Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Malcolm Choat
Contact via malcolm.choat@mq.edu.au
By Appointment
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Credit points |
Credit points
4
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MAncHist or GradCertAncHist
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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Unit description |
Unit description
A detailed study of monasticism in Egypt based on documentary papyri and inscriptions in Greek and Coptic (studied in English translation). A number of key cases studies will be examined, including Melitian monasticism, and the monasteries of Bawit, Bala'izah, and western Thebes.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
Guidelines on the criteria and standards required for assessment tasks, as well as rubrics where appropriate, will be placed on the iLearn site. Marks given for individual items of assessment are indicative only; final marks will be determined after moderation.
ALL written assignments must be submitted via Turnitin within iLearn.
ALL deadlines are firm unless an extension has been requested in writing one (1) week before the due date. All requests for extensions must be submitted via ask.mq.edu.au and be supported by appropriate documentation. A penalty for lateness (see below) will apply unless a medical certificate or other written substantiation is supplied. Assignments handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date. Always retain a copy of work you submit in case it is lost in the online system.
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100* will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.
*"100" is to be understood as 100% of the marks for that task, not the entire unit.
In order to complete this unit satisfactorily students must gain a mark of 50% or more, and attempt all assessment tasks.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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Participation | 10% | No | Ongoing |
Encyclopaedia Assessment | 20% | No | 17.8.18 |
Short Paper | 30% | No | 14.9.18 |
Major Essay | 40% | No | 26.10.18 |
Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%
10% of the final mark is based on students' participation in discussion.
For internal students, participation is assessed via discussion in the weekly seminars: this is not assessed on the quality or length of the contribution, but simply on participation in our discussions. Active participation which demonstrates preparation and engagement with the themes of the tutorial is the best way of ensuring full marks for this task, which helps build crucial communication skills. It is naturally impossible to participate in the discussion if one does not attend the tutorial. Students will receive one mark for each seminar discussion contributed to.
For external students, participation takes place via the online discussions forums on the iLearn site. The standard, length, of content of weekly posts to the site are not assessed: all that is required is participation, to develop communication skills and the ability to discuss historical problems and issues about the sources with one's peers. Students will receive one mark for each online tutorial contributed to.
Due: 17.8.18
Weighting: 20%
Compare the following Encyclopaedia entries on ‘monasticism’ (both available via Leganto under week 3):
Goehring, James E., ‘Monasticism’, Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Everett Ferguson, 2nd edition (New York 1999), pp. 769–775.
Gribomont, J. and Sheridan, M., ‘Monasticism’, Encyclopedia of Ancient Christianity, ed. T. Oden et al (Downers Grove 2014), pp. 821–823.
Briefly, in no more than one A4 page (circa 400 words) address the following points: this should be an impressionistic discussion, and does not have to be referenced or footnoted.
What is the main historical and chronological focus of the article?
What are major types of sources referred to in the article?
What are major issues raised?
How successful do you think the article is as an overview of monasticism? How well does it serve as an introduction? What else would you want to know?
Due: 14.9.18
Weighting: 30%
Students must write a short (1000 word) paper on the topic of their choice from the topics listed below. The purpose of this assignment will be to lead the students to an in-depth reading of some of the most important ancient sources on Egyptian monasticism.
(1) Life of Antony (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/vita-antony.html, or http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf204.xvi.ii.ii.html)
Read the Life of Antony and discuss the presentation of the saint as saint by its author, (according to tradition, Athanasius of Alexandria):
· As what type of saint does the author present Antony?
· Which qualities does he highlight and why?
· In which aspects does Antony emulate the life of Christ and of biblical figures?
· In which important theological debates is Antony involved, and how do these sections reflect Athanasius’ own position?
Basic literature:
· Coptic Encyclopedia, entries: Antony, Dayr Anba Antuniyus; Monasticism, Egyptian
· Goehring, James E., ‘Monasticism’, Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Everett Ferguson, 2nd edition (New York 1999), pp. 769–775.
· Rubenson, Samuel, Christian Asceticism and the Emergence of the Monastic Tradition, in: Asceticism, ed. Vincent L. Wimbush and Richard Valantasis, New York and Oxford 1995, pp. 49-57.
(2) Discuss the monastic landscape in the Historia monachorum in Aegypto
Russell, Norman, The Lives of the Desert Fathers. The Historia Monachorum in Aegypto, Kalamazoo 1981. The Latin translation of Rufinus is available on the iLearn page under "Useful Resources".
