An exploration of mainly Platonizing theologies of the first six
centuries C.E. through a study of accounts of direct knowledge of
God from pagan, Jewish, and Christian intellectuals.  After a
reading of key dialogues of Plato, we will examine Philo of
Alexandria, Origen, Plotinus, Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and
Pseudo-Dionysius.  Attention to other key figures and texts (e.g.,
the Gnostics, Valentinus, Iamblichus) and to important secondary
works.  Colloquium presentations and a final project.  Required of
Ph.D. students in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Religions,
but open to all interested students.