Introduction
to the Early Coptic Period in Egypt: The Early Christian era in Egypt
1st century AD to 7th Century AD
Course
commences TBA >
This is a ‘taster’
course which covers a broad aspect of the Coptic culture and the Coptic Church and is extremely useful for those wishing to
know more about the Coptic Egyptians, and to gain a broad base of knowledge towards further more detailed courses. It is also
very useful for Coptic people themselves to learn more about their past heritage
Course syllabus:
1. The Holy Family in Egypt
and the Early history of the Coptic Period
2. The beginnings of Monasticism – the ascetic life St. Anthony and
St Paul
3 Coptic literature, texts
and language.
4 Early Monasticism
5. The early Coptic church - art and archaeology
6. The Coptic Church - reforms and issues 3rd - 5th century CE
7. Coptic texts, language and cultural issues
8. Archaeology, Art and Architecture
9. Coptic Art - Icon painting
10 The effects of the Arabic invasion of Egypt 7th Century CE
Monasticism
– Start date: TBA
This course will take a more
in depth view of Monasticism, the life of an ascetic and in a communal setting and the role the monasteries played in education,
art and writing
Course Syllabus:
Week1: Introduction – Geography of Egypt –
reading material
Week 2: The beginnings of Monasticism – the ascetic life – St Anthony and St Paul
Week 3: The kell – Hermit cells – Development of the Art and Architecture
Week 4: Wadi Natrun – the beginnings of monasticism
Week 5: The Coptic Church, language and texts.
Week 6: St. Shenute and the white monastery
Week 7: Monastic writings
Week 8: Icon writing and iconography
Week 9: The Arabic invasion 7th C.
Week 10: Conservation programmes in Coptic monasteries
The Art and Architecture of the Coptic Period in Egypt.
Start date: TBA
This is a general course to introduce students to the importance of the role of art and iconography
played in the Coptic Church and culture, and the influence of Pharaonic temple design on the development of monastic and ecclesiastical
building construction.
Course syllabus:
n Introduction to the Coptic Period/chronology
n Early Monastic architecture/archaeology
n The origins of Monastic art –
site example Kellia
n Architecture of the Coptic Church
and development
n The development of wall paintings
– from selected important sites
n The Dakhla oasis
n Icon writing/painting and iconography
n Restoration techniques
n Current restoration programmes
– St Paul’s Monastery
