Heroes and Heretics: COMPASS History Program
Summer Immersion Program
Come encounter history in a unique way – examining the lives of heroes and heretics in the history of Christianity! Learn how early Christians challenged norms in their societies. See history through material culture, like medieval church architecture and modern missionary correspondence. Whether you’re just getting your toes wet or you’ve already jumped headfirst into the deep waters of history, this week is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience with scholars in the field.
COMPASS 2026 will be held June 21-25, 2026.
What You’ll Experience
Topics
- Methods for studying history
- Developments in the ancient, medieval, and modern church
- Book culture and the Christian faith
- Paleography in historical research
- Career focus with a degree in History
Hands-On Experience
- Constructing Historical-Theological Narratives
- Engage historical, international correspondence
- Visit local churches
- Interpreting archival material
- Learning foreign script
A Day in the Life
*Subject to Change
- 8:00-9:00 a.m.: Breakfast
- 9:00-10:15 a.m.: What was a “person” in Antiquity – interpreting ancient Roman texts
- 10:15-10:30 a.m.: Break
- 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Encountering personhood in early Christian texts
- 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.: Lunch
- 1:00-2:30 p.m.: Syncretic or Distinctive? Critical engagement with Greek philosophy and early Christian theology
- 2:30-5:30 p.m.: Free time
- 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Dinner
- 6:30-10:00 p.m.: Evening activity
- 11:00 p.m.: Lights out
Program
Facilitators
Dr. Peter Yoder, Assistant Professor of Honors and History
Where You'll Be
Montreat College is part of the Asheville area’s vibrant cultural life. Explore the countless outdoor activities that make Western NC an international destination for adventure seekers.
Visit Montreat
Where You'll Stay
Where You'll Eat
