Same as Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic 54) and Religious Studies 365D. Examine individual and communal forms of Christian monasticism from the first through fifth centuries CE. Explore the social, economic and religious factors that may have made a life of self-denial attractive to many early Christians and the role of authority in these movements. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Classical Civilization 348 (Topic: Hermits, Monks, and Saints in Early Christianity), 348C, Middle Eastern Studies 342 (Topic: Hermits, Monks, and Saints in Early Christianity), 342 (Topic 54), Religious Studies 365 (Topic: Hermits, Monks, and Saints in Early Christianity), 365D. Prerequisite: Upper-division standing.