Postgraduate Programs
Units Available
Master of Arts in Ancient History
AHPG800 Historical Documents in Greek (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Plant)
An introduction to ancient Greek for those with no prior knowledge of the
language. Further study is available through the undergraduate unit AHPG808.
AHPG801 Historical Documents in Latin (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Nobbs)
An introduction to Latin for those with no prior knowledge of the language.
Further study is available through the unit AHPG809.
AHPG802 Latin C (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed Latin B or equivalent.
It aims to develop the skills of history students in order to support advanced
study of ancient and medieval Latin. The unit offers a systematic analysis
of grammar (especially the structure of sentences) and detailed investigation
of original texts. The texts studied include Cicero, Virgil, Bede, and
documentary texts, and bring out the concepts of historical development
and diversity in the classical and medieval periods.
AHPG805 Ancient Greek C (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed Ancient Greek
B or equivalent. It aims to develop the skills of history students in order
to support advanced study of ancient Greek. The unit offers a systematic
analysis of grammar (especially the structure of sentences) and detailed
investigation of original texts. The texts studied include Lysias, Herodotus,
Plato, and documentary papyri, and bring out the concepts of dialectal
variation and historical development in the classical and post-classical
periods.
AHPG806 Greek Coins
(Dr Sheedy)
Teaching will be based on the important numismatic collections of the Australian
Centre for Ancient Numismatic Studies. Students will be offered a very
practical approach to the study of this crucial resource for the study
of ancient history. The unit has two components: the theory and methodology
of numiosmatics and case studies in Greek society.
AHPG808 Advanced Greek Documents (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Plant)
This unit provides an advanced study of ancient Greek for those who have
previously completed an introductory unit in Ancient Greek at tertiary level
at least equivalent to AHST205 or AHPG800.
AHPG809 Advanced Latin Documents (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Nobbs)
This unit provides an advanced study of Latin for those who have previously
completed an introductory unit in Latin at tertiary level at least equivalent
to AHST207 or AHPG801.
AHPG815 Prehistory to Pompeii: Archaeology in Ancient Italy (4
pg cr pts)
(Dr Peter Keegan)
The archaeology of the Bronze Age communities in prehistoric Italy is the
starting point for this unit. A study of the Etruscans, including their
origin, material culture and their cities follows. The unit will also devote
attention to the colonies sent out by the Greek city-states in the eighth
and seventh centuries BC and established in Italy and Sicily. This provides
the opportunity to examine the developments in Western Greek culture and
the reflections of cross cultural influence between Greeks and native Italic
peoples of southern Italy and Sicily. The unit will conclude by focusing
on the distinctive material culture of Romanised Greek cities such as Pompeii
during first century BC-first century AD.
AHPG817 Early China - History and Archaeology (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Lieu, Dr Gunner Mikkelsen)
The unit surveys the history, art-history and archaeology of classical China
(481BC - AD25) as well as the key intellectual and scientific achievements
of the period. All textual material will be studied in English translation.
AHPG818 Byzantium East and West (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Ken Parry)
This unit comprises the study of Byzantine history from Justinian to Alexios
Komnenos. It focuses on the continuity of the classical tradition, and on
contacts between the Byzantines and Arabs (East) and Medieval Spain (West).
Major themes include historiography and the role of women in society.
AHPG819 From Constantine to Theodora: Church and State in Late
Antiquity (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Peter Edwell)
The age of Constantine was a watershed in Eyuropean history; this unit traces
developments in politics, religion and literature from the fourth to the
mid-sixth centuries in the Eastern and Western empires. Major themes include
historiography, church/state relations and the role of women in society.
It may also provide an introduction to areas in Medieval and Byzantine history.
AHPG820 Topics in Ancient History (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Phillips)
Topic currently available: A study of the Athenian empire in the fifth century
BC.
AHPG821 Ptolemaic Egypt(4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Choat)
Ptolemaic Egypt: This unit will cover Egypt
in the last three centuries BC, from its conquest by Alexander the Great
to its incorporation into the Roman Empire. Proceeding from the foundation
of the Ptolemaic dynasty by Alexander's general Ptolemy in the new city
of Alexandria, it will examine both the internal history of Egypt, and
its relationship with the other Hellenistic kingdoms and Rome. Areas of
focus will include the developing interaction between the Greeks and Egyptians,
and the place of the Egyptian religion and language in the Ptolemaic period.
AHPG822 Studies in Ancient Society: Hellenistic Religions (4 pg
cr pts)
(Dr Forbes)
Hellenistic religions will survey the diversity of religious thought and
expression in the Greek-speaking world from c. 350 BC through to the time
of Plutarch (c. 100 AD). It will focus on questions of continuity and change,
and popular and intellectual styles of religious thought. Particular topics
to be discussed (students may focus on these or others in which they have
a particular interest): Oracles: continuity and change Ruler Cult: what
kind of development? "Euhemerism": scepticism or rationalisation
of cult? Hellenistic private cults: the growth of "personal religion"?
The Official Cults of the Hellenistic cities. Magic and Subversive religion.
The cult of Tyche. Sarapis, Isis and the new intenational cults. The Hellenistic
Mysteries. Forms of Judaism as Hellenistic religions. Early Pauline Christianity:
a Hellenistic religion? Plutarch and the realignment of religion and philosophy.
AHPG823 History Writing in Antiquity: Herodotus and Thucydides (4
pg cr pts)
(Dr Plant)
This unit examines a range of historiographical approaches to the reading
of these two influential historians.
AHPG824 Greece and Rome: Caravan Cities (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Peter Edwell)
The unit aims to combine Archaeology with Ancient History in the study of
a number of key cities of the Roman Near East. The Silk Road and the Frankincense
Road brought great prosperity to a number of cities of the Roman East, especially
Palmyra, Dura Europos and Petra. Much of the history of these cities - some
like Palmyra are archaeologically well preserved and visually stunning -
is written from a combination of archaeological reports and literary sources.
Students will be given the opportunity to learn how to evaluate archaeological
evidence against extant literary sources. Students will be given the opportunity
to learn how to evaluate archaeological evidence against extant literary
sources and also to study the architectural history of the Roman Near East.
AHPG825 Ancient Greek D (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed Ancient Greek
C or equivalent. It aims to help history students develop advanced skills
in ancient Greek. The unit completes the systematic analysis of grammar
(especially the structure of sentences) begun in Greek C and investigates
a range of original texts. The texts studied include Thucydides or Demosthenes,
Homer, Xenophon, the Septuagint, and documentary papyri and inscriptions,
and bring out the concepts of dialectal variation and historical development
in the classical and post-classical periods.
AHPG826 Women Writers (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Plant)
Thre is a general perception that almost all writing in antiquity was by
men. However, some important literature written by women has survived, and
many other women writers published work that has not been preserved. This
course covers writers from Sappho, who lived in the seventh century BC,
through to Eudocia and Egeria in the fifth century AD. The unit reviews
what we know about women writers, and looks at topics such as the authenticity
of texts attributed to women and places literature by women into the wider
literary and social context of the ancient Graeco-Roman world.
AHPG827 Studies in Greek Religion (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Phillips)
A study in the methods and approaches to the study of ancient Greek religion
through the examination of selected topics, from the archaic and classical
periods, with a focus on Athenian religion.
AHPG828 Worlds of Late Antiquity (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Peter Edwell)
Worlds of Late Antiquity offers an introduction to theoretical and thematic
issues in the study of Late Antiquity. It includes the study of materials
such as papyri, inscriptions, coins and archaeology relevant to Late Antiquity.
It is the core unit for candidates enrolled in the MA (Late Antiquity)
program and may be taken by students in other Ancient History Masters programs.
AHPG830 Roman History Studies: Cities of the Roman Near East (4
pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. McKechnie)
The unit builds on the Department's continuing fieldwork in the Near East
and aims to combine archaeology with ancient history in the study of a number
of key cities of the Roman Near East. Students will be given the opportunity
to learn how to evaluate archaeological evidence against extant literary
sources. Students who have taken AHPG824 'Caravan Cities' are permitted
to enroll in this unit to tackle new topics and cities (and to play a leading
role in discussions!)
AHPG833 Religious Change in the Roman Empire (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Lieu, Dr Mikkelsen)
The conversion of the Empire to Christianity brought about profound changes.
This unit explores the way in which these changes affected the lives of
a number of prominent figures: the Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena,
the Desert Fathers (Antony and Pachomius), Libanius of Antioch - a liberal
pagan who refused to change with the times - and Augustine of Hippo whose
richly documented conversion had a profound effect on Christian culture.
