78170 - History of Manichaeism and of the Iranian Gnosis (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

The student is expected to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the historical and religious problems concerning the Manichaeism and Gnosticism, within the Iranian milieu and connected areas of Near East and Central Asia. The learning outcomes also entail an appropriate skillfulness in talking and writing to present his acquaintance of the due bibliography

Course contents

Mani, the Prophet and the Painter of the Light

The course will be focusing on the prophet Mani (3rd century A.D.) and the religion founded by him, which was spread from the Mediterranean to Central Asia and China. The main tenets of his doctrine (cosmological myth, anthropology, soteriology, eschatology) and the history of the Manichaen community, will be taken into account in the light of a critical bibliography and of original Manichaeans texts. The basic features of this missionary and universal religion will also be envisaged in relationship with the general theme of Gnosticism (Nag Hammadi Coptic texts and Greek-Latin Gnostic texts) and the cultural interactions with other religious systems (Zoroastrianism, Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism).

Seminar: The illuminated codex of Central Asia (Turfan). Arts of the book, painting, didacticism, tools of spiritual training in the Uighur kingdom of Qocho

Readings/Bibliography

1. For a general introduction, one volume among this list:

A. Piras, Manicheismo, Brescia 2015.

M. Tardieu, Il manicheismo, Cosenza 1988.

H.-J. Polonsky, Il manicheismo. Gnosi di salvezza tra Egitto e Cina, Rimini 1996.

2. For the seminar, the following book is recommended:

A. Piras, Verba Lucis. Scrittura, immagine e libro nel manicheismo, Milano-Udine 2012.

3. Didactical tools of Manichaeans texts (Greek, Latin, Coptic, Iranian, Chinese, Turkic) will be uploaded on the web-site of this teaching, to be read and commented during the lessons. Students from abroad could arrange a different bibliography (English, French), if they prefer.

Teaching methods

conventional lessons and visual implements (power point and projector)

Assessment methods

The exam consists in a colloquial verification of the student's ability in learning and discussing the bibliography, with special attention to the technical terminology of the course, to the appropriate way of presenting any items and to understand the wider networking dynamics of related problems and culture contexts

Teaching tools

Didactic tools of uploaded pdf, power points and projectors

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Piras