Field trip to the Newberry Library (March 26, 2011)

Pictured (L-R): Jan Volek, Janelle Werner, Dr. T, Ben Ambler, John Mocek, Sarah Gillette, Ben Wright

This seminar provides students with a firm foundation in the discipline of codicology (the study of the manuscript book) and introduces them both to the forms of script used in writing Latin in the Middle Ages. Students become familiar with the materials and techniques of medieval book production, are introduced to the history of letterforms during the Middle Ages, and develop their skills in transcribing Latin from original sources. It also serves to prepare students for the subsequent study of documentary hands.

Text: Raymond Clemens and Timothy Graham, Introduction to Manuscript Studies (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2007).

Prerequisite: One semester of college Latin or equivalent. Although knowledge of modern foreign languages is not strictly required, students may be working with secondary literature in foreign languages to complete class assignments.

Class Meetings: Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m.