Module QXE-4025:
Manuscript and Printed Books

Module Facts

Run by School of Arts, Culture and Language

30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Prof Raluca Radulescu

Overall aims and purpose

  1. an understanding of the concepts and discussion of medieval and early modern manuscripts and printed books, including the conditions in which they were produced and circulated, and their relationship with the texts they represent.

  2. an informed understanding of the technical aspects of reading and transcribing medieval and early modern script, as well as editing texts.

  3. an understanding of differing approaches to medieval and early modern texts in relation to the issues raised by authorship versus anonymity, and textual transmission.

Course content

This module will explore a range of manuscripts and incunabula from the medieval and early modern periods, with a view to engaging with the complex notions of medieval written artefact and composite books, the circulation and the dissemination of manuscripts and printed books. This module will offer the postgraduate the opportunity to pursue highly innovative lines of research in often neglected fields of study, including editing from digital resources and dealing with complex issues in transcription. There will be ample time during the semester for the postgraduate to shape and develop their own enquiries.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

50-59% A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: • A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. • Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. • Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. • Accurate expression. • Competent use of quotation and references.

good

60-69% A candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: • An advanced level of factual knowledge. • Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. • Some evidence of original thought. • The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. • Fluent and accurate expression. • Competent use of quotation and references.

excellent

70% and above Typically, the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: • Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. • Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. • Introduction and discussion of original ideas. • Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. • High ratio of analysis to exposition. • Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. • Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning outcomes

  1. Understand and discuss the characteristic features of selected manuscript and printed books.

  2. Consider differing critical attitudes to the transcription of medieval and early modern texts.

  3. Show an awareness of the interrelationships of text, context, authorship and textual transmission.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
Exercise in transcription 75.00
Examination 25.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Private study 256
Tutorial

  1. 11 x 1-hour seminars focused on the analysis of a chronological range of manuscripts and printed books from the medieval to the early modern period.

  2. 11 x 1-hour structured activities, including workshops at other university archives, exercises, etc.

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Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Numeracy - Proficiency in using numbers at appropriate levels of accuracy
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Safety-Consciousness - Having an awareness of your immediate environment, and confidence in adhering to health and safety regulations
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Mentoring - Able to support, help, guide, inspire and/or coach others
  • Caring - Showing concern for others; caring for children, people with disabilities and/or the elderly
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others
  • Leadership - Able to lead and manage, develop action plans and objectives, offer guidance and direction to others, and cope with the related pressures such authority can result in

Resources

Resource implications for students

none

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: