This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module develops the skills introduced in the core palæography module by demonstrating their application to cultural and literary history. It will do this by considering the milieux in which hand-written texts were produced, circulated and stored in the Middle Ages and the early modern period. It, therefore, spans across both 'manuscript culture' and the centuries after the introduction of print. It considers the process of destruction and survival of codices from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, and also reflects on the continuing production of manuscript books and documents. At the same time, it assists students in further refining their technical skills in working with codices and documents.
Seminars: 22 Hours
Private study: 278 hours
Total: 300 hours
Main assessment methods
1. Technical paper 2,000 words: 30%
2. Presentation (10 Min presentation and 10 minutes discussion) 10%
3. Essay. 3,500 words: 60%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Recognise how palæographical and codicological evidence can be deployed to reconstruct the wider social and cultural context.
2 Reflect on the milieux in which hand-written texts were produced, circulated and stored in the Middle Ages and early modern period.
3 Show an appreciation of the dynamics of the survival and destruction of manuscripts in the post-medieval world.
4 Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the practices of researching the technical aspects of manuscript volumes and documents.
5 Express a reasoned assessment of the trends in the relevant recent scholarship.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Make best use of archives by appreciating their historical development and the cultural dynamics they reflect
2 Appreciate the range of evidence that can be drawn from hand-written primary sources
3 Deploy the evidence drawn from these primary sources in the construction of a reasoned argument
4 Demonstrate a nuanced language for the description of the primary sources
5 Show experience in presenting research in an accessible fashion in speech and / or on-line
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