The unit will give enough scope for in-depth studies of all these key historical
figures.
AHPG834 Latin D (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Evans)
This unit is open to those who have successfully completed Latin C or equivalent.
It aims to help history students develop advanced skills in ancient and medieval
Latin. The unit completes the systematic analysis of grammar (especially
the structure of sentences) begun in Latin C and investigates a range of
original texts. The texts studied include Tacitus, Caesar, Catullus, Pliny,
Gervais of Tilbury, the letter of Cornelia, and documentary tablets and inscriptions,
and bring out the concepts of historical development and diversity in the
classical and medieval periods.
AHPG835 Cities of the Roman East: Ephesos and Aphrodisias (4 pg
cr pts)
(A/Prof. McKechnie)
This unit will provide an in-depth study of two cities of Roman Asia Minor.
The unit will cover topics such as urbanisation, Romanisation and Christianisation.
Particular emphasis will be given to the development of civic institutions
and architecture and to imperial relations with the cities.
AHPG836 Julian the Apostate(4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Lieu, Dr Mikkelsen)
An intensive study of the reign of Julian the Apostate, especially on the
conflict of religions (Paganism versus Christianity), Julian's personal
religion, his letters and the different contemporary views in his controversial
reign.
AHPG837 Roman Eastern Frontier (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Edwell, Professor Lieu)
The aim of this unit is to make an in-depth study of Rome's eastern defences
against a nascent Persian Empire from 226-363. This will include a survey
of literary and epigraphical evidence as well as archaeological. Topics
will cover not only accounts of campaigns and expeditions but also strategic
thinking and influence of commerce and of the spread of religions, especially
of Christianity and of Manichaeism in the frontier regions.
AHPG838 Tacitus (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. McKechnie)
This unit aims to give the students the opportunity to make a detailed study
of one of the most famous works of Roman History. Particular attention will
be paid on the life and times of Tacitus himself, especially his relationship
with the Younger Pliny as well as his depiction of some of the most important
members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
AHPG843 Akkadian Documents (4 pg cr pts)
(DrWeeks)
An introduction to the Akkadian (Babylonean-Assyrian) language and the cuneiform
script for students without previous experience of either. Students will
work through the basic grammar of the language and the most common signs
of the script.
AHPG847 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Llewelyn)
This unit will provide an introduction to the Hebrew alphabet, grammar and
vocabulary for the study of a number of Biblical texts as well as early
Jewish Hebrew documents from the Dead Sea Scrolls.
AHPG848 Advanced Hebrew (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Llewelyn)
An advanced study of classical Hebrew for those who have previously completed
an introductory unit in Hebrew at tertiary level at least equivalent to
AHST241 or AHPG847.
AHPG858 City of Constantine (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Parry)
This unit looks at the history
of Constantinople from its foundation by Constantine the Great in the 4th
century to its capture by the Ottoman Turks in the 15th century. It focuses
on the cultural, Ecclesiastical, intellectual, military, art and architectural
history of the city, using a variety of visual and textual sources.
AHPG859 Early Christian and Byzantine
Art and architecture (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Ken Parry)
A study of early Christian and Byzantine art and architecture, together
with its influence on Western Europe, the Islamic world and the Byzantine
Commonwealth (Eastern Europe and Russia).
AHPG881 Ancient History Seminar (8 pg cr pts)
(Ancient History Staff)
This seminar will deal with Christian apologetic, ancient and modern, and with
the Bible and literature
AHPG886 Methodology in Ancient Art History (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Parry)
This unit will provide an introduction to the theoretical background for
studying the art and architecture of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean
region, and will explore both the practical skills required and resources
available for researching ancient objects.
AHPG886 Greek Sanctuaries: Art Galleries
of Antiquity (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Menadier)
Sculpture, architecture and objects d'art have been recovered from ancient Greek
sanctuary contexts and have been described in ancient Greek and Roman literary
courses. Both sources allow us to trace Greek artistic expression in its formal
development and to analyse the function and significance of multi-vocalic votive
offerings.
AHPG902 Pagans, Jews, and Christians: Athens and Jerusalem (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Choat)
This unit focuses on the theme embodied in Tertullian's question 'What has
Athens to do with Jerusalem?' It uses contemporary sources in translation
as the basis for an examination of the relationship and tensions between
Greeks, Jews, and Christians, especially from the perspective of the inheritors
of the Classical tradition, the Romans.
