Introduction to Manuscript Studies 3301-JF2664-1ST
The course aims at presenting the basic issues concerning modern manuscript studies. The discussion will revolve around the most important Old and Middle English manuscripts as the source of knowledge about mediaeval times with the focus on the language of those periods and the changes it underwent in the area of graphemics, phonology, morphology, and syntax. The topics cover the core issues in codicology and palaeography; students will also get acquainted with the rules of working with manuscripts and the types of research that can be conducted on them.
In particular, the course will touch upon the following topics:
1. manuscript production: parchment and paper, writing materials, folia and binding
2. text: letters and their shapes, glosses and annotations, corrections, punctuation
3. decoration: initials and illuminations
4. text genre: religious texts (Bible, Books of Hours, calendars), secular texts (charters, wills, rolls)
5. attempts at reading Old and Middle English texts
6. changes in English: graphemic, phonological, morphological, and syntactic
7. foreign text in English (sentences and phrases from Latin, French)
8. working with a manuscript: rules and types of research
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The graduate has familiarity with:
- K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics pertaining to manuscript studies
- K_W09 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities
The graduate is able to:
- K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics, pertaining to manuscript studies
- K_U09 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences
The graduate is ready to:
- K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources connected with the manuscripts, their content and descriptions
- K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Assessment criteria
Assessment methods and criteria - participation in discussions
- final test mark
3 absences are allowed.
Credit depends on the three criteria
Bibliography
Bak, J. M. (2017) Introduction to Working with Manuscripts for Medievalists. Gorgias and Press.
Brown, M.P. and P. Lovett (1999) The Historical Source Book for Scribes. London: The British Library.
Clemens, R. and T. Graham (2007) Introdcution to Manuscript Studies. New York: Cornell University.
Gehin, P. (ed.) (2008) Jak czytać rękopis średniowieczny. Warszawa: Oficyna Wydawnicza “Mówią wieki”.
Owen-Crocker, G. (ed.) (2009) Working with Anglo-Saxon Manuscripts. Exeter: University of Exeter Press.
Brown, M.P. (1994) Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts: A Guide to Technical Terms. Los Angeles: Getty Publications.
other publications will depend on the choice of texts discussed in a given year
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: