Studiegids

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Manuscript Book in the West

Vak
2011-2012

Admission requirements

None.

Description

This seminar course offers an introduction to the history and development of the Western manuscript book. It explores various aspects of the production and use of the medieval manuscript in Europe, from scribal habits to the practices of readers. The main focus of the course will be on the codicology of manuscripts, or how they were put together. Areas of inquiry include a discussion of parchment, quires, layout, illumination and binding, as well as a detailed focus on the different cultural settings in which books were used, including at monasteries and at schools. The course also explores research methods, and strategies of studying and describing manuscripts. Students will have the opportunity to view a wide variety of medieval manuscripts from the rich collections of the library.

Course objectives

To introduce you to the physical traits of medieval manuscripts and show you how the objects were made

To develop your understanding of how the physical appearance of medieval books can contribute to other disciplines, such as the study of history and medieval literature

To emphasize how the medieval manuscript is an active part of the larger history of human communication

Timetable

The timetable will be available from July 1 onwards on the Department website.

Mode of instruction

Two-hour seminar per week.

Assessment method

  • Essay 50%

  • Essay outline 15%

  • Submitting discussion topics 20%

  • Class participation 15%

Blackboard

This course is supported by Blackboard.

Reading list

Introduction to manuscript studies / Raymond Clemens and Timothy Graham. – Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2007.

Registration

Students should register through uSis. If you have any question please contact the departmental office, tel. 071 5272144 or mail: bookstudies@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact information

English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 206A. Phone: 071 527 2621, or by mail: e.kwakkel@hum.leidenuniv.nl

Remarks

No remarks.