MSMLPA-Medieval Latin and Palaeography

Module Provider: Grad Cen for Medieval Studs
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: r.a.c.rist@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to produce a basic grounding in Latin grammar and syntax, together with a broad understanding or awareness of more complex constructions, with a view to supporting the Latin language needs of students in their research and enabling them to continue with further personal study. It also aims to equip students with the skills required to read manuscript texts written in a range of scripts used from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries.

Aims:
This module aims to produce a basic grounding in Latin grammar and syntax, together with a broad understanding or awareness of more complex constructions, with a view to supporting the Latin language needs of students in their research and enabling them to continue with further personal study. It also aims to equip students with the skills required to read manuscript texts written in a range of scripts used from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students should be able to:

• recognise and identify a range of Latin forms and grammatical constructions
• make effective use of dictionaries and wordlists
• read and transcribe examples of Latin bookhand and Latin courthand
• recognize and expand correctly manuscript abbreviations and other scribal signs
• identify a range of vernacular scripts

Additional outcomes:
Students should be able to approach medieval sources on their own and gain a basic understanding of the Latin, and to use Latin as part of their future research. Students should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of scripts and to distinguish between scripts produced for different purposes. This module also aims to develop the student's skills of time management and oral communication. They will develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:
The Latin component of this module draws on Eileen Gooder's, Latin for Local Historians, Kennedy's Revised Latin Primer. Reading of Medieval Latin and documents in Medieval Latin is supported by handouts on grammar. The first term covers the basics of Latin and particular peculiarities of Medieval Latin as illustrated by a wide range of texts. The second term is altered every year to reflect the research and learning needs of the students.
Palaeography will introduce students to the history of Western scripts, and will provide instruction in techniques of transcription. Students will then have structured sessions in practical experience in reading and transcribing selected examples of Latin bookhand and Latin courthand. Major abbreviation systems and conventions of palaeographic transcription, will be covered.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is taught for three hours a week in Autumn and two in Spring in a seminar. Students are expected to prepare and revise thoroughly before and after each class. In Latin, particular grammatical constructions are introduced through grammar exercises and subsequently highlighted as they arise in reading. Palaeography classes include demonstration, practical experience, and discussion of transcribing selected manuscript examples. Weekly homework exercises are set and returned in class with discussion.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
For Latin students are required to do two pieces of written work on their own each week. The five best of the written work for Latin are averaged and comprise of 100% of the final mark for the Latin component of the module. For Palaeography, the weekly transcriptions exercises are for formative purposes only.

Formative assessment methods:
For Palaeography the weekly transcription exercises are for formative purposes only.

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A minimum of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed grade of 50% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September,if required.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 10 April 2019