| Unit name | History of the Book |
|---|---|
| Unit code | AFACM0012 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Marianne Ailes |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Humanities |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit, we will study the fascinating history and development of the book as the main medium of the written word from its earliest incarnations (for example, codices made from papyrus) to the advent of print. Together we will trace the production, use and dissemination of books from rare luxury objects, venerated relics and personal keepsakes to everyday household items and mass-produced commodities. Drawing on original sources as well as scholarly literature, we will reflect critically on the various socio-cultural conditions and technological developments that determined how, why and by whom books were used during the medieval period (and beyond). In an age where the book in its traditional format is accompanied regularly, and sometimes challenged, by a variety of different, and increasingly digital, media, it is key for students of the Middle Ages to develop a detailed understanding about the ways in which books allowed medieval individuals and communities to communicate across time and space, exchange knowledge and codify memories. Books will be studied not merely as vehicles for content, but also, and importantly, as powerful material and symbolic objects. Through a series of interdisciplinary, team-taught seminars, the unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive, innovative and multi-faceted set of analytical tools and research techniques that will allow them to engage independently, confidently and competently with the rich world of medieval book culture.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including work with manuscripts and discussion-based seminars.
Summative assessment:
5,000 word essay, primary source based (100%)
Linked to ILOs 1-4, 6
Formative assessment:
In-class presentation
Linked to ILOs 1-5
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. AFACM0012).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
