Overview

How are literary texts made, disseminated, and read? How can a text's material dimensions be read in relation to literary form? And what are the methods and approaches involved in the production of scholarly editions of literary texts? This module will explore the complex inter-relationships between these questions, bringing together an interest in the materiality of texts and the editorial methods that lead to the production of scholarly editions. It will expose graduate students to issues pertaining to textual transmission and authorship from the medieval to the contemporary period, and the difficulties posed by factors such as anonymity or translation and adaptation, amongst other concerns. Students will have the opportunity to study the methods employed in the editing of texts from the medieval to the contemporary period, including elements relating to the history of publishing in these periods, with a view to better understanding the influence of the editorial process on the history of textual reception. Manuscript as well as print history will be related to the shaping of the canon of literature, and students will be encouraged to learn about as well as view critically norms practiced and adopted by editors across time.

This module will explore the complex inter-relationships between texts and the editorial methods which lead to the production of editions. It will expose students to issues pertaining to textual transmission and authorship from the medieval to the contemporary period and difficulties posed by factors such as anonymity or translation and adaptation, among other. The students will have the opportunity to study the methods employed in the editing of scholarly journals, and of texts from the medieval to the contemporary period, including elements relating to the history of publishing in these periods, with a view to better understanding the influence of the editorial process on the history of textual reception. Manuscript as well as print history will be related to the shaping of the canon of literature, and students will be encouraged to learn about as well as view critically norms practiced and adopted by editors across time.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -A Pass (C/50%) 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 -B/60%+: 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 -A/70%+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

• Demonstrate the ability to critically interrogate the interrelationships between text, context, authorship, textual making and transmission.

• Recognise differing critical, book-historical, and editorial attitudes and perspectives to material texts and be able to reflect this in their writing.

• Show an advanced awareness of, and discuss critically, literary texts in material contexts, alongside the methodologies of editing applied to them.