The aim of this course is to provide a historical overview of Christian thought. A special emphasis will be on the formation of creedal texts as well as the history and characteristics of various denominations.

A Survey of the History of Israel in Old Testament times. The Faith of the OT depicted in terms of historical development, but also in relation to the social, politacal and religious situation in the contemporary peoples and cultures of the Ancient Near East. The origin and the main characteristics of the individual books of the OT discussed. The afterlife of some OT texts also discussed.

The topic of this course is the history of the Christian religion from the beginning to our times. The course is an introductory and overview course and will, on the basis of recent research, discuss the most significant characteristics of the main periods in the history of the Christian religion. In its survey, it will proceed chronologically, i.e. moving from the early Christian period through history to the modern era. The course will also explore particular themes appearing in different historical and cultural contexts. The themes are 1) orthodoxy and heresy, 2) the Christian religion and violence, 3) the formation of historical secularities, 4) monastic movements. Although the course will center on the dispersion and development of the Christianity in Europe, its spread will be discussed from a global perspective as well. Theoretically and methodologically, the course belongs to the discipline of the history of religon.

This course discusses both theological and philosophical ethics. In the first half of the course the emphasis is on introducing dominant theories and concepts of western ethics. In the second half of the course special attention is given to the question: „What is life worth living?“ from diverse theoretical standpoints and worldviews.

The course contains a discussion of the beginnings of Early Christianity as well as of its historical and ideological background. Special emphasis will be given to the roots of Christianity in early Judaism. Attention will also be paid to the ideological roots of Christianity in Hellenistic thought. Early Christian literature will be discussed with emphasis on a historical approach to the sources. Included is a general discussion of the nature and form of writings of this sort. In this way, a basis will be laid for a qualified interpretation of and research into Early Christian literature.

Bible Hebrew for beginners.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a basis on which to read and interpret the texts of the New Testament independently. The main elements of the grammatical structure of ancient Greek will be studied and text examples from the New Testament and other early Christian texts will be read for that purpose. Special emphasis will be put on the knowledge and use of ancient Greek within the fields of theology and religious studies.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the Pauline Letters in Greek, with a focus on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Selected excerpts from the Gospel of Luke will also be studied. Reading and analysis will be conducted with the support of commentaries and other reference materials. Emphasis is placed on a historical-critical approach and understanding the texts in their historical context. Additionally, the main message of the selected passages will be analyzed from theological and ethical perspectives. In this connection, the history of interpretation will be explored, and the latest research will be presented and discussed.

The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts.  The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes.  Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

The BA thesis shall be 8.000-10.000 words. The BA thesis in theology is intended to develop the student´s ability to examine a chosen theological subject or work and to write about it in accepted scholarly fashion appropriate for undergraduate studies. The thesis is written under the supervision of a member of the regular teaching staff in theology and religious studies. The student writes the thesis under the guidance of one faculty member in theology.

The main purpose of this course is conflict and conflict zones in the world with regard to opportunities and challenges which such topics provide in teaching. Participants will be introduced to ideas and issues of conflicts and relate these to geogarphical situations, history, culture and religion. Two or three areas will be selected for analysis. These could be Ireland and the Irish democacy, Israel and Palestine, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria and Turkey, together with areas that geogarphically can be difficult to define. The selection of topics will be made in consultance with participants which will, depending on circumstances, be related to Icelandic history and situation.

The course assignments will cover systematic search for information, suitable exposition of historical and geographical results and explanation of complex and delicate issues.

Final exam counts as 40%, but assignments and partial exams count as 60%. Participants have to attend 80% of classes. 
Further information is on CANVAS.

We will discuss religious motives in European fine art from early christianity up to the present. The importance of the christian churches for art history will be our subject matter, both in terms of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Special focus will be on the changes that occurred with the renaissance, the reformation, and the age of enlightenment. The we will examine the effects of the secularisation of art and the origins of modern art in late 19thcentury and early 20th century. We will also deal with the various art movements that appeared in the late 20th century and their relationship with christianity as wells as other religions, such as japanese and chinese.

The course is about religion and religious education in a multicultural society. The students will get basic knowledge about the major religions of the world and how to prepare teaching and learning in religious education in the elementary school. They are also trained in discussing issues and questions about religion and view of life.

The content of the course is religion, religious experience, the search for meaning and the main concepts of religious studies. The value of religions for individuals and societies will be discussed and their impact on the shaping of identities, values and understanding of life. The major religions of the world will be explored, i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other religions and secular worldviews. Also the role of religion nowadays, new religious movements, multiculturalism and pluralism, prejudice and tolerance.

