Class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30–4:45 p.m.

Class will meet in Classroom B of Waldo Library on February 8 and in Special Collections of Waldo Library on February 15, February 17, March 8, and April 7.

Students are responsible for writing a term paper on an aspect of the medieval illustration of a particular assigned Psalm, two descriptions of a medieval manuscript containing the Psalms or a commentary on the Psalms, one long seminar report, six short seminar reports, and two brief transcription assignments, as well as the completion of reading assignments and participation in class discussion. A full letter grade will be deducted for any assignments delivered after their due date. Written assignments must be submitted in hard copy, unless other arrangements are made with the instructor in advance.

• Each student will write a paper (1500-2000 words) with illustrations and full documentation on an aspect of the medieval illustration of a particular assigned Psalm. This is due on April 27 at 12:30 p.m. (40% of the final grade)
  
• Each student will write two descriptions (200-500 words) of a medieval manuscript containing the Psalms or a commentary on the Psalms. Each will consist of a prose treatment of the subject and a short (1-4 item) essential bibliography. Topics will be chosen in consultation with the instructor. These are due on February 24 and March 31, with revised versions due on March 17 and April 14, respectively, and final electronic copy due on April 27 at 12:30 p.m. (10% of the final grade)
• Each student will present a long seminar report (20-25 minutes) with full illustration on the topic of the paper. The long seminar reports will be given on April 19 and 21. (10% of the final grade)
• Each student will present six short (5-10 minute) seminar reports: (1) on the structure and content of the assigned Psalm, (2) on the language and imagery of the Latin version(s) of that Psalm, (3) on Cassiodorus’s and Augustine’s exegesis on that Psalm, (4) on the illustration of that Psalm in the Utrecht Psalter and its copies, (5) on the treatment of that Psalm in the Bible of San Luis, and (6) on one of the manuscripts the student treated in his/her written descriptions. These reports will be given on January 20, February 1, February 10, March 22, April 7, and April 14. (30% of the final grade)
• Each student will prepare two transcriptions of all or a portion of the assigned Psalm from facsimiles of the Dagulf Psalter (RBR BX 2033 .A35 P763) and the Landgraf Psalter (RBR Cage BX 2033 .A3 L36 1992). These are due on February 10 and March 24, respectively. (the higher grade of the two: 5% of the final grade)
• Participation in class discussion is required. Some of the class discussion will be focused on assigned readings. (5% of the final grade)

In accordance with the WMU Graduate Catalog, grades carry the significance indicated:

The grade of Incomplete will be given only when illness, necessary absence, or other reasons beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements by the end of the semester.

Although there are no prerequisites for the course, an elementary knowledge of Latin is assumed, and students may well be working with some texts in modern foreign languages; in most cases, translations of the apposite Latin texts into modern English are available.

Many assignments require some work in Special Collections of Waldo Library. Students should be aware that Special Collections has limited hours. They will need to plan their schedules accordingly.

Written assignments are expected to be in clear strong prose and professionally presented, following The Chicago Manual of Style. The instructor considers Strunk and White (The Elements of Style) to be a good guide to effective writing.

Students are expected to attend class regularly. Any absence must be explained to the instructor, in advance when possible, in person, via e-mail, or by phone.

The only e-mail address that should be used for communication between WMU students and WMU faculty and staff is the e-mail address associated with a BroncoNet ID.

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