Admission requirements
This course is a core module for students of the MA Book and Digital Media Studies (or exchange students admitted to this programme). Students from other programmes are welcome to approach the course coordinator for admission, but this will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Description
This introductory course deals with the history of the printed book. While focussing on Western Europe, it keeps and open perspective for the history of print in a global perspective. Central themes are the transition from manuscript to print, censorship, the development of copyright, technical and organisational changes in book production and distribution, reading and book collecting, the emergence of a public sphere, the physical appearance of the book, and the impact of the printed book on society. As much as possible, these discussions are supported with examples from the Leiden Special Collections, in designated ‘show and tell’ sessions in the Library.
Aside form providing a historical overview of societal developments surrounding the printed book, the course introduces students to modern research perspective focusing on the handpress period. They are introduced to digital humanities methods to cope with bibliographic metadata, in order to anwer book historical research questions.
During the course, students will be given small research assignments, which they will at times work on in groups. They are invited to join in the collective discussion of reading material.
Students work on a Mid-term assignment focusing on a handpress book of their choice, kept in the Leiden University Libraries or elsewhere.
Course objectives
Students acquire a general knowledge of the history of the printed book in Europe from the introduction of printing to the present, with an awareness of the global context;
Students become familiar with the methods and tools used in book historical research, both in terms of traditional reference works and in terms of more novel, digital methods and tools;
Students reflect on the development of the book as a material object, and how this relates to changing subjects in print, changing audiences, and the shifting roles of actors surrounding the book, such as authors, printers, and publishers;
Students become aware of the position of the printed book within society throughout the ages, and are able to reflect on how the historical development of the book industry holds lessons for today’s society;
Students work on independent research regarding the history of the printed book, both independently and in teams;
Students become aware of the interplay between the development of new research methods on the one hand, and the introduction of new perspectives and research questions on the other.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Lecture
Seminar
Research
Excursion
Assessment method
Assessment
Midterm Assignment focussing on Bibliographic aspects of research: 30%
Final Essay building on Midterm Assignment: 70%
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
Students are entitled to re-submit both, or one of the written assignments.
Inspection and feedback
If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the results, a review will have to be organized.
Reading list
Tba
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration Exchange
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal.