Reading Coptic Texts

This course serves as a continuation of REL 555: Intro to Coptic Language and Literature. The focus of this term is on building Coptic reading competency. The class focuses on reading a selection of Coptic texts in Sahidic and samples in other dialects and serves as a basic introduction to the generic and literary forms of this corpus. We read texts both in English translation and prepare shorter selections of the Coptic for each session. Students walk away from the course with stronger reading comprehension as well as a knowledge about the theologies, philosophies, and historical contexts of the ancient codices.