IDS 345 Athletics, Sports and Religion in the Ancient World

This course is an upper level interdisciplinary research course dealing with the topic of athletics, sports and religion in the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament and early Christianity. The Hellenistic gymnasium, and its attending institutions will serve as the focal point of class research and discussion. Greco-Roman games, sports, and athletic practices posed a significant challenge to the religious commitments and traditions of observant Jews and early Christians who often refused to participate in such pagan activities. Students will learn about the athletics in the Greco-Roman world and compare this background with some of the controversies and problems of sports and athletics both in the ancient world and today. Prerequisite(s): IDS 201, BIB 277 and COR 225. 3 hour(s).