OVERVIEW

The Course focuses on the study of the “Handwritten Book” mainly in the form of code through the archaeological observation of its structure. On the basis of this statement the course aims to frame handwritten books in the form of code in a wider scenario that takes into account the history of writing supports, the evolution of the forms of the books, the books preparation and assembling techniques and the writing instruments. 

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to give students historical notions on the material supports and the main forms of the handwritten books from Antiquity to the Middle Ages; the knowledge of the basic techniques of handwritten book craftsmanship; the learning of the technical terminology for the analysis and description of manuscripts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the Course (6 cfu), the student will be able to

• Identify the different reasons and the main steps leading to the historical development of the different forms and the different working techniques of the western handwritten books;
• acquire the basic tools for the analysis of the western handwritten book from the antiquity until the invention of the printing press with the aim to get to know the books structures, the production techniques and the artisanal peculiarities;
•  acquire communication abilities to verbally express the learned notions with consistency in argument, systematic rigorousness, and a good grasp of the specific vocabulary.

At the end of the Course (9 cfu), the student furthermore will be able to

TEACHING METHODS

Teacher-to-students classes with projections of slides. The students will be challenged periodically to verbally answer to a series of questions (no grades applied) to carefully verify their understanding of the different themes and to help them in acquiring the proper terminology altogether with exposition clarity.

Classes are held in presence. Attendance, although not compulsory, is recommended. The lecturer, at the specific request of a student (by e-mail), may allow him/her to follow classes remotely via “Teams” platform.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Program for 6 cfu:

• Definition and features of the discipline and knowledge of bibliographical instruments;
• analysis of organic and inorganic writing supports: analysis of the ancient and exotic handwritten books features
• papyrus and parchment rolls
• detection of the reasons under the adoption of the code form  
• the structure of the code form (the making of the fascicle in papyrus, parchment and paper code); over time development, types and evolution of the codes assembling techniques
• Design, construction and use of the page: piercing and lining techniques
• Size of the code: indicators, miniaturized codes, exceptional sizes codes, evolution over time of code sizes and shapes
• the scribe at work: schedules, organization, allocation of responsibilities
• the scribe’s instruments: sources on tools, inks and pigments
• decoration: definitions, features, techniques, material, tools; phases of the making, competences interaction, times and places for the making of the decorative apparatus and for the manuscript setting up.
• the handwritten and printed books in the 15th century: “da banco” books, portable books (“da bisaccia”), Humanist books.
• survival of the handwritten book in the Modern age.

For non-attending students in addition the following topics

•  Conservations of the books: libraries from ancient times to Medieval age;
• Educational and cultural structures in the Middle age (the Palatin Court school, the ecclesiastical schools, the universities, the pecia and pronunciation method);
• general elements to describe the manuscripts.

Program  for 9 cfu, on top of the themes of the 6 cfu program:

•  Drafts, signed and “d’autore” handwritten books: features of the 11th, 12th and part of 13th centuries books; an example: the editions of handwritten Decameron;
•  Conservations of the books: libraries from ancient times to Medieval age;
• Educational and cultural structures in the Middle age (the Palatin Court school, the ecclesiastical schools, the universities, the pecia and pronunciation method);
• general elements to describe the manuscripts.

For non-attending students, in addition, an ad hoc path through readings and texts of their choice

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The bibliographic material of the course is downloadable both from the Teams  (codice lp2rrvq) and site and by pen drive (usb key) at the docent’s Room (Via Balbi 2, 2nd floor).

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SANDRA MACCHIAVELLO (President)

VALENTINA RUZZIN

STEFANO GARDINI (Substitute)

PAOLA GUGLIELMOTTI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

20 february 2024.

Class schedule

HISTORY OF MANUSCRIPTS

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final test will be an oral examination consisting basically of 4 questions: the student will have to show a good comprehension of the causes and the main steps of the evolution of the western handwritten book and the related technical features, with reference to the places of production, use, storage and conservation.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The evaluation criteria on the student response to the final test (oral examination) will be the following:

• the exam outcome will be evaluated “very good” (grades 28 or 29) or “excellent”  (grades 30 or  30 cum laude) if the students will be able to show a deep understanding of the themes explored during the lessons by using a proper terminology and clearness of exposition, while skillfully connecting one theme to another and analyzing differences and continuity;
• the exam outcome will be evaluated “good” (grades from 26 to 27) or “satisfactory” (grades 23 or 25) if the student, by using a correct terminology although sometimes not fully appropriate, will display a good knowledge although/but limited to a quite mnemonic learning without deepening of the subject;
• the exam outcome will be evaluated merely “sufficient” (grades between 18 and 22) if the student will display the basic knowledge of the themes but limited vocabulary and expression skills; 
• the exam will have negative outcome if the student will display lack of knowledge of the subject and won’t be able to manage the proper vocabulary.

Exam schedule