* Mandatory:

CIRLOT, J E. A Dictionary of Symbols. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, 2013.
HALL, J. Dictionary of subjects and symbols in art. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.
ELIADE, M. Images, and symbols: studies in religious symbolism. Michigan: Sheed & Ward, 1961.
ELIADE, M. Methodological Remarks on the Study of Religious Symbolism. In: MIRCEA ELIADE, & J. M. KITAGAVA (eds.). The History of Religions. Essays in Methodology. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1970.

* Recommended:

JENNER, K. L. Christian Symbolism. Chicago: A.C. McClurg & Company, 1910.
WEBBER, F. R. Church symbolism; an explanation of the more important symbols of the Old and New Testament, the primitive, the medieval and the modern church. Cleveland: J. H. Jansen, 1927.
DANIÉLOU, J. Les symboles chrétiens primitifs. Paris: Éditions du Seuil, 1961.
ROYT, J, HAMSÍKOVÁ, D. Slovník biblické ikonografie. Praha: Univ. Karlova, Nakl. Karolinum, 2006.
RULÍŠEK, H. Postavy, atributy, symboly: slovník křesťanské ikonografie. Alšova jihočeská galerie: Hluboká nad Vltavou, 2005.

21 Feb Symbol and symbolism I. a short theoretical introduction; What is the aim of this seminar?; One Methodological remarks; Concerning Bibliography; Overview of seminar; Final examination; A definition of symbol; Material symbols; Verbal symbols in mystery religion; Divination; Theory of symbol; Claude Lévi-Strauss; Victor Turner; Ernst Cassirer; Mircea Eliade

28 Feb Symbol and symbolism II. Symbols of the Jesus Christ Iconography;Christian iconography; Iconography and liturgy; Iconoclasm; Symbolism and iconography of Jesus Christ; Apollo type, philosopher type; Orpheus; Good Shepherd; Typology; Lamb of God; Fish; Pelican; Peacock; Lion; Gryph

6 Mar Symbols of the Father and the Holy Ghost. Dextra Dei; Old man; Thronus Gratiae; All seeing Eye; Creator star; The name of God; Holy Ghost; Descending dove:; Six winged dove:; Eagle; Dove as the source of inspiration:; Holy ghost as the flame or fire; Young boy, new borne baby; Young man; Gifts of Spirit;

13 Mar Symbols of the Trinity The doctrine of Trinity; Three fundamental heresies; Monarchianism; Subordinationism; Council of Nicaea; Council of Constantinople; The filioque; Tritheism, council of Chalcedon; Summary of the doctrine of Trinity; Iconography of Trinity; Trinity in the form of three human persons; Three-cephalic depiction of the Trinity; Geometrical symbols of the Trinity

20 Mar The Nimbus and the Aureole. Nimbus; Pre-Christian using of nimbi; Nimbus of Roman Emperors; Typology of Christian nimbus; Forms of nimbus; Circular nimbus; Square nimbus; Cruciform nimbus; Lozenge, triangular and hexagonal type of nimbus; Aureola; Colours; Example of baroque using of nimbus;

27 Mar Symbol of the Cross and Crucifixion. Crucifixion as a punishment; Legenda Aurea; Alexamenos graffito; Gemstones; Pereire jasper; Nott gem; Constanza gem; Orpheus-bakkikos cylinder; Typology of cross; Latin and Greek cross; Eastern Cross and Cross Saltier; Patriarchal and Papal cross; Tau cross and Celtic cross;

3 Apr Symbols and types of the Virgin Mary. Marian dogmas; Council of Ephesus; Council of Lateran; Immaculate Conception; Assumption; Virgo Maria Orans; Virgo Lactans, Maria lactans; Madonna with Child; The Virgin sheltering supplicants under her cloak; La Soledad, Mater Dolorosa, the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin;; Pieta; Immaculata; Assumpta and Corronata; Annunciation.; Visitation;

10 Apr The Archangels and the Angels I. The worship of angels; Synod of Laodicea; Synods at Soissons and Rome; Cults of angels in Churches; Seven angels; Names of angels; Dumbarton Oak Amethyst; Anguipede; Michael; Gabriel; Raphael; Uriel;

17 Apr The Archangels and the Angels II. Angelology of Dionysius the Areopagite; Overview of Dionysius’s hierarchy; Famous depictions of Dionysios’ angelic system; Seraphim (σεραφείμ); Cherubim (χεροuβίμ); Thrones (θρόνοι); Dominations (κυριότητες); Virtues (δυνάμεις); Powers (ὲξουσίαι); Principalities (ἀρχαί); Archangels (ἀρχάγγελοι); Angels (ἄγγελοι); Creation of angels;

24 Apr Canceled, graduation ceremonies;

1 May Canceled, public holiday;

8 May Canceled, public holiday;

13 May (Moday, 16:50) — Final examination (test — fifteen multiple choice questions; five open questions)