Academic year 2026/2027
Overview
Church history is often presented as a list of dates, names, and events to remember. In this course, we approach it differently. History is not only about what happened, but also about how stories about the past are told, by whom, and for what purpose. The way we interpret history shapes how we understand the present—and how we act in the world today.
The first part of the course offers an introduction to the history of Eastern Christianity, with a focus on the Byzantine tradition, its missions in Eastern Europe, and its influence in the Middle East.
The second part focuses on moments of conflict in Christian history and how different historical narratives have shaped these conflicts. Special attention within the course will be given to examining the deeper historical, religious, and ideological narratives informing the current Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the participants are (individually and collectively) expected to be able to:
- read, interpret, and evaluate historical narratives used in church conflicts past and present, using the course’s shared tools and discussions;
- identify and engage in dialogue with others about the roles of ideology in the construction and spread of historical narratives;
- reflect on their own understanding on ethical dimensions of church historical narratives;
- understand and contribute with their own perspective about the roles of nationalism, identity-building, language, and cultural construction in the creation, use, and duration of historical narratives used by churches in their conflicts with each other;
- use insights from history to reflect on today’s questions of power, identity, violence, and peace, in church, educational, or civil-society contexts, and
- use historical insight as a resource for responsible action, for example in teaching, community work, dialogue initiatives, or public conversations.
Learning Approach
At Sankt Ignatios Folkhögskola, the overarching principle that guides learning is that all knowledge is intersubjective.
Knowledge is dialogue, which requires humility and empathy.
This course is built on collaborative and dialogical learning where participants actively shape not only their common learning journey but also the course itself. The content, materials, and methods will be adapted in real time based on participants’ needs, interests, and input. Beyond mastering subject matter, a central goal is for each participant to become aware of how shared learning experiences and dialogue transforms their thinking, practice and identity. Through dialogue, narrative, group discussions, shared reflection, creative expression, and collective exploration, participants develop awareness of their own growth while supporting others’ development. The learning community becomes a space where everyone’s experiences and questions not only enrich understanding but actively guide the direction of the course, helping each person to integrate learning into their own life context in meaningful, personally transformative ways.
The Deans Council revised the syllabus on January 14, 2026.