Short course
The Confessions of Augustine
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates:
19/05/2027 - 16/06/2027
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£190.00
'You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.'
'Make me chaste, but not yet!'
These two declarations from the Confessions are among the most cited from all of literature, let alone from the works of Augustine. In them are encapsulated the complexities and seeming contradictions of his heart as he navigates his way through his early life. The Confessions is considered a core text of the Western literary and theological canons. The author's North African context and wide-ranging interests, however, situate it in much broader traditions.
This short course in Oxford will combine historical, literary, religious, philosophical and psychological approaches. The rich intertextuality of biblical references in nearly every sentence will be highlighted.
A main topic will be the nature of religious and philosophical conversions as students discuss the various changes in worldview expressed in the work.
Most weeks will focus on just two books (chapters) of the Confessions to allow us to immerse ourselves in the poetic language and thought world of Augustine.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Course aims
To draw out the layers of meaning in the Confessions through a close reading of the text.
Course objectives
- To become familiar with the cultural, historical, and religious background of the late fourth and early 5th centuries.
- To learn how to read an ancient text in context.
- To explore the life and thought of Augustine.
Programme details
Courses starts Wednesday 19 May 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 4.30-6.30pm.
Week 1: Confessions, Books 1-3
Week 2: Confessions, Books 4-5
Week 3: Confessions, Books 6-7
Week 4: Confessions, Books 8-9
Week 5: Confessions, Books 10-13
Teaching methods
This course will be mainly taught through seminar discussions that rely on the preparation and participation of the students. Short lectures will introduce important background and contexts to aid in understanding the text.
Learning outcomes
- To be able to identify the key elements of the pivots in Augustine’s life and thought.
- To have a greater understanding of the framework, rationale and purpose of the Confessions.
- To be able to incorporate elements of context necessary to comprehend an ancient text.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Dr Susan Griffith
Certification
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £190.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- The Confessions / Augustine