TFF4003 – Space, Art and Identity in Synagogue, Church and Mosque
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The course has its focus on what we, based on art and archaeological remains, may learn about the development of Judaism, Samaritanism, Christianity, and Islam, especially in terms of their inter-relationship, from the first century to ca. 750 CE. In addition to an emphasis on social, religious, and political spatial settings, special attention is given to the role of sacred places in processes of identity formation and inter-religious relations.
Why Choose this Course?
The relevance of this course is seen both in recent developments in the academic study of inter-related religions and in increasing needs in modern societies - in which xenophobia, anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are on the rise - for professionals educated in religious interaction and conflict resolution.
All of the traditions addressed in the course, Judaism, Samaritanism, Christianity, and Islam, construe key aspects of their religious identities based on historical claims and concepts that were formed in antiquity, and refer to such historical discourses when addressing contemporary issues involving both conflict and other forms of interaction. The study of the foundational periods of these religions is thus crucial both in terms of understanding modern society and with regard to the analytical skills needed to address issues of concern. Former US Secretary of State, John Kerry, has said: "In fact, if I went back to college today, I think I would probably major in comparative religion, because that’s how integrated [religion] is in everything that we are working on and deciding and thinking about in life today." Considering the contemporary global influence of the so-called Abrahamic religions, not least in settings deeply entrenched in conflict and violence, interdisciplinary study of these traditions is more urgent than ever.
Space, Art, and Identity in Synagogue, Church, and Mosque will provide students with an education built on cutting-edge research, preparing them for active engagement with issues of crucial importance in the contemporary world.
The course is a cooperation between the University of Lund and University of Oslo, and held with lecturers from both universities.
Learning outcome
The student will acquire:
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of the development of and the relationship between Judaism, Samaritanism, Christianity, and Islam, with a focus on Israel/Palestine, from the first century to ca. 750 CE.
- Advanced knowledge of how the study of art and archaeology may impact our understanding of Judaism, Samaritanism, Christianity, and Islam with a focus on identity formation and inter- and intra-religious interaction.
- Skills to critically discuss the relationship between literary sources and archaeological remains, and their significance, respectively, for the reconstruction of historical processes.
- Skills to apply basic techniques relevant to archaeological excavations.
- Skills to reflect with insight, and in writing, on the role of sacred space in the shaping of inter-religious relations as well as in processes of identity formation.
- The ability to demonstrate an analytically rigorous approach to inter-religious relations in various historical and contemporary contexts.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
Students must registrer for the course in Studentweb by the deadline for the?first round of course registration for the Spring semester, which is the same as for Bachelor Degree students at TF.
Students enrolled in other Master`s Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
Students on the six year Theology Programme and on the five year Teacher Education Programme must be on the master’s level (i.e. have completed the first three years of the programme).
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Teaching
The course is divided into two parts: 1) web-based teaching (distance learning); 2) normally a mandatory field trip (partly self-funded) to Israel and the Palestinian territories (in RRE terminology equalling a ‘compact seminar’). The field trip includes, among other things, participation in an archaeological excavation in Galilee as well as a week of study in Jerusalem. The trip will most likely be in May 2026. Exact dates will be announced as soon as possible. Students should expect to pay for the airfare to and from Israel, but may apply for funding covering all other costs.
Note: If the field trip cannot be carried out due to a conflict in the region, an alternative arrangement will be made.
The required readings include approximately 900 pages of secondary literature. Over the semester, students have regular reading and written e-learning assignments, the latter of which are four (4) in number and should be submitted via Canvas.
The online component consists of eight (8) lectures/seminars. Lectures and seminars will also be an important part of the mandatory field trip.
Mandatory requirements:
Students must complete four written assignments during the semester in order to pass the course.
Examination
Examination consists of a major paper between 8 to 10 pages in length.
(Font: Times New Roman, 12 points; 1.5 space).
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.