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Introduction to Christian Archaeology
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MOOC course fully online, taught in Italian, and available immediately. Delivered through the Canvas platform, it can be followed by students at their own learning pace, according to their time availability.
All teaching materials will be available for three months from the date of enrollment. During this period, students will have full access to video lectures, video transcripts, summary presentations, and tests designed to assess learning progress.
Course Information
Content: this course aims to define the general themes of Christian Archaeology, whose field of investigation includes phenomena of topographical transformation, as well as architectural, iconographic, epigraphic, and material culture evidence of early Christianity, within a chronological framework spanning approximately from the 3rd to the 7th century.
Learning objectives: the course is divided into three units, each with clearly defined learning objectives, designed to provide an accessible learning path for all students.
First Unit: What is Meant by Christian Archaeology
In the first unit, students will learn to define the scope of Christian Archaeology, its origin as a scientific discipline, its chronological limits, the criteria of the comparative method, and the various themes it explores in addressing its research objectives.
Second Unit: Topography and Monuments
This unit will guide students to critically analyze the changes brought about by the Christian phenomenon in late antique society, particularly those related to the transformation of the urban and suburban landscape, shaped by the specific monuments of early Christianity.
Third Unit: Words and Images
This unit focuses on the written sources of early Christianity and the manifestations of early Christian art, as well as epigraphic practices, examining how they interact and influence each other and the theological and eschatological thought that emerges from them.
Meet the instructor: Domenico Benoci and the foundations of Christian archaeology
In this episode of the Un caffè con… podcast, Domenico Benoci — archaeologist and course lecturer — explains what Christian archaeology really is, the questions it seeks to answer, and why it is essential for understanding the origins of Christianity. Drawing on his fieldwork and the study of material sources, he places the MOOC Introduction to Christian Archaeology within a rigorous academic framework: not as light outreach, but as a tool to interpret the Christian past through method, context, and evidence. The episode lets prospective students assess both the lecturer and the course’s intellectual approach before enrolling.
FAQ
How long is the course?
The duration depends on your learning pace. On average, the course requires approximately 25-30 hours of total study time to complete all the units with the educational materials and pass the final quiz.
What do I gain by completing the course?
Upon completing the course, you will receive an official certificate of completion, valid for 1 ECTS credit (European Credit Transfer System), after passing the final quiz.
How do the assessment quizzes work?
Each lesson includes a formative assessment quiz that helps you check your understanding of the content. These quizzes do not count towards the final grade of the course. At the end of the course, there is a quiz that determines the grade for the issuance of the certificate.
What tools are needed to take the course?
You only need a device with internet access (computer, tablet, or smartphone) and an updated browser. You can download the Canvas app for easier access from your mobile phone or tablet.
In which language is the course taught?
The course is in Italian, with materials and content organized for easy and engaging understanding.
Can I access the content even after completing the course?
Yes, you will have access to the course materials even after completing it, for any reviews or further study.
Is it possible to receive support during the course?
Yes, you can contact the distance learning department for technical support related to platform issues, or for questions about the educational content.
How do I enroll in the course?
You can enroll directly from the link on our website. You will find a registration button on the course page, and once registered, you will be able to access the content immediately.
Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
Certainly, at the end of the third unit, you will need to take a final quiz covering all three units. Once you pass it, you will be able to download your certificate of participation in the course, along with recognition of 1 ECTS at the institutions and faculties of our University.
What is the format of the course?
The course is completely online and can be taken independently. There are no live lessons. It is structured in modules that include video lessons, formative assessment quizzes, and supplementary materials.
Can I meet the instructor?
There are no scheduled meetings with the instructor; however, through the Canvas platform, you can send emails with questions and comments, to which a response will be provided as soon as possible.
Information about the instructor
Prof. Domenico Benoci
Prof. Domenico Benoci
Domenico Benoci, PhD in Christian Archaeology, is an adjunct lecturer at the Faculty of Theology of the Regina Apostolorum Athenaeum and a researcher at the Pontifical Institute of Christian Archaeology. His research interests and publications focus mainly on Christian and Late Antique Archaeology, with particular attention to Christian Epigraphy.
Further Information
Academic value: the course carries an academic value of 1 ECTS, corresponding to a workload of 24 hours distributed across the three teaching units that make up the course. Students have three months from enrollment to complete the course.
Certification: at the end of the course, students must take a summative assessment test in order to obtain the certificate of recognition issued by the Faculty of Theology.
Cost: €150, with a limited-time launch offer including a 20% discount.
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