Students learning about their Coptic heritage
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Magda Samuel Kamel |
The Master of Arts in Coptic Studies at Macquarie University has proven popular with students from across the world. Egyptian student Magda Samuel Kamel is learning more about her own heritage through the newly established program.
Kamel, who is studying externally, was born and raised in Egypt to a Coptic Christian family. She has always been interested in gaining a greater understanding of her Coptic background.
"It has been one of my dreams to pursue Coptic studies and learn more about it," explains Kamel "I wanted to learn about my heritage in a scholarly manner because at school this period of Egyptian history was neglected and almost completely omitted. I am particularly interested to learn about the history, art, thought and culture of the Coptic era."
The Coptic period
The Coptic period began in the first century AD during the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, when the apostle Mark brought Christianity to Egypt. Egyptians embraced the new faith, and Christianity spread throughout the country within half a century.
Things began to change following the Arab conquest of Egypt in 641 AD. By the end of the 12th Century, Egypt had changed from a predominantly Christian, to a predominantly Muslim country.
The modern use of the term 'Coptic' denotes Egyptian Christians, as well as the last stage of the ancient Egyptian language script. It also describes the distinctive art and architecture that developed as an early expression of the faith.
Coptic studies at Macquarie
Macquarie University offers the world's only external masters program in Coptic studies. Subjects offered include:
- Introduction to Coptic Art and Archaeology
- Egypt in the First Millennium
- Coptic I - Sahidic (study of the Coptic script and language)
- Advanced Coptic Texts
Gains from the program
Kamel has recently completed her first semester of study and has high praise for the program. "I am enjoying everything about my postgraduate study at Macquarie University," she says. "The subject matter is excellent and I am privileged to study with Dr Heike Behlmer whose teaching, course outlines and references are extremely useful."
During her first semester, Kamel has learned how to approach Coptic studies with objectivity and apply scholarship principles to the analysis of Coptic art and architecture. She has also studied Sahidic Coptic and can now understand and translate complete sentences. "It is only the first course but I feel I have accomplished a major step and look forward to learning more," says Kamel.
Long term goals
Kamel's long term goal is to become a Coptic studies specialist and share her knowledge with the Egyptian community.
"Right now I am at the beginning of the road with a great deal of work to do," says Kamel. "I hope to be able to complete my Masters and follow with further research, participate in the translation of Coptic manuscripts, and take part in the excavation and discovery of old Coptic sites. I truly hope to devote the rest of my life to Coptic study and research."
For further information contact Coptic studies lecturer Dr Heike Behlmer: heike.behlmer-loprieno@mq.edu.au