History of Writing in the Medieval West

The course provides the general lines of the history of writing in the Latin alphabet in Western Europe from Antiquity to the Renaissance and the tools necessary to understand its main functions (cultural, political and social) within the greater setting of books and documents.

By the end of the course the student will have acquired the knowledge of the progress of writing in the Latin alphabet and the essential tools for reading, understanding and the space-time placement of testimonies found within graphic books and documents produced from the 7th century BC until the dissemination of mobile printing (early 16th century) in Western European countries. The student will be able to use language tools (language properties, correct specific lexicon) to adequately express, in a clear and effective manner, the different writings and graphic signs. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom; the reading and commentary tutorials of book and documentary graphic occurrences will also be a time of critical reflection and methodological learning Students opting not to attend the lessons will be able to make use of the educational tools provided by the instructor on Ariel, deepen their knowledge of main topics through special readings with the agreement with the instructor, and of course contact the instructor either by e-mail and during office hours.