HIST 16
Medieval Paleography: Learning to Read Medieval Manuscripts
Winter 2024
This is not the current course catalog
Class Details
Paleography is the art and science of reading ancient handwriting. For centuries, the transmission of texts in Europe and elsewhere depended, in large part, on the careful work of scribes, copyists, and commentators, working on papyrus, parchment, and paper, and writing out texts by hand. In this class, we will examine the related sciences of paleography and codicology over the period from Antiquity to c. 1500 CE. Students will have the chance to closely examine the manuscripts and other hand-written documents preserved in Williams’ Special Collections, and can take a stab at reproducing the calligraphy they find there.
The Class:
Format: seminar; Class will include a visit to Special Collections.
Limit: 15
Expected: 10
Class#: 1355
Grading: pass/fail only
Limit: 15
Expected: 10
Class#: 1355
Grading: pass/fail only
Requirements/Evaluation:
A short paper, OR a creative calligraphy project
Prerequisites:
Prior experience with Latin, Greek, or another foreign language helpful but not required.
Enrollment Preferences:
Priority will be given to history majors.
Class Grid
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HIST 16 - 01 (W) SEM Medieval Paleography
HIST 16 - 01 (W) SEM Medieval PaleographyTR 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sawyer 5081355