Codicology

Code:

MHP030

Acronym:

COD

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Information Science

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Philosophy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in History and Heritage

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MHP	9	MHP - Study Plan	1	-	6	41	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

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 applicable.

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
1.4. Heritage and Manuscript description
1.5. Digital 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. Codexbinding

8. Conservation and circulation of books
8.1. Reading
8.2. Libraries
8.3. The circulation of books

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, Raymond; Introduction to Manuscript Studies. ISBN: 978-0-8014-8708-8
Géhin, P.; Lire le manuscrit médiéval. Observer et décrire, Armand Colin, Paris, 2005
Agati, M.L.; Il libro manoscritto. Introduzione alla codicologia, L’Erma di Bretschneider, Roma, 2003

Complementary Bibliography

Glenisson, Jean 300; Le livre au Moyen Age. ISBN: 2-87682-015-3
Maniaci, Marilena; Terminologia del libro manoscritto. ISBN: 88-7075-467-7
Martin, Henri-Jean 300; Mise en page et mise en texte du livre manuscrit. ISBN: 2-7654-0446-1
Maniaci, Marilena; Archeologia del manoscritto. ISBN: 88-8334-081-7
Mazal, O.; Lehrbuch der Handschriftenkunde, L. Reichert, Wiesbaden, 1986
Shailor, Barbara A.; The medieval book. ISBN: 0-8020-6853-7

Comments from the literature

The texts of consultation and basic biibliography are available in the moodle platform.

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.

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	23,00
Trabalho de investigação	72,00
Trabalho laboratorial	12,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

According to FLUP's General Assessment Rules.

Calculation formula of final grade

Participation and presentations in class (20%) with written assignments (80%). Written assignments: 1) Argumented project of paper. 2) Paper on one syllabus' topic, c. 10 to 15 pp., to be submitted by the end of the second week of May and to be presented and discussed in class.

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 applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not applicable.

Classification improvement

Written paper.

Observations

Not applicable.