A study of early Christian perspectives on gender, sexuality, marriage, divorce, household arrangements and family life, as expressed in New Testament and other early Christian writings, within the context of ancient Mediterranean teachings and practice. Topics will include: the impact of slavery on family arrangements, the roles of women in the household and society, ancient beliefs about masculinity and femininity, and the function of arguments regarding "natural" sexuality in earliest Christian discourse. (Requires TN 721 or equivalent)