Master of Arts in Egyptology
AHPG814 Ancient Egyptian Architecture (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
A study of the main architectural elements and construction methods of ancient
Egyptian temples, tombs and houses.
AHPG841 Egyptian Funerary Beliefs (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati)
Egyptian funerary beliefs and practice.
AHPG860 Ancient Egypt (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
An introduction to the history and civilization of Egypt from the Predynastic
Period to the New Kingdom. Special attention will be given to the primary
sources, both literary and archaeological.
AHPG861 Egyptian Religion (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
This unit is an introduction to religious thought and development in ancient
Egypt and will cover topics such as the concept of God, creation accounts,
cosmology, divine kingship, polytheism and monotheism, myths, temple cults,
oracles and personal religion.
AHPG862 Egyptian Religious Documents (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
A study of original sources illustrating Egyptian religion.
AHPG863 Egyptian Wall Paintings (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati)
A study of the principles of Egyptian art related to wall paintings and
reliefs. This is followed by a detailed examination of some scenes depicting
daily life in ancient Egypt.
AHPG864 Ancient Egyptian Epigraphy (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
A study of Egyptian hieroglyphic texts in their original form from monuments.
AHPG865 Ancient Egyptian Ceramics (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
An introduction to the major phases, materials, technologies and typology
of Egyptian pottery.
AHPG866 Egyptian Archaeology - Theory and Practice (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
An introduction to major sites in Egypt and to methods of archaeological
fieldwork.
AHPG867 Prehistoric Egypt (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
A study of the cultures of Egypt from the first human settlements until
the emergence of the state.
AHPG868 Early Dynastic Egypt (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
A study of the material culture and socio-political developments of early
Egypt until the beginning of the Old Kingdom.
AHPG869 Egypt and the Ancient Near East (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Köhler)
A study of Egypt's relations with its Near Eastern neighbours from prehistoric
times to the 2nd millennium BC.
AHPG870 Introduction to Middle Egyptian (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati)
An introduction to the hieroglyphic system of writing and the Egyptian language.
AHPG871 Introduction to Late Egyptian
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
An introduction to late Egyptian, the language of the Ramesside Age. Previous
study of Middle Egyptian language essential.
AHPG872 Old Kingdom Egypt (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati, Dr Woods)
A study of the main historical events and architectural and artistic achievements
of the Old Kingdom. The unit will be based on the examination of primary
sources, both archaeological and textual.
AHPG873 Documents of the First Intermediate Period (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati)
A study in the original language of the texts of the period between Old
and Middle Kingdoms.
AHPG874 Middle Egyptian II (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
A continuation of AHPG870, including a study of the classical Middle Egyptian
text.
AHPG875 New Kingdom Egypt (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
A study of central historical issues of the 18th Dynasty based on an interpretation
of sources in the original language.
AHPG876 Late Egyptian Documents (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
A study of non-literary texts of the Ramesside period.
AHPG877 Documents of the Hyksos Period (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati)
A study and interpretation of documents related to the period of the Hyksos
domination of Egypt.
AHPG878 Documents of the Ramesside Period (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
Texts of the Ramesside period will be read and analysed.
AHPG879 Egypt in the Middle Kingdom (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. Ockinga)
A study of the history of Egypt in the Middle Kingdom based on an interpretation
of textual sources in the original language and archaeological evidence.
Both Ancient History and Egyptology Units
AHPG810 Archaeological Evidence (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Woods)
An introduction to archaeological method and theory, including the results
of field work, ancient technology, and methods of scientific study of
antiquity, with particular reference to the Mediterranean region. The
unit will include practical exercises in the use of archaeological material
based on items in the University's Museum of Ancient Cultures.
AHPG811 Archaeological Practice (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Kanawati, Dr Sheedy, Dr Llewelyn)
Semester 1: Students complete six weeks full-time participation in an
excavation in Egypt in December and January. Numbers in this option are
strictly limited and students must apply prior to enrolment.
Semester 2: Students participate in a Mediterranean or Near Eastern archaeological
project of their own choice. The Department has an arrangement with the University
of Ohio for students to participate in an archaeological project at Isthmia ,
Greece . Before enrolment students must consult with the unit coordinator (Dr
Ken Sheedy) and complete a form outlining the proposed fieldwork project. Students
are expected to have already completed at least AHPG810. The Department may provide
a list of suitable fieldwork projects.
