Codicology

Code:

MCI0011

Acronym:

COD

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	History

Instance: 2013/2014 - 2S (of 10-02-2014 to 06-06-2014)

Active?	Yes
E-learning page:	http://moodle.up.pt/
Responsible unit:	Department of Informatics Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Information Science

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
EHP	1	Course Programme	1	-	6	56	162
MCI	0	Plano de estudos oficial	1	-	6	56	162
MHP	6	MHP - Study Plan	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This course unit is focused on the study of the medieval book (codex, hence the name codicology) in its physical, patrimonial, cultural practices testimonial, historical source of knowledge and thinking support dimension. The medieval manuscript book will be approached in an archaeological point of view, being thus seen as a physical heritage, which protection, conservation, description and restoration requires a meticulous knowledge of each codex. Hence it will be made a direct study or an accurate description of the different stages of the codex, from the production of writing utensils, to books, pages and copies manufacture, types of texts and the history of the institutions which preserved or destroyed the books. The passage from books handwriting to printing will also be studied.

Learning outcomes and competences

The program and teaching of this UC are structured as students can:
- Acquire knowledge about the different material aspects of manuscript codices and early printed book,
- Develop skills of analysis and identification of the elements of the codices and its evolution during the Middle Ages
- Learn and practice consultation and description of codices
- Integrate the acquired expertise amplifying it in a written research paper and their oral presentation.

 

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Not apply.

Program

1. The study of the manuscript book
1.1. Codicology and archeology of the book
1.2. Methodologies in confrontation
1.3. The vocabulary of codicology
2. Scriptorial supports
2.1. Parchment
2.2. Paper
2.3. Other supports
3. The preparation of quires
4. The preparation of the page
4.1. Models of page
4.2. The layout of the text: "mise en page" and "mise en texte"
5. The scriptor/copiste instruments and the act of writing
6. The writing  and text transcription
6.1. Copy and copies
6.2. Text and paratexts
6.3. Accidents and copying errors
7. Conservation and circulation of books
7.1. Reading
7.2. Libraries
7.3. The circulation of books
8. The description and conservation of manuscripts
9. From manuscript to printed book
9.1. Transmission models
9.2. Temporary coexistence of the two techniques
9.3. Modern Manuscripts

Mandatory literature

Clemens, R. – T. Graham; Introduction to Manuscript Studies, Cornell University Press, Ithaca NY 2008.

Complementary Bibliography

Géhin, P. (org.); Lire le manuscrit médiéval. Observer et décrire, Armand Colin, Paris 2005
Glénisson, J. (dir.); Le livre au Moyen Âge, Presses du CNRS, Paris 1988
Martin, H.-J. – Jean Vezin (dir.); Mise en page et mise en texte du livre manuscrit. Éditions du Cercle de la Librairie-Promodis, Paris 1990
Mazal, O.; Lehrbuch der Handschriftenkunde, Wiesbaden 1986
Ruiz García, E.; Introducción a la codicología, Madrid 2002
Shailor, B. A.; The Medieval Book: Illustrated from the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Medieval Academy of America, Washington 1991; reprint Toronto 1994
Agati, M.L.; Il libro manoscritto. Introduzione alla codicologia, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma 2003.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical presentation of course unit themes and practical work at the library with medieval manuscripts and quasi-originals (accurate reproduction of medieval codex).  Study of the most relevant bibliography. Practical work with the presentation of the research results by the students along with discussion.

keywords

Humanities

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation without final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Participação presencial	20,00
Trabalho escrito	80,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	55,00
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Trabalho de investigação	55,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

According to FEUP' and FLUP's General Assessment Rules.

Calculation formula of final grade

Average grade of the assignments (90%) and students' participation in class (10%).

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable. However, students may hand in extra assignments if they are part of the work developed in the seminar.

Internship work/project

Not apply.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

n/a

Classification improvement

According to FEUP' and FLUP's General Assessment Rules.

Observations

N/a