Early Christian Music
This course addresses the study of ancient Christianity from the New Testament through the fourth century through the lens of its earliest hymns, poetry, and musical practices. The approach is simultaneously historical (studying Jewish and Graeco-Roman musical and poetic influences, and reconstructing extant ancient evidence), literary (studying the language and themes of early poems and hymns), and theological (studying the theological significance of musical elements and poetic writing). Focused attention will be given to a variety of "hymn texts" within the New Testament, as well as those written by Christians in the second through fourth centuries.
About the Instructor: Dr. Kozitza Dean earned a D.Phil. in New Testament (Oxford); an MA (Notre Dame); and a BA (Baylor). Her research engages the vitality of Scripture in multiple interpretive spheres within Jewish and Christian antiquity. She has focused on understanding intersections between New Testament texts, their early reception, and ancient visual and auditory cultures. Dr. Kozitza Dean is passionate about providing formation in the theological practice of fides quaerens intellectum (“faith seeking understanding”), and equipping students with wide-ranging skills in the interpretation of ancient texts.
Dates: September 9 - December 9, 2026
Days & Times: Thursdays, 9:00am-11:30am
Requirements: Readings and discussions. No written work, projects, or presentations.
Books to purchase: Reading list will be provided by the instructor.
Fee: $275.00
Format: Hybrid
Location: Flahiff Room (main Floor, AST Library)
Please note: This Continuing Education program is non-credit, meaning it cannot be counted toward a degree or diploma, and will not be transcripted. Continuing Education registrations are refundable until 7 days before a program commences. After that time, fees are non-refundable.
Questions? Please contact: Lydia Hood, Continuing Education Coordinator, at lydia.hood@astheology.ns.ca
Or the instructor, Dr. Evangeline Kozitza Dean at evangeline.kozitza.dean@astheology.ns.ca