Scope: The purpose of this course is to introduce the development of writing and printing in its aesthetic and technical aspects with some emphasis on book production. This is not a rare book course. Although considerable emphasis will be given to the changing nature of the physical book, the intellectual impact of books and printing will receive some attention. Contemporary aspects of printing and publishing receive attention in SIS 561. Depending on available time, we hope to cover these topics:
1. The intellectual impact of the alphabet, writing, and the book
2. The book in antiquity and classical times
3. The handwritten book and illuminated manuscripts;
4. Preliminaries to printing with movable type;
5. Invention of printing with movable type;
6. Development of printing, 15th - 17th centuries; and the
7. Machine-produced book, 18th - 19th centuries.
If all goes well, about two weeks will be spent on each topic. The student should complete readings for each section on a regular schedule and not wait for class presentations which may lag behind.
Objectives: When you have successfully completed this course, you should be able to:
*define and discuss the important terms which comprise the language of books and printing
*tell another how and why the contemporary book came to be, with some emphasis on the relationship between writing instruments and writing materials;
*identify the major book hands used before the advent of printing with movable type;
*identify, classify, and discuss characteristics of a medieval illuminated manuscript; and
*examine, in a thoughtful, organized manner, an aspect of the history of books and printing in some depth.
General plan and approach: Although the conduct of the class will vary with your interest and participation, it will be based on interruptible lectures and discussions. Please read required readings before the topic is covered in class. This is a reading course. There is no substitute for spending a considerable amount of time reading materials. Class will be more fruitful if you raise questions as you read and bring them to class. Handouts, readings, and assignments are all part of a design intended to introduce you to the history of books and printing.
Schedule: The course will provide about 45 hours of classroom time. The limited time frame means that some important subjects will not be covered in class. If you have special concerns or interests, please see the teacher at the beginning of the term.
Requirements:
1. Each student will complete a typed Reader's Digest type essay on the nature of the book- what the physical and intellectual book means to you. This essay is worth 5 points. It is designed to encourage the student to consider the book in both its denotative and conative aspects. The essay will be due on 24 January.
2. Complete four problems from the list which is on a separate handout. Undergraduate students will complete three problems. Additional problems may be completed for extra credit. The first problem is due on 7 February. The second problem is due on 28 February. The third problem is due on 28 March. The fourth problem is due on 18 April. Each problem is worth 20 points. Problem responses should be reasonably detailed and through with evidence that appropriate book and periodical literature has been consulted.
3. A final examination will be given during the alternative period. Emphasis will be placed on identification of terms important in understanding the history of the book. Be able to identify terms and names which appear on the course handouts. You will also be asked to identify some of the major scripts used during the middle ages. There may also be one or two essay questions about some larger issue. This test will account for 15 points.
Text: Jean's Writing: Story of Alphabets and Scripts [Abrams, 1992] will be our text. This is a standard, attractive work with attractive illustrations. It should be an important addition to your personal library. Students interested in the history of printing will find Daskell's A New Introduction to Bibliography [Z 116 .A2G27] to be quite thorough and helpful. Steinburg's Five Hundred Years of Printing [Z 124 .S8 1974] is now OP but remains excellent and is on reserve. McMurtrie's The Book [Z 4 .M15] is dated but remains readable and covers the history in a broad, popular manner. Use of a variety of reserve readings is designed to expose you to several of the more valuable and well-known resources in the field. Two leading periodicals devoted to this subject are Publishing History [Z 280 .P8] which with British and Printing History [not held locally] which is published in the United States.
Warning: This is an introductory survey course which is intended to give you basic information about the history of books and printing. The course cannot be comprehensive. Many important aspects will be mentioned only in passing. The course cannot tell you all that you need to know about this interesting topic. Rather, you should leave the