The Historia monachorum was written by an anonymous author in ~400. Seven Palestinian monks travel to Egypt in 394 to visit famous Egyptian fathers. The Historia Monachorum was translated into Latin by Rufinus of Aquileia (~345-410), a founder of a monastery in Jerusalem (together with Melania the Elder) and one-time friend of Jerome. Rufinus continued to be a supporter of Origen of Alexandria’s teachings even after Jerome started attacking him.
Pay particular attention to the following questions:
Basic literature:
· Coptic Encyclopedia, entries: Historia monachorum in Aegypto; Monasticism, Egyptian; Rufinus
· Goehring, James E., ‘Monasticism’, Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Everett Ferguson, 2nd edition (New York 1999), pp. 769–775.
(3) Discuss the Life of Abba Aaron (in Leganto from Vivian, Journeying into God) under the following aspects:
Consult Peter Brown, The Rise and Function of the Holy Man in Late Antiquity, The Journal of Roman Studies 61 (1971), pp. 80-101 (available via JSTOR in Multisearch) for a larger perspective on the Holy Man in Late Antique Christian societies of the Mediterranean.
Basic literature:
· Coptic Encyclopedia, entries: Monasticism, Egyptian
· Goehring, James E., ‘Monasticism’, Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Everett Ferguson, 2nd edition (New York 1999), pp. 769–775.
(4) Read the Testament of Horsiese (in Leganto from Veilleux, Pachomian Koinonia, vol. 3), give a short summary and discuss the following points, trying to integrate the information on the Pachomians you have gathered from other readings and sources:
· What information about the Pachomian system do we obtain from this document?
· What is Horsiese’s rhetoric chiefly based on?
· In which points/arguments Horsiese uses does the text reflect the situation of the Pachomian order after the death of the charismatic founder?
Basic literature:
· Coptic Encyclopedia, entries: Horsiesius; Monasticism, Egyptian; Monasticism, Pachomian; Pachomius, Saint
· Goehring, James E., ‘Monasticism’, Encyclopedia of Early Christianity, ed. Everett Ferguson, 2nd edition (New York 1999), pp. 769–775.
Due: 26.10.18
Weighting: 40%
The Major Essay must be 2500 words in length. As much bibliographical material as possible (and permitted by copyright law) has been placed in Leganto. The bibliography on monasticism available on the iLearn site will put this material in order according to subject. If you require directions in using this bibliography, please consult me as soon as you have chosen an essay topic. Please make use of the considerable electronic holdings of Macquarie University Library, e.g. JSTOR, and the Coptic Encyclopedia, available in its entirety online (see Delivery and Resources).
Students must write on one of the following essay topics:
(1) Discuss the role of the physical environment in the Life of Antony, the Apophthegmata, the Historia monachorum and the Lausiac History, especially the role of nature (desert, river, animals).
(2) Discuss the relations of the ascetics and cenobitic monks with laypersons and secular authorities. (Restrict the topic if necessary by concentrating on particular texts or groups of texts).
(3) Give an outline of the various forms of female monasticism in Egypt. Discuss how the female ascetic experience – if at all to be grasped from our sources – would be different from the male one.
The Major Essay must be referenced according to the standards described in Requirements and Expectations, and be accompanied by a bibliography of works consulted, separated into Primary and Secondary (i.e. Ancient and Modern) sources.
Weekly readings will be available via the Macquarie University Library website, or on the iLearn site. There is considerable material available on the internet on the subject, notably The Coptic Encyclopedia, now online in its entirety at http://ccdl.libraries.claremont.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/cce
All readings set from the Coptic Encyclopedia can be accessed there by searching for them by title.
This unit uses the iLearn, echo360, and Leganto and Multisearch systems to deliver lecture content and readings.
Week 1
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Lecture: Asceticism and Monasticism in the Ancient World Discussion: Introductory. |
Week 2
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Lecture: Antony and his Life Discussion: The Life of Antony |
Week 3
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Lecture: The Desert Fathers Discussion: Apophthegmata Patrum |
Week 4
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Lecture: Communal monasticism I: Pachomius Discussion: The Lives of Pachomius |
Week 5
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Lecture: Communal monasticism I: Shenoute Discussion: Shenoute and Besa |
Week 6
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Lecture: Monasticism in the papyri Discussion: Monastic Papyri |
Week 7 |
No Lecture or Discussion |
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Mid Semester Break – 17/9–28/9 |
Week 8
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Lecture: Female Monasticism Discussion: Female Monasticism |
Week 9
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Lecture: Eremitic and Cenobitic communities I Discussion: Theban monks |
Week 10
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Lecture: Eremitic and Cenobitic communities II Discussion: The Dayr al-Bala’yzah and Monastery of Jeremiah |
Week 11
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Lecture: Monasticism in Syria and Palestine Discussion: The Life of Hilarion |
Week 12
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Lecture: The Legacy of Egyptian Monasticism: The West Discussion: Palladius and Cassian |
Week 13
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Lecture: Retrospect Discussion: Overview Discussion |
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Extensions will be granted only in documented cases of misadventure or illness. Assessment submitted after the due date without a medical certificate or reasonable explanation will attract a penalty of 2% of their mark for every day they are late. Requests for extensions must be made before the due date in writing. (Note the last point: requests for extensions will not be granted over the phone or in person).
