This course assumes a basic knowledge of Coptic language, and provides an introduction to early Christianity in Late Antique Egypt. Our starting point is the Nag Hammadi Library; as such, this course surveys a number of literary genres (letters, gospels, magic, and apocalypse) and sectarian groups (Sethians, Hermetists, and Valentinians) contained in the collection. Depending on student interests, this course may also consider a number of possible topics relating to Late Antique Egypt, such as Manichaeism, monasticism, Neo-Platonism, demonology, ecumenical councils, and indigenous religious beliefs and practices.
