Too little do we realize when we are reading medieval texts that they have been preserved in manuscripts. In this course we shall follow the process from handwritten text to printed edition. First we shall study a number of Middle English texts in various dialects, parts of which we shall read in the original from facsimiles of the manuscript. Such an approach gives us particular insight into the diversity of Middle English dialects and scripts. In the second half of the course we shall discuss, with the help of manuscript texts that have not yet been published, the most important steps that have to be taken in order to arrive at a readable edition, such as: the transcription (paleography); critical or diplomatic edition; glossary; explanatory commentary. In this course the digitalization of the discipline will receive ample attention.
Timetable
Method of Instruction
Two-hour tutorial per week.
A la carte and contract teaching
Not available as modular course or a la carte.
Course objectives
This course builds on experience acquired as part of a BA curriculum in English historical linguistics and Old and Middle English language and culture. The students will extend their skills and insights in philology, including paleography, and learn to apply them to the course subject. At the end of the course, the students will be able to carry out empirical work by means of manuscript facsimiles, electronic corpora, read and interpret relevant literature independently, and present their research results both orally and in written form. Following the completion of the course, students will be well equipped to write their MA thesis on a topic in English philology.
Required reading
*J. Burrow and G. Turville-Petre, A Book of Middle English, third edition (Oxford: Blackwell, 2004) ISBN: 1405117095. *V. McCarren and D. Moffat, eds., A Guide to Editing Middle English (Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 1998) ISBN 047210604-X. *Christopher de Hamel, Scribes and Illuminators (London: British Museum, 1992) ISBN 0-7141-2049-9.
Examination
Presentation and participation (20%), final essay (80%).
The extension will be assessed by an “open question” written examination.
Information
English Department, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102c. Tel. 071-5272144.
E nglish@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Blackboard/webpage
This course is supported by Blackboard.
Overview
To be announced.