utilized by scholars today, from both a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective
  • reflect critically on the limitations of the theological and methodological foundations of the field of liturgical theology as it emerged in the mid-20th century and now exists in the 21st century
  • reflect critically on the responsibility and possibilities of the liturgical scholar for how research is used in the church.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Liturgics and Liturgical Theology, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course introduces students to the systematic approach to the variety of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions and spirituality understood in a theological sense as well as from the perspective of liturgical traditions as embodying the intersection between textual criticism, literary criticism, history and linguistics. An important aspect of the course will be the historical development of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions in proximity with the question of how the liturgy is perceived and lived by all the members of the worshiping community.

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Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • explain in what ways the Eastern Christian liturgical families map the various Eastern Christian churches today
  • describe the range of methodological approaches to the study of Eastern Christian liturgical traditions utilized by scholars today
  • identify the major tools of scholarly research in the discipline of liturgical studies and any ancillary disciplines pertinent to the student’s research interests

Competence and skills

  • use a variety of methodological approaches in solving specific scholarly problems in Eastern Christian liturgy, within a given time frame, and present them clearly in writing and argue for the relation between conclusions and arguments
  • independently apply standard scholarly tools in the field of liturgical studies, followed by analysis and assessment, even with limited information

Judgement and approach

  • critically assess the variety of methods in liturgical studies utilized by scholars today, from both a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective
  • reflect critically on the limitations of the theological and methodological foundations of the field of liturgical theology as it emerged in the mid-20th century and now exists in the 21st century
  • reflect critically on the responsibility and possibilities of the liturgical scholar for how research is used in the church.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Manuscripts: Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies

The course is offered as a stand-alone course. It is an elective course within the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies. The course can be included in a general degree at both first- and second-cycle levels.

The course elaborates on methods which may be used to study the relationship between text and context. Particular attention is paid to the variety of biblical translations, to liturgical texts, and to Greek and Syriac Church fathers, but other traditions may also be addressed, depending on students’ particular interests. During the course, students also improve their philological competencies and skills by working with unedited manuscript sources, as well as improving their use of an ancient language in an academic manner.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • discuss the complex relation between text, interpretation and historical context informed by current research discourse
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of common methods used in material philology today
  • account for important textual witnesses and editions in a chosen ancient tradition

Competence and skills

  • independently analyze and transcribe, with the help of lexica and grammars, short ancient texts in a chosen language
  • independently apply text-critical methods on unedited manuscripts
  • analyze manuscripts codicologically, within a given time frame
  • categorize and present a manuscript in a popular and scholarly way

Judgement and approach

  • argue for the approximate Vorlage of a text in an unedited manuscript, as well as textual alterations
  • evaluate the preference in academia for specific biblical traditions and the implications of these preferences for society at large
  • judge the interpreter's responsibility for how texts and interpretations are used, and the need for ongoing individual learning
  • assess the role of preserving and developing ancient languages and textual sources from democratic, cultural, and ecological perspectives
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 ECTS from first-cycle level, including 60 ECTS in religious studies/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence, and/including 15 ECTS in an ancient language (Arabic, Coptic, Ge’ez, Greek, Old Church Slavonic or Syriac), or equivalent. In addition, 15 ECTS at second-cycle level from the compulsory introductory courses during the first semester are required, including the course ”Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies” (10 ECTS). Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Manuscripts: Text and Context in Eastern Christian Studies, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course elaborates on methods which may be used to study the relationship between text and context. Particular attention is paid to the variety of biblical translations, to liturgical texts, and to Greek and Syriac Church fathers, but other traditions may also be addressed, depending on students’ particular interests. During the course, students also improve their philological competencies and skills by working with unedited manuscript sources, as well as improving their use of an ancient language in an academic manner.

Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

  • discuss the complex relation between text, interpretation and historical context informed by current research discourse
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of common methods used in material philology today
  • account for important textual witnesses and editions in a chosen ancient tradition

Competence and skills

  • independently analyze and transcribe, with the help of lexica and grammars, short ancient texts in a chosen language
  • independently apply text-critical methods on unedited manuscripts
  • analyze manuscripts codicologically, within a given time frame
  • categorize and present a manuscript in a popular and scholarly way

Judgement and approach

  • argue for the approximate Vorlage of a text in an unedited manuscript, as well as textual alterations
  • evaluate the preference in academia for specific biblical traditions and the implications of these preferences for society at large
  • judge the interpreter's responsibility for how texts and interpretations are used, and the need for ongoing individual learning
  • assess the role of preserving and developing ancient languages and textual sources from democratic, cultural, and ecological perspectives
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 ECTS from first-cycle level, including 60 ECTS in religious studies/theology, or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence, and/including 15 ECTS in an ancient language (Arabic, Coptic, Ge’ez, Greek, Old Church Slavonic or Syriac), or equivalent. In addition, 15 ECTS at second-cycle level from the compulsory introductory courses during the first semester are required, including the course ”Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies” (10 ECTS). Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

This course prepares students for academic work in the field of Eastern Christian Studies. The course aims to develop students' ability to critically read and review primary sources (in English translation) and secondary sources, as well as to approach academic work independently and critically. In addition to learning about different approaches in the field, students will also learn about the place of Eastern Christian Studies within the broader field of the humanities.

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Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of methods necessary for Master's studies in Eastern Christian Studies
  • demonstrate subject-specific approaches within Eastern Christian Studies
  • relate Eastern Christian studies to current research in other areas of the humanities

Competencies and skills:

  • use subject-specific methods and critical analysis in their individual work
  • formulate and solve scientific problems using the methods provided
  • present and argue for an advanced problem formulation

Assessment and approach:

  • critically review scientific works and arguments
  • evaluate the choice and use of research methods.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Method and Theory in Eastern Christian Studies, Distance Learning

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

This course prepares students for academic work in the field of Eastern Christian Studies. The course aims to develop students' ability to critically read and review primary sources (in English translation) and secondary sources, as well as to approach academic work independently and critically. In addition to learning about different approaches in the field, students will also learn about the place of Eastern Christian Studies within the broader field of the humanities.

Apply in Swedish Apply in English
Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of methods necessary for Master's studies in Eastern Christian Studies
  • demonstrate subject-specific approaches within Eastern Christian Studies
  • relate Eastern Christian studies to current research in other areas of the humanities

Competencies and skills:

  • use subject-specific methods and critical analysis in their individual work
  • formulate and solve scientific problems using the methods provided
  • present and argue for an advanced problem formulation

Assessment and approach:

  • critically review scientific works and arguments
  • evaluate the choice and use of research methods.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.

2026-2027

Patristics: Sources and Methods

The course is offered as a standalone course. It is an elective course in the one-year Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.

The course provides a general understanding and knowledge of Christianity's first thousand years. Theological trends and individual Church Fathers are covered, as well as their philosophical background. Particular emphasis is placed on methods and sources. The course explores the most important textual sources for early Christian doctrine, where they can be found and how to read them. Historical-critical methods used in patristic studies are also presented.

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Learning objectives

By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:

  • relate theological trends to individual Church Fathers
  • describe general theological subjects in current research connected to the first millennium with significant depth
  • describe the range of methodological approaches to the study of the first millennium of church history used by scholars today

Competencies and skills:

  • independently outline a timeline for the first millennium of Eastern Christianity, from various perspectives, identify general patterns, even with limited material, and discuss this in a seminar context
  • demonstrate competence in using patristic resources and historical-critical methods to formulate and solve academic problems, within a given timeframe

Assessment and approach:

  • select and argue for appropriate methods for the study of specific patristic sources and the limitations such methods place on the study object, from a disciplinary, social and ethical perspective
  • assess and argue for the limitations of research, the need for ongoing research within the field, and individual responsibility for how it is used.
Requirements

Courses equivalent to 90 credits from the First Cycle, including 60 credits in Religious Studies/Theology, or Eastern Christian Studies, or equivalent competence. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Course Literature

See course literature for a list of mandatory reading.

Syllabus

See the syllabus for further information.