Students are individually responsible for meeting any tuition and residential
charges and otherwise for planning and paying for travel and accommodation.
AHPG880 Documentary Project
(Ancient History Staff)
A study edition, with historical analysis, of a group of selected artefacts
or of Akkadian, Hebrew, Aramaic, Egyptian, Greek or Latin documents. Guidelines
are available from the Ancient History Office (W6A 540) or can be downloaded
from this website, click on 'Teaching Materials'. External options available
subject to suitable supervision arrangements.
AHPG883 Ancient History Minor Research Project A (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Parry)
Prereq. usually completion of four half year units (16 pg cr pts) with
an average grade of Credit, including at least one of AHPG801, 802, 808,
809, 847, 896 or equivalent.
Unit requirements: A minor thesis of 15,000-20,000 words. Guidelines available from the Ancient History Office (W6A 540) or can be downloaded from this website, click on 'Teaching Materials'. Candidates intending to take this unit must consult with Dr Ken Parry, Ancient History (W6A 518, (02) 9850 7937) or Professor N. Kanawati for Egyptology (W6A 535, (02) 9850 8855). External options available subject to suitable supervision arrangements. To complete the research project students must also enrol in AHPG884 the following semester. An incomplete grade ('I') will be awarded for this unit with a final grade being awarded for both AHPG883 and AHPG884 when the research project has been submitted and examined.
AHPG884 Ancient History Minor Research Project B (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Plant)
This unit is for students who were
enrolled in AHPG883 during the preceding half-year.
Master of Arts in Early Christian and Jewish Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Early Christian and Jewish Studies
ECJS843 The Jews of Palestine from the Maccabees to Bar Kochba
(4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Llewellyn)
A study of the history of Palestine from the 2nd century BCE to 135 CE,
and of Jewish reaction to foreign rule and to the failure of the two revolts.
ECJS845 Judaism in the Graeco-Roman Diaspora (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Llewellyn)
A study of Jewish life, practice and thought in the Mediterranean Diaspora,
and of pagan attitudes to Judaism and Jewish reaction to pagan society through
literary, archaeological and epigraphical evidence.
ECJS 850 Literature and Thought of Early Christianity A: Christianity
in a Pagan Society (4 pg cr pts)
(A/Prof. McKechnie)
Christianity in the pagan Roman empire.
ECJS851 Literature and Thought of Early Christianity B: Julian
and the Pagan Revival (4 pg cr pts)
(Professor Lieu)
The pagan revival of Julian. It includes an intensive study of the reign
of Julian the Apostate, especially on the conflict of religions (paganism
versus Christianity). Julian's personal religion, his letters and the different
contemporary views on his controversial reign.
ECJS853 The Quest for the Historical Jesus (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Llewellyn)
A study of the quest for the historical Jesus since the 18th century with
special reference to modern discussion, and of Jesus' life and ministry
in the context of contemporary Jewish society.
ECJS854 The Pauline Churches (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Forbes)
The career of Paul and the foundation and development of the Pauline Churches
is studied from both a social historical and a history perspective.
ECJS880 Documentary Project (4 pg cr pts)
(Ancient History Staff)
A study edition, with historical analysis, of a group of selected artefacts
or of Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek or Latin documents.
ECJS881 Minor Research Project B (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Ken Parry)
A minor thesis of 15,000-20,000 words to be completed over one or two semesters.
This unit is for students who were enrolled in ECJS883 during the preceding
half-year.
ECJS883 Minor Research Project A (4pg cr
pts)
(Dr Ken Parry)
A minor theses of 15,000-20,000 words to be completed over one or two semesters.
To complete the research project students must enrol in ECJS881 in
the following semester. An incomplete grade ('I') will be awarded for this
unit with a final grade being awarded for both ECJS883 and ECJS881 when
the research project has been submitted. A minor thesis of 15,000-20,000
words to be completed over one or two semesters. Candidates intending to
take this unit must consult with the Course Co-Ordinator. Guidelines
are available from the Ancient History Office (W6A 540) or can be downloaded
from this website, click on 'Teaching MaterialsGuidelines available from
the Ancient History Office (W6A540) or can be downloaded from this website,
click on 'Teaching Materials'.
