MEDI 451

Reading, Writing and the Book in the Medieval World

Units: 1.5

Hours: 3-0-0

A selective overview of the historical development of medieval media and communications practices and technology focusing especially on the manuscript book. Topics will normally include some of the following: the spread and consequences of literacy, orality and literacy, text and image, the formation of textual communities, the processes and sites of manuscript production, transmission and dissemination (monastic scriptoria, universities, workshops, libraries), paleography, codicology and the shift from script to print.

Note:

• Credit will be granted for only one of MEDI 451, MEDI 450, ENGL 481 (if taken in the same topic).

Prerequisites:

• Minimum third-year standing; or
• permission of the program.

Undergraduate course in Medieval Studies offered by the Medieval Studies Program in the Faculty of Humanities.