L8191 — Introduction to Coptic Liturgy and Rites

Unit Code

L8191

Unit Name

Introduction to Coptic Liturgy and Rites (postgraduate)

Unit Weighting

9  Credit Points

Type of Unit

Foundational

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

None

Academic Staff

Mina Samy

Curriculum Objectives

This graduate course unit provides students a foundation for the study of the worship of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. Develop and apply tools and methods for the critical analysis of liturgical texts.
2. Effectively assess and critique liturgical practices and rites.
3. Demonstrate a critical knowledge of history, structure, and symbolism of particular rites, as well as, their theological significance.
4. Identify and articulate current issues in Coptic liturgical practices. Additionally, gain an effective understanding of the challenges and goals of liturgical reform.
5. Participate with greater intellectual and spiritual awareness in the liturgical worship of the Church.

Content

1) The social and cultural background of the Egyptian Church
2) The liturgical sources and the development of Christian worship in Egypt
3) Examination of the content and history of the Coptic liturgical services: prayers of the hours, psalmody, raising of incense, eucharistic liturgies, etc.
4) The history and development of feasts and fasts of the Coptic Church
5) Major theological themes behind Coptic worship