Section outline

Overview



Overview


Course Overview



Course Overview


Course Title: Coptic Hymnology and Coptic Music

Level: Certificate

Course Objective: 

The Coptic Church has a very rich heritage in her annual and seasonal hymns. While the hymn 

lyrics talk to the intellect, its music speaks directly to the spirit. The melodies differ from season 

to another and from occasion to the next, painting the atmosphere with the spirit of the season. 

When contemplating, one might discover that the melody within a particular hymn describes the 

dogma of the church illustrated by a tone change at specific word(s) to describe the meaning. 

The basis for the melodies are mainly the annual hymns which will only vary in the events that 

are related to the salvation. Therefore, melodies start changing with the advent season starting 

the month of Kiahk followed by festal tunes for Nativity and Epiphany after which the Lenten 

season starts with all its ascetic and repenting driven melodies. After the forty days of lent, The 

Lord Entry into Jerusalem utilizes the tune of the feast of the cross which weaves both joyful 

and mournful tunes into a single unique melody. During Holy Week which follows, the church 

uses the mournful tune to express the agony and bitterness of sin which led to the cross. Then 

comes Resurrection with all its glorious and joyful hymns announcing the victory over death and 

eternal life.

Although, currently melismatic and long hymns are mastered by cantors and deacons, all 

liturgical responses in the Coptic Church are meant to be prayed by the entire congregation 

irrespective of age and gender.

Unfortunately, the history of a lot of the hymns that are currently being practiced was not 

documented and is not completely known. For this reason, efforts have been made at different 

levels in the Coptic church, to preserve those treasures not only as part of our Coptic identity 

but also as unique means for worship, particularly when properly understood.

Learning Outcomes:

This module contains 15 hours of recordings from first year of High Institute of Coptic Studies, 

available only for students to stream and/or download at their convenience. Lyrics for the hymns 

will also be provided in Coptic with corresponding translation.

An allocated tutor will be electronically reachable for any questions or concerns. Video 

teleconferences can be organized when needed.

The students will be expected to spend 15 more hours of self education, based on practicing the 

hymns, visiting relevant sites and searching references.

Tests will be administered to students on predetermined dates to submit their recording of the 

requested hymns highlighted in the test to the tutor by the deadline.

Course Structure:

1-     Trisagion (Festive)

2-     Golgotha

3-     Asomen

4-     Psalm 150

5-     Nativity (psalm + Gospel) response

6-     Xpictoc Anecto (short and medium) {Liturgy :: Christ is Risen (Greek) :: رومي (قام المسيح(

(tasbeha.org)}

7-     Tonsina Narkhon {Liturgy :: The First Greek Part - Ton Seena :: طون - الأولى الرومي القطعة

سينانارخون) tasbeha.org)}

8-     Pinishti Ava Antoni

9-     Sunday Tadhakia

10- Hetin

11- Pekepnevma

12- Shashf Encop

13- Theoretical teaching of the above hymns history, structure and features

14- Introduction to music principles and notation

Assessment:

- Two term exams to evaluate satisfactory learning of the hymns, understanding the 

theoretical explanation and the musical principles. 

Prerequisites:

GCSE certificate, high school or equivalent certificate. 

Delivery Method: 

The course will be delivered entirely online through a learning management system. All lectures 

are delivered by Zoom. Participants will have access to recorded lecture videos, reading 

materials, and discussion forum on the course website.

Duration: October 2023-June 2024

Certificate: 

Upon successful completion of the course and passing the final exam, participants will receive 

the TEACH certificate in Coptic Music and Hymnology. The Certificate will only be received 

upon completion and passing of the two term exams.

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