2023 Dumbarton Oaks/HMML Introduction to Coptic Summer School, Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, July 10–August 4, 2023
In partnership with Dumbarton Oaks, HMML will host an intensive four-week introductory level course on the Coptic language and paleography in the summer of 2023. This course is intended for doctoral students or recent PhDs who can demonstrate a need for Coptic instruction to further their research. Priority is given to students who lack opportunities to continue studying Coptic at their own institutions. The program welcomes international applicants but does not sponsor J visas.
Approximately ten places will be available. All costs for the class, food, and lodging are generously funded by Dumbarton Oaks. Participants must pay their own travel costs to and from Collegeville, Minnesota, USA.
Prerequisites
Familiarity with the Coptic alphabet. Some knowledge of classical Greek, and especially NT and Patristic Greek, is highly desirable.
By the end of the course, students will be able to independently approach both vocalized and unvocalized Coptic texts, translate from Coptic into English with confidence, and will have a comprehensive grasp of grammar and syntax.
Faculty
- Guest faculty: Dr. Vince Bantu, Assistant Professor of Church History and Black Church Studies, Fuller Seminary; Dr. Jason Zaborowski, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois
- HMML staff: Father Columba Stewart, OSB, Executive Director, HMML & Professor of Theology at Saint John’s University; Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman, Curator of Western European Manuscripts & Special Collections; Dr. James Walters, Lead Cataloger of Eastern Christian Collections; and Dr. Joshua Mugler, Curator of Eastern Christian and Islamic Manuscripts.
Accommodation
Students will be housed in dormitory apartments on the Saint John’s University campus. Each participant will have an air-conditioned, private bedroom and bathroom, with shared kitchen and laundry facilities.
A meal contract at the college Refectory will be provided.