This course discusses the changing status of Christians in the Roman Empire between 100 and 500 CE. An underlying theme of this course is: What is it to be a Christian? Students will read and discuss both primary and secondary sources and analyze how the answer to the above- mentioned question changed during the Roman Empire. Topics to be discussed include: heresies, persecution, definitions of doctrines and practices, the relationship to the Roman Empire, and more. All students will write a book review, take two essay exams, and participate in regular discussion. Class participation is an expected component of this class and contributes 25% to the final grade for the course.