This course introduces the basic grammar and syntax of the Sahidic Coptic dialect through reading the Gospel of Thomas. Designed for beginners, students will learn the Coptic alphabet, basic grammar and syntax, and practice reading a 4th century Coptic text.
Do you love learning new languages?
Are you interested in Egyptian monasticism, the Coptic church, Nag Hammadi literature, Manichaeism, or Coptic magic?
Then, this introduction to Coptic language course is for you!
The course will use the Coptic Gospel of Thomas text to introduce Coptic language inductively, or through study and analysis of examples. Students will leave the class with basic reading competency in Sahidic Coptic and experience reading the Gospel of Thomas.
After taking this class, students will be able to:
- Students will gain elementary Sahidic Coptic reading competency through close study of the Gospel of Thomas, including basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
Course Details:
- This course will meet on Tuesdays 10:00 - 11:30 AM Eastern time for 8 weeks, from July 8th to August 26th, with a community forum for online discussion. Videos of each meeting will be posted online for lifetime access.
Once you check out, you will receive instructions within 24 hours about how to join the online class.
About Dr. Lydia Bremer-McCollum:
Dr. Lydia Bremer-McCollum holds 10+ years of experience reading, translating, and teaching Coptic at Harvard and Princeton Universities.
She is an expert in ancient Christianities, with a special focus on the collection of texts found near Nag Hammadi and Pachomian monastic literature. In 2023-4, she served as a postdoctoral fellow with the digital platform the Coptic Scriptorium. She also runs a weekly open-access online Coptic reading group.
About the Religion Department:
Coming soon from Religion for Breakfast, the Religion Department is an online school where anyone can learn from leading scholars of religion. Click below to be the first to hear about upcoming classes and events.
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