Teaching Workshop: Palaeography and Text Transmission in Latin Script
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The teaching workshop aims to introduce students to the direct reading of manuscripts in Latin writing, in which the literary production, both Latin (classical, medieval and humanistic), and in the various vernacular languages of Western Europe was transmitted until the invention of the printing press. The aim is also to address the critical interpretation of the phenomena found in a manuscript, both in textual and codicological terms.
Expected learning outcomes
Essential knowledge of the history of Latin writings and their own abbreviated system. Ability to distinguish and interpret the main classical and medieval Latin writings. Ability to critically evaluate the material aspect of a manuscript and the phenomena related to the transcription of texts (mechanisms of genesis of palaeographic errors, corrections, subscriptions...).
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The laboratory will provide basic notions on the ways of production and circulation of the manuscripts, on the main writings in Latin characters from the origins to the 15th century and on the abbreviated system, with attention also to the method for examining manuscripts for ecdotic purposes. For each writing, reading exercises will be proposed.
Prerequisites for admission
Preliminary knowledges are not required, but it should be noted that many of the reading exercises are taken from Latin manuscripts and are therefore more accessible to students with knowledge of the language.
Teaching methods
Each meeting will alternate moments of lectures and practical exercises in reading from reproductions of manuscripts, both individual and collective.
Teaching Resources
Students will be provided with a booklet with reading exercises and diagrams on the characteristics of the writings addressed. Further materials will be made available during the lessons on the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
In addition to classroom attendance, weekly transcription exercises from the booklet tables will be required.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)