ECJS884 Archaeological Fieldwork
(Dr Llewelyn)
Students participate in a Mediterranean or Near Eastern archaeological
project of their own choice but related to a focus of ECJS topics. Before
enrolment students must consult with the unit coordinator (Dr Stephen Llewelyn)
and complete a form outlining the proposed fieldwork project. The Department
may provide a list of suitable fieldwork projects. Students are individually
responsible for meeting any tuition and residential charges and otherwise
for planning and paying for travel and accommodation. Advice on grants-in-aid
can be obtained from the Department. Assessment will be in the form of
a research essay set by the unit coordinator but may incorporate assessment
provided by the director of the fieldwork project.
AHPG800 Historical Documents in Greek (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Plant)
An introduction to ancient Greek for those with no prior knowledge of the
language. Further study is available through the unit AHPG808.
AHPG847 Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Llewelyn)
This unit will provide an introduction to the Hebrew alphabet, grammar and
vocabulary for the study of a number of Biblical texts as well as early
Jewish Hebrew documents from the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Master of Arts in Coptic Studies
AHPG829 Coptic 1 - Bohairic (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
Introduction to Bohairic Coptic (including the Coptic writing system). Bohairic
is the form of the Egyptian-Coptic language today in use as liturgical language
of the Coptic Orthodox Church and the major language form in which Coptic
literature was produced from the 9th century onward.
AHPG839 Coptic II - Bohairic (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
Building on AHPG829, this unit will enable students to read texts in Bohairic
Coptic, the form of the Egyptian-Coptic language today in use as liturgical
language of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
AHPG849 Voices from Coptic Egypt (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
This unit will introduce students to the wealth of texts from Late Antique and
Medieval Egypt written in Coptic, both original and translated: religious text
such as biblical and non-canonical text in the Coptic translations, saints'
lives, sermons or theological treatises, but also text reflecting the spiritual
and personal interests of the individual such as magical and medical texts,
personal letters, contracts and tax documents. Knowledge of the Coptic language
is not necessary for this unit, as original texts will be studies in translation.
AHPG855 Introduction to Coptic Art and Archaeology (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
This unit will deal with the art and archaeology of Egypt in Late Antiquity.
Themes studied will include ecclesiastical and non-ecclesiastical architecture,
settlement and cemetery archaeology, paintings and decorative motifs, objects
of daily life and religious iconography.
AHPG856 Egypt in the First Millennium CE (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
An overview of Egyptian society, economy and culture in the period from
the Roman conquest of Egypt to the Fatimid period. Topics such as natural
resources and the built environment, government and taxation, agriculture
and trade, the structure of society, ethnicity, literacy and bilingualism
(Greek, Demotic and the rise of Coptic), the growth and development of Christianity,
and the fate of Egyptian Christianity in the first centuries after the Arab
conquest will be examined.
AHPG857 Monasticism in Egypt (4
pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
A study of the monastic movement in Egypt. Emphasis will be on the formative
period and its influence on monastic movements in the west. The material
culture of monasticism in Egypt, including monastic archaeology and architecture,
aspects of daily life and burial customs, will also be considered.
AHPG896 Coptic I - Sahidic (4
pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
An introduction to the Coptic script and language. Sahidic is the oldest
written Coptic dialect into which Biblical texts were translated in the
3rd century and, as early as the 4th century, a Pan-Egyptian written dialect
which boasts a rich literature, both original and translated. It began to
be superseded by Bohairic as the standard literary dialect in the 9th century.
AHPG897 Coptic II-Sahidic (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
This unit builds upon AHPG896. It will offer students the opportunity to
consolidate their knowledge of the Coptic language through a study of a
range of Sahidic texts.
AHPG898 Coptic Dialects (4 pg cr pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
Students will be introduced to the main Coptic dialects: Bohairic, the dialect
of the Coptic Church after 1000 CE, and the Lycopolitan, Akhmimic and Fayyumic,
which are important literary dialects in which many texts central to Coptic
literature and the culture of Late Antique Egypt are preserved.
AHPG899 Advanced Coptic Texts (4 pg cr
pts)
(Dr Behlmer)
An in-depth study of a selection of principal Coptic texts in Sahidic and
Bohairic (Shenoute and other monastic literature, homiletic or hagiographical
texts).
Last updated November 2008