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Since the last time this unit was offered, some of the lecture content and the order of lectures has been revised.
To compete the unit satisfactorily, students must listen to the lectures and reflect on them, do the set weekly reading(s), and participate in the online discussion in a manner which demonstrates they have done these things. They must submit all items of assessment, and hand in work which is formatted in accordance with Department of Ancient History guidelines (available here), spell-checked, written in good English, and which demonstrates an understanding of the material in the lectures and readings, and independent reflection on the subject of the assessment. Assessments must demonstrate the generic skills below, which will be assessed according to the listed criteria and levels of achievements.
KNOWLEDGE APPROACH & ARGUMENT |
HIGH DISTINCTION |
DISTINCTION |
CREDIT |
PASS |
FAIL |
Knowledge of relevant subject matter | Extensive knowledge of relevent subject matter | Thorough knowledge of relevant subject matter | Substantial knowledge of relevant subject matter | Sound knowledge of relevant subject matter | Little or no knowledge of relevant subject matter |
Mastery of appropriate techniques and methodologies | Mastery of appropriate techniques and methodologies | Thorough application of techniques and methodologies | Substantial evidence of knowledge of appropriate techniques and methodologies | Some evidence of knowledge of appropriate techniques and methodologies | Little or nor evidence of knowledge of appropriate techniques and methodologies |
Your argument | Consistent evidence of deep and critical thinking; substantial originality | Clear evidence of deep and critical thinking | Some evidence of deep and critical thinking | Sufficient evidence of some critical thinking | Little or no evidence of critical thinking |
Competing arguments | Competing arguments mastered; some success in attempting to go beyond scholarship | Competing arguments mastered; attempt to go beyond scholarship | Substantial evidence of knowledge of competing arguments; arguments reported rather than analysed | Some evidence of knowledge of competing arguments, but this not integrated into your argument | No evidence of knowledge of competing arguments |
SOURCES & THEIR USE |
HIGH DISTINCTION |
DISTINCTION |
CREDIT |
PASS |
FAIL |
Use of ancient sources | Extensive and critical use of ancient sources | Thorough and critical use of ancient sources | Substantial use of ancient sources; some uncritical use | Sufficient use of ancient sources; substantial uncritical use | Very little or no use of ancient sources |
Use of modern scholarship | Extensive and critical use of modern scholarship | Thorough and critical use of modern scholarship | Substantial use of modern scholarship; some uncritical use | Sufficient use of modern scholarship; substantial uncritical use | Little or no use of modern scholarship; uncritical use |
Citation of sources | Approved system used consistently | Approved system used consistently | Approved system used consistently | Approved system used, but not used consistently | No attempt to use approved system or no citation [plagiarism] |
STYLE, PRESENTATION AND LANGUAGE |
HIGH DISTINCTION |
DISTINCTION |
CREDIT |
PASS |
FAIL |
English language: Grammar | Excellent use of English language throughout | Excellent use of English language throughout | Proficient use of English; some minor errors eg in use of apostrophe | Generally sound use of English; consistent minor errors | Substantial inappropriate or ungrammatical use of English |
English language: Spelling | Spelling correct throughout | Spelling correct throughout | Spelling mostly correct throughout; some inconsistency eg in treatment of foreign language words in English | Minor spelling mistakes but otherwise sound | Spelling poor |
Structure of argument | Argument structure excellent | Argument well structured | Argument has proficient structure | Argument has clear structure | Little or no structure to argument |
Length of paper | Within limits set for this assignment | Within limits set for this assignment | Within limits set for this assignment | Within limits set for this assignment | Not within limits set for this assignment |
Presentation | Well presented | Well presented | Well presented | Well presented | Poor presentation: eg untidy and difficult to read |