Coptic Art & Iconography I (DL8410A)

iconography

Semester: 2, 2022 (25 Jul – 28 Oct)

Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm

Campus: Donvale

Mode: Blended

Level: Postgraduate Foundational

Credit: 24

Census: 16 Aug 2022

This is a practical unit with mandatory face to face participation, supplemented with online engagement, such as readings and pre-recorded short videos. Face to face classes will take place at SAC’s Donvale campus.

Students undertaking this unit will gain an appreciation of Coptic history and the theological meaning behind the icon. Emphasis will be placed on the “writing” of icons as an important method of translating the invisible divine, into the visible image. Students will study the important role of Coptic art in Coptic culture and its role in liturgical life. Finally, students will learn iconographic techniques such as preparation, design, colouring and gilding in the writing of an icon. They will explore the meaning, theology, and symbols rooted in the holy bible.

Learning outcomes
  • Articulate the nature and aims of icons in the Coptic tradition.
  • Critically examine the role of the iconographer within the life of the Coptic Church.
  • Analyse the technical issues related to iconography.
  • Demonstrate fundamental practical iconographical critical skills such as panel preparation, design, gilding, and colouring.
  • Apply skills of critical theological understanding through iconographical depictions.
Assessment
Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Written assessment Essay 3,000 40
Presentation Icon sketches equiv to 4,000 60

SAC offers courses in diverse fields of theology. We offer postgraduate and undergraduate study options on-campus and online.