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Coptic Iconography - From Ancient to Contemporary

Image: image-5, by Andrew Ayoub, licence All rights reserved

Section outline

  • Overview

    Course Title: Coptic Iconography - From Ancient to Contemporary

    Level: Certificate 

    Course Objective: 

    Coptic art, as is the case with other cultures, has its history, practices and characteristic 

    features. In addition to music, a very important component of Coptic art is iconography. This 

    course delivers detailed history of Coptic iconography since the antiquities and its 

    development up till our time. Candidates studying this course are expected to get a 

    comprehensive knowledge on the history, uses and characteristic features of Coptic 

    Iconography

    Learning Outcomes: 

    1) Learning the history of development of Coptic Iconography since its inception, 

    according to the available evidence and literature.

    2) Clear understanding of the theory behind Coptic Iconography, meaning of shapes, 

    colours, figures….etc

    3) Learning accurate reading of Coptic Icons and comparing them with other similar art.

    Course Structure:

    Icons history and structure 

    The importance of Icons use in the Coptic Orthodox Church 

    Principles of drawing / writing an icon 

    Material needed to draw icon

    Theological understanding of the Coptic icons

    Difference between Icons and pictures

    Assessment:

    - Two term exams to evaluate overall comprehension and proficiency. The exam is comprised 

    of two parts: Theory and Practice. 

    Prerequisites:

    GCSE degree, high school diploma or equivalent. 

    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, candidates will receive 

    the TEACH certificate in Coptic Iconography from Ancient to Contemporary. The certificate will 

    only be received upon completion and passing of the two term exams.

    • فن الايقونة القبطية- من القديم الى المعاصر

      ان الفن القبطي- شأنه شأن الحضارات الاخرى- له تاريخه وممارساته وسماته المميزة. وتعد الايقونة عنصرا هاما للغاية في الفن القبطي.

      وهذا الكورس يقدم تاريخا مفصلا عن الايقونة القبطية بداية من التحف القديمة وتطورها الى يومنا هذا.

      وسوف يتمتع المتقدمين لدراسة هذا الكورس بمعرفة شاملة عن تاريخ الايقونة القبطية واستخداماتها والسمات المميزة لها.