HS 254 - History of Christmas

(3.00 cr.)

Is Christmas the commemoration of Jesus' birth? Or is it a pagan winter festival hiding behind a thin but deceptive veil of Christian images and ideas? Students discover the holiday is both of these things and a good deal more. Students examine the origins and many transformations of the holiday and how the holiday has both reflected and helped determine the course of history. Topics include the Christmas tree, gift giving, the suppression of Christmas, the Nativity accounts, pagan precedents, and Santa. Same course as CL 254 .

Prerequisite: HS 100 .
Restrictions: Open to students with catalogue year 2022-2023 or beyond.

Sessions Typically Offered: Varies
Years Typically Offered: Varies

Interdisciplinary Studies: CU/IC/ICL