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussion groups, field study and papers on religion and teaching and learning in religious studies. The course is planned for both regular and distance students.

In the course, people's religious needs, experiences and religious identities will be discussed together with selected parts oft the main religious traditions in the world. Religious practice - particularly in relation to school settings - religious ethics and common values of different religions will be discussed, as well as the position of religions today, cultural and religious conflicts and prejudice and misunderstanding concerning religions. Projects are linked to the field.

The aims of this course are that the student has increased his or her knowledge in the main religious traditions in the world, and in the basic theories and key concepts in religious studies. That the student understands the relations between culture and religion and the influences of those on the identity, life values and daily lives of children and families. That the student knows ways of dealing with matters of opinion related to religions in his or her work settings. That the student can collect, assess and analyse scientific data in the field of religious studies in a multicultural society and use suitable technical measures and software. That the student can initiate new studies and development projects and communicate his or her findings in a suitable manner. That the student has developed independent methods of working and is capable of further studies and research in the field of religious studies in multicultural settings.

The aim of this course is to provide a historical overview of Christian thought. A special emphasis will be on the formation of creedal texts as well as the history and characteristics of various denominations.

A Survey of the History of Israel in Old Testament times. The Faith of the OT depicted in terms of historical development, but also in relation to the social, politacal and religious situation in the contemporary peoples and cultures of the Ancient Near East. The origin and the main characteristics of the individual books of the OT discussed. The afterlife of some OT texts also discussed.

The topic of this course is the history of the Christian religion from the beginning to our times. The course is an introductory and overview course and will, on the basis of recent research, discuss the most significant characteristics of the main periods in the history of the Christian religion. In its survey, it will proceed chronologically, i.e. moving from the early Christian period through history to the modern era. The course will also explore particular themes appearing in different historical and cultural contexts. The themes are 1) orthodoxy and heresy, 2) the Christian religion and violence, 3) the formation of historical secularities, 4) monastic movements. Although the course will center on the dispersion and development of the Christianity in Europe, its spread will be discussed from a global perspective as well. Theoretically and methodologically, the course belongs to the discipline of the history of religon.

This course discusses both theological and philosophical ethics. In the first half of the course the emphasis is on introducing dominant theories and concepts of western ethics. In the second half of the course special attention is given to the question: „What is life worth living?“ from diverse theoretical standpoints and worldviews.

The course contains a discussion of the beginnings of Early Christianity as well as of its historical and ideological background. Special emphasis will be given to the roots of Christianity in early Judaism. Attention will also be paid to the ideological roots of Christianity in Hellenistic thought. Early Christian literature will be discussed with emphasis on a historical approach to the sources. Included is a general discussion of the nature and form of writings of this sort. In this way, a basis will be laid for a qualified interpretation of and research into Early Christian literature.

Bible Hebrew for beginners.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a basis on which to read and interpret the texts of the New Testament independently. The main elements of the grammatical structure of ancient Greek will be studied and text examples from the New Testament and other early Christian texts will be read for that purpose. Special emphasis will be put on the knowledge and use of ancient Greek within the fields of theology and religious studies.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the Pauline Letters in Greek, with a focus on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Selected excerpts from the Gospel of Luke will also be studied. Reading and analysis will be conducted with the support of commentaries and other reference materials. Emphasis is placed on a historical-critical approach and understanding the texts in their historical context. Additionally, the main message of the selected passages will be analyzed from theological and ethical perspectives. In this connection, the history of interpretation will be explored, and the latest research will be presented and discussed.

The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts.  The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes.  Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

The BA thesis shall be 8.000-10.000 words. The BA thesis in theology is intended to develop the student´s ability to examine a chosen theological subject or work and to write about it in accepted scholarly fashion appropriate for undergraduate studies. The thesis is written under the supervision of a member of the regular teaching staff in theology and religious studies. The student writes the thesis under the guidance of one faculty member in theology.

The main purpose of this course is conflict and conflict zones in the world with regard to opportunities and challenges which such topics provide in teaching. Participants will be introduced to ideas and issues of conflicts and relate these to geogarphical situations, history, culture and religion. Two or three areas will be selected for analysis. These could be Ireland and the Irish democacy, Israel and Palestine, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria and Turkey, together with areas that geogarphically can be difficult to define. The selection of topics will be made in consultance with participants which will, depending on circumstances, be related to Icelandic history and situation.

The course assignments will cover systematic search for information, suitable exposition of historical and geographical results and explanation of complex and delicate issues.

Final exam counts as 40%, but assignments and partial exams count as 60%. Participants have to attend 80% of classes. 
Further information is on CANVAS.

We will discuss religious motives in European fine art from early christianity up to the present. The importance of the christian churches for art history will be our subject matter, both in terms of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Special focus will be on the changes that occurred with the renaissance, the reformation, and the age of enlightenment. The we will examine the effects of the secularisation of art and the origins of modern art in late 19thcentury and early 20th century. We will also deal with the various art movements that appeared in the late 20th century and their relationship with christianity as wells as other religions, such as japanese and chinese.

The course is about religion and religious education in a multicultural society. The students will get basic knowledge about the major religions of the world and how to prepare teaching and learning in religious education in the elementary school. They are also trained in discussing issues and questions about religion and view of life.

The content of the course is religion, religious experience, the search for meaning and the main concepts of religious studies. The value of religions for individuals and societies will be discussed and their impact on the shaping of identities, values and understanding of life. The major religions of the world will be explored, i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other religions and secular worldviews. Also the role of religion nowadays, new religious movements, multiculturalism and pluralism, prejudice and tolerance.

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussion groups, field study and papers on religion and teaching and learning in religious studies. The course is planned for both regular and distance students.

In the course, people's religious needs, experiences and religious identities will be discussed together with selected parts oft the main religious traditions in the world. Religious practice - particularly in relation to school settings - religious ethics and common values of different religions will be discussed, as well as the position of religions today, cultural and religious conflicts and prejudice and misunderstanding concerning religions. Projects are linked to the field.

The aims of this course are that the student has increased his or her knowledge in the main religious traditions in the world, and in the basic theories and key concepts in religious studies. That the student understands the relations between culture and religion and the influences of those on the identity, life values and daily lives of children and families. That the student knows ways of dealing with matters of opinion related to religions in his or her work settings. That the student can collect, assess and analyse scientific data in the field of religious studies in a multicultural society and use suitable technical measures and software. That the student can initiate new studies and development projects and communicate his or her findings in a suitable manner. That the student has developed independent methods of working and is capable of further studies and research in the field of religious studies in multicultural settings.

The aim of this course is to provide a historical overview of Christian thought. A special emphasis will be on the formation of creedal texts as well as the history and characteristics of various denominations.

A Survey of the History of Israel in Old Testament times. The Faith of the OT depicted in terms of historical development, but also in relation to the social, politacal and religious situation in the contemporary peoples and cultures of the Ancient Near East. The origin and the main characteristics of the individual books of the OT discussed. The afterlife of some OT texts also discussed.

The topic of this course is the history of the Christian religion from the beginning to our times. The course is an introductory and overview course and will, on the basis of recent research, discuss the most significant characteristics of the main periods in the history of the Christian religion. In its survey, it will proceed chronologically, i.e. moving from the early Christian period through history to the modern era. The course will also explore particular themes appearing in different historical and cultural contexts. The themes are 1) orthodoxy and heresy, 2) the Christian religion and violence, 3) the formation of historical secularities, 4) monastic movements. Although the course will center on the dispersion and development of the Christianity in Europe, its spread will be discussed from a global perspective as well. Theoretically and methodologically, the course belongs to the discipline of the history of religon.

This course discusses both theological and philosophical ethics. In the first half of the course the emphasis is on introducing dominant theories and concepts of western ethics. In the second half of the course special attention is given to the question: „What is life worth living?“ from diverse theoretical standpoints and worldviews.

The course contains a discussion of the beginnings of Early Christianity as well as of its historical and ideological background. Special emphasis will be given to the roots of Christianity in early Judaism. Attention will also be paid to the ideological roots of Christianity in Hellenistic thought. Early Christian literature will be discussed with emphasis on a historical approach to the sources. Included is a general discussion of the nature and form of writings of this sort. In this way, a basis will be laid for a qualified interpretation of and research into Early Christian literature.

Bible Hebrew for beginners.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a basis on which to read and interpret the texts of the New Testament independently. The main elements of the grammatical structure of ancient Greek will be studied and text examples from the New Testament and other early Christian texts will be read for that purpose. Special emphasis will be put on the knowledge and use of ancient Greek within the fields of theology and religious studies.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the Pauline Letters in Greek, with a focus on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Selected excerpts from the Gospel of Luke will also be studied. Reading and analysis will be conducted with the support of commentaries and other reference materials. Emphasis is placed on a historical-critical approach and understanding the texts in their historical context. Additionally, the main message of the selected passages will be analyzed from theological and ethical perspectives. In this connection, the history of interpretation will be explored, and the latest research will be presented and discussed.

