Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
PGM1210
Module Title
MANUSCRIPT SKILLS: POST MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHIC AND DIPLOMATIC
Academic Year
2011/2012
Co-ordinator
Dr Julie D Mathias
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 10 hours workshops
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Editorial Project  An editorial project that will prepare the student for including edited text in their doctoral thesis (whether in extracts or as appendices), in research papers or editorial publications within their discipline – and for guiding others.  100%
Supplementary Assessment Resubmission of failed project using a different text from original submission  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

On completion of this module, students should be able to.
1. identify and accurately read different styles of handwriting in common use during the period c1450 to c1800;
2. transcribe or calendar documents written in archaic styles, applying recommended standards of editorial method;
3. recognise and interpret common form in legal and official documents;
4. convert archaic dating practices to the modern historical equivalent;
5. apply these various skills collectively to identify intermediate styles and to suggest dates for undated manuscripts.
6. demonstrate familiarity with appropriate reference resources

Brief description

This module is designed to be an integral component of the RT courses which the University has introduced in order to meet the joint funding Research Councils statement on Research Training.

Aims

This module provides an overview of the historical development of handwriting (palaeographic) in Britain between c1450 and the c1800, and considers the characteristics of specific types of script, the principles of transcription and other editorial methods, and the development of common form in formal documents (diplomatic). Practical and technical skills in reading and transcription are developed through applying theory to practice in a wide range of manuscript material under careful guidance.

Content

The specific types of script used in Britain between the 15th and 18th centuries are identified and their characteristics discussed, followed by specific guidance on the techniques for successful reading and transcription. Technical considerations include alphabets and letter shapes, abbreviations, use of numbers and dating practices. Language issues include archaic English and regional variations, orthography, personal names and place names, and the Welsh dimension is actively explored. Specific attention is also given to editorial methods, the development of common form in formal documents and the principles of authentication (seals and signatures). Strong emphasis is placed on applying theory to practice and on developing individual skill and best practice in the reading, interpretation and transcription of manuscript sources.

Learning resources include structured use of a specific core text which offers a wide range of facsimile manuscripts for individual study and guided use of a wide range of published works and selected on-line digital resources.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number This skill is widely developed, because of the need to understand pre-decimal currency (£.s.d), Roman numerals (to the 16thC), fractions of pounds sterling and historical accounting practices, and also to identify dates, convert them to modern equivalents and accommodate calendar changes. All these elements feature in the assignment.
Communication Written communication is enhanced through the need for precision (in transcription and calendaring), careful layout and presentation and the application of specific editorial rules (as assessed in the assignment).
Improving own Learning and Performance Successful progress in this module is dependent on individual effort, especially during guided self-study and independent practical work, and a willingness to persevere with meticulous care and patience. The assignment provides evidence of individual progress.
Information Technology Specific websites and on-line resources are used as part of the learning process. Students also discover the limitations/disadvantages of automatic spellcheckers when typing transcripts which must retain original archaic spelling.
Personal Development and Career planning Maturity and confidence are fostered through the development of applied skill and understanding of source material, through self-study and through the interactive workshops. Fresh career ideas and research interests often emerge from this new experience.
Problem solving The whole process of learning to read manuscripts is a problem solving exercise, requiring systematic approaches to identifying archaic letter shapes and abbreviations and considerable initiative. Progress is assessed through the assignment.
Research skills Learning to read, interpret and evaluate the primary sources and to use appropriate reference material to assist this process is fundamentally important to the research process. Progress is assessed through the assignment.
Subject Specific Skills Learning to read, interpret and evaluate essential primary sources is a fundamental need for students of early modern history. Progress is assessed through the assignments.
Team work Students are encouraged to work together during the early stages of practical work. This has a proven benefit to individual progress overall, but is not assessed.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7