To the Holy Mountain: Treasures of Sinai

About this course

The course considers St Catherine’s Monastery and Mount Sinai through its icon collection, the history of pilgrimage and the development of Byzantine imagery. It examines how ideas and visual traditions moved between medieval Europe, particularly Italy, and Eastern Orthodox communities, as well as the monastery’s environmental setting, local Bedouin culture and modern tourism. Teaching combines illustrated lectures, slide presentations, activities and group discussion. Handouts, specialised study resources and suggested further reading support the course.

What you'll learn

• Identify the significance of selected artworks preserved at St Catherine’s Monastery.
• Outline the general history of the monastery and its role in pilgrimage.
• Discuss changing experiences and issues associated with pilgrimage to Sinai.
• Examine connections between medieval European and Eastern Orthodox imagery through Sinai.

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for learners at all levels and is taught through lectures, visual presentations, activities and group discussion. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and may be invited to contribute to discussions.

Before you go

• A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
• Books from any suggested reading list may be purchased separately.
• Course handouts are provided digitally for download through Google Classroom.