The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts.  The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes.  Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

The BA thesis shall be 8.000-10.000 words. The BA thesis in theology is intended to develop the student´s ability to examine a chosen theological subject or work and to write about it in accepted scholarly fashion appropriate for undergraduate studies. The thesis is written under the supervision of a member of the regular teaching staff in theology and religious studies. The student writes the thesis under the guidance of one faculty member in theology.

The main purpose of this course is conflict and conflict zones in the world with regard to opportunities and challenges which such topics provide in teaching. Participants will be introduced to ideas and issues of conflicts and relate these to geogarphical situations, history, culture and religion. Two or three areas will be selected for analysis. These could be Ireland and the Irish democacy, Israel and Palestine, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria and Turkey, together with areas that geogarphically can be difficult to define. The selection of topics will be made in consultance with participants which will, depending on circumstances, be related to Icelandic history and situation.

The course assignments will cover systematic search for information, suitable exposition of historical and geographical results and explanation of complex and delicate issues.

Final exam counts as 40%, but assignments and partial exams count as 60%. Participants have to attend 80% of classes. 
Further information is on CANVAS.

We will discuss religious motives in European fine art from early christianity up to the present. The importance of the christian churches for art history will be our subject matter, both in terms of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Special focus will be on the changes that occurred with the renaissance, the reformation, and the age of enlightenment. The we will examine the effects of the secularisation of art and the origins of modern art in late 19thcentury and early 20th century. We will also deal with the various art movements that appeared in the late 20th century and their relationship with christianity as wells as other religions, such as japanese and chinese.

The course is about religion and religious education in a multicultural society. The students will get basic knowledge about the major religions of the world and how to prepare teaching and learning in religious education in the elementary school. They are also trained in discussing issues and questions about religion and view of life.

The content of the course is religion, religious experience, the search for meaning and the main concepts of religious studies. The value of religions for individuals and societies will be discussed and their impact on the shaping of identities, values and understanding of life. The major religions of the world will be explored, i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other religions and secular worldviews. Also the role of religion nowadays, new religious movements, multiculturalism and pluralism, prejudice and tolerance.

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussion groups, field study and papers on religion and teaching and learning in religious studies. The course is planned for both regular and distance students.

In the course, people's religious needs, experiences and religious identities will be discussed together with selected parts oft the main religious traditions in the world. Religious practice - particularly in relation to school settings - religious ethics and common values of different religions will be discussed, as well as the position of religions today, cultural and religious conflicts and prejudice and misunderstanding concerning religions. Projects are linked to the field.

The aims of this course are that the student has increased his or her knowledge in the main religious traditions in the world, and in the basic theories and key concepts in religious studies. That the student understands the relations between culture and religion and the influences of those on the identity, life values and daily lives of children and families. That the student knows ways of dealing with matters of opinion related to religions in his or her work settings. That the student can collect, assess and analyse scientific data in the field of religious studies in a multicultural society and use suitable technical measures and software. That the student can initiate new studies and development projects and communicate his or her findings in a suitable manner. That the student has developed independent methods of working and is capable of further studies and research in the field of religious studies in multicultural settings.

The aim of this course is to provide a historical overview of Christian thought. A special emphasis will be on the formation of creedal texts as well as the history and characteristics of various denominations.

A Survey of the History of Israel in Old Testament times. The Faith of the OT depicted in terms of historical development, but also in relation to the social, politacal and religious situation in the contemporary peoples and cultures of the Ancient Near East. The origin and the main characteristics of the individual books of the OT discussed. The afterlife of some OT texts also discussed.

The topic of this course is the history of the Christian religion from the beginning to our times. The course is an introductory and overview course and will, on the basis of recent research, discuss the most significant characteristics of the main periods in the history of the Christian religion. In its survey, it will proceed chronologically, i.e. moving from the early Christian period through history to the modern era. The course will also explore particular themes appearing in different historical and cultural contexts. The themes are 1) orthodoxy and heresy, 2) the Christian religion and violence, 3) the formation of historical secularities, 4) monastic movements. Although the course will center on the dispersion and development of the Christianity in Europe, its spread will be discussed from a global perspective as well. Theoretically and methodologically, the course belongs to the discipline of the history of religon.

This course discusses both theological and philosophical ethics. In the first half of the course the emphasis is on introducing dominant theories and concepts of western ethics. In the second half of the course special attention is given to the question: „What is life worth living?“ from diverse theoretical standpoints and worldviews.

The course contains a discussion of the beginnings of Early Christianity as well as of its historical and ideological background. Special emphasis will be given to the roots of Christianity in early Judaism. Attention will also be paid to the ideological roots of Christianity in Hellenistic thought. Early Christian literature will be discussed with emphasis on a historical approach to the sources. Included is a general discussion of the nature and form of writings of this sort. In this way, a basis will be laid for a qualified interpretation of and research into Early Christian literature.

Bible Hebrew for beginners.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The primary purpose of this course is to provide students with a basis on which to read and interpret the texts of the New Testament independently. The main elements of the grammatical structure of ancient Greek will be studied and text examples from the New Testament and other early Christian texts will be read for that purpose. Special emphasis will be put on the knowledge and use of ancient Greek within the fields of theology and religious studies.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

What kind of phenomenon is religion and what is the relationship between religion and social developments? In this course, students will be introduced to how such questions have been answered from a sociological point of view. The course is an introductory course and will discuss the most important theories, methods, and concepts in the field of sociology of religion. Prominent topics will be modernization and the formation of secularities.  In the course, students explore the role of religion in intercultural society and how theories, methods, and concepts of sociology religion can be employed to analyse the lived reality of religion in light of Icelandic circumstances.

This course will start out with the prolegomena of Christian Theology, dealing with questions about sources and methods in theological studies. The remaining of the course will focus on three fundamental doctrines, namely about the creation, God and the Trinity.

What is the relationship between humans and more-than-human nature? Is nature an independent source of value or is the value of nature explained by its usefulness to humans? Do humans overestimate their own place in creation? These and other questions form the basis of the selection of the ethical and theological content of this course. View of nature, theological anthropology and religious worldviews are the main analytical issues and concepts. Special attention will be given to the watercycle of earth and how it relates to climate change in the Arctic surroundings of Iceland.

The course discusses the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations from various perspectives, with a special emphasis on SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

The Hebrew Book of Ruth will be read in order to introduce Biblical Hebrew syntax to students who have finished the Hebrew Course GFR326G, to expand their vocabulary, and to enhance their understanding of Biblical Hebrew phonology, morphology and grammar. Furthermore, students will practice deciphering the apparatus criticus, Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia’s textcritical commentary system.

The course includes a close reading of selected passages from the Pauline Letters in Greek, with a focus on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. Selected excerpts from the Gospel of Luke will also be studied. Reading and analysis will be conducted with the support of commentaries and other reference materials. Emphasis is placed on a historical-critical approach and understanding the texts in their historical context. Additionally, the main message of the selected passages will be analyzed from theological and ethical perspectives. In this connection, the history of interpretation will be explored, and the latest research will be presented and discussed.

The course offers methodological grounding for the practices and working environment of ordained ministry and children/youth ministry. Key features include vocation, leadership, collaboration and professionalism. Professional ethics based on codex ethicus will be discussed. The course provides professional and spiritual resources to ministry, collaborating with other professions, how to set boundaries, communicate constructively and resolve conflicts.  The course discusses the leadership roles of ministry, volunteer work and theories to identify roles and responsibilities. The course presents teaching methods that help to develop skills for religious education, study materials and effective teaching in relation to youth ministry and confirmation classes.  Teaching methods in the course include lectures and active participation of students through short study trips, seminars, meetings with other professions, and exercises.

Anthropology and christology will be the focus of this course. While anthropology asks questions about human nature, as well as sin and grace, Christology focuses, on one hand, on the identity of the person of Jesus Christ, and on the other hand on the soteriological significance of his life and death.

The history of Christianity and art history are interconnected and overlap. This course will explore the relationship between Christianity and various kinds of artistic creation with examples from literature, visual arts, music, and film. Although the course will geographically center on Christianity in Europe, it will also include, for contrast and comparison, examples from other regions and religions. Source work will concentrate on primary sources from Northern Europe but also include sources from other regions. The course will furthermore contain a particular focus on the visual arts and literature. With regards to the visual arts, it will discuss differing ideas about their significance in different denominations and religious movements. Particular attention will be given to notions of iconoclasm and aniconism. In regard to literature, the course will focus on the concept of literature, the distinction between secular and religious literature, and the application of literary theory and methods in the analysis of Christian religious texts.

The course builds on the students´s previous knowledge in ancient Greek, and their skills to read the New Testament in Greek is strengthened. For that purpose selected passages from the Gospel of Mark as well as the Gospel of John are read, with support from grammatical, lexical and other appropriate tools. The course will also serve as preparation for exegesis of the New Testament.

The topic of this course – which will be taught both online and on-site in Iceland in the summer of 2026 – is the history of Christianity in Iceland from a long-term perspective, ranging from the beginning of Christianity in Iceland until the twenty-first century. The course will be restricted to particular scholarly interests that have not received much attention in scholarly discussion on Christianity in Iceland. A) Central to the course is a focus on how the Christian religion developed in Iceland in an active interplay with other regions, most importantly in Europe, but as time passed, also elsewhere. Particular attention will be given to how knowledge about Christianity was transmitted through networks reaching ecclesiastical and educational institutions in Northern Europe. B) Iceland’s position in the landscape of global Christianity – which also has changed over the course of time – will be analysed, particularly in light of the analytical concepts of center and periphery. To a considerable extent, the discussion will be theoretically based in postcolonial frameworks. C) Significant for the course – particularly during its on-site part  – will be questions regarding the context of history writing, space, sites of memory, and cultural memory.

The BA thesis shall be 8.000-10.000 words. The BA thesis in theology is intended to develop the student´s ability to examine a chosen theological subject or work and to write about it in accepted scholarly fashion appropriate for undergraduate studies. The thesis is written under the supervision of a member of the regular teaching staff in theology and religious studies. The student writes the thesis under the guidance of one faculty member in theology.

The main purpose of this course is conflict and conflict zones in the world with regard to opportunities and challenges which such topics provide in teaching. Participants will be introduced to ideas and issues of conflicts and relate these to geogarphical situations, history, culture and religion. Two or three areas will be selected for analysis. These could be Ireland and the Irish democacy, Israel and Palestine, Mexico, Myanmar, Nigeria and Turkey, together with areas that geogarphically can be difficult to define. The selection of topics will be made in consultance with participants which will, depending on circumstances, be related to Icelandic history and situation.

The course assignments will cover systematic search for information, suitable exposition of historical and geographical results and explanation of complex and delicate issues.

Final exam counts as 40%, but assignments and partial exams count as 60%. Participants have to attend 80% of classes. 
Further information is on CANVAS.

We will discuss religious motives in European fine art from early christianity up to the present. The importance of the christian churches for art history will be our subject matter, both in terms of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Special focus will be on the changes that occurred with the renaissance, the reformation, and the age of enlightenment. The we will examine the effects of the secularisation of art and the origins of modern art in late 19thcentury and early 20th century. We will also deal with the various art movements that appeared in the late 20th century and their relationship with christianity as wells as other religions, such as japanese and chinese.

The course is about religion and religious education in a multicultural society. The students will get basic knowledge about the major religions of the world and how to prepare teaching and learning in religious education in the elementary school. They are also trained in discussing issues and questions about religion and view of life.

The content of the course is religion, religious experience, the search for meaning and the main concepts of religious studies. The value of religions for individuals and societies will be discussed and their impact on the shaping of identities, values and understanding of life. The major religions of the world will be explored, i.e. Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and some other religions and secular worldviews. Also the role of religion nowadays, new religious movements, multiculturalism and pluralism, prejudice and tolerance.

Teaching methods: Lectures, discussion groups, field study and papers on religion and teaching and learning in religious studies. The course is planned for both regular and distance students.

In the course, people's religious needs, experiences and religious identities will be discussed together with selected parts oft the main religious traditions in the world. Religious practice - particularly in relation to school settings - religious ethics and common values of different religions will be discussed, as well as the position of religions today, cultural and religious conflicts and prejudice and misunderstanding concerning religions. Projects are linked to the field.

The aims of this course are that the student has increased his or her knowledge in the main religious traditions in the world, and in the basic theories and key concepts in religious studies. That the student understands the relations between culture and religion and the influences of those on the identity, life values and daily lives of children and families. That the student knows ways of dealing with matters of opinion related to religions in his or her work settings. That the student can collect, assess and analyse scientific data in the field of religious studies in a multicultural society and use suitable technical measures and software. That the student can initiate new studies and development projects and communicate his or her findings in a suitable manner. That the student has developed independent methods of working and is capable of further studies and research in the field of religious studies in multicultural settings.