Orality and Literacy: the Technologizing of the Word Through the Ages

"Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word through the Ages" focuses on the distinguishing characteristics of orality and literacy and their impact on the cognitive, technological, and material spheres. Throughout the seminar, the transition from orality to literature will be defined as a fundamental shift that has implications for social studies, cultural history, the teaching of reading and writing skills, and reader-response theory. Our readings of individual case studies will consider a broad range of sources from different linguistic traditions, exploring the impact of technologies of literacy (especially writing and print) on cultural trends and the role of cultural trends and social practices in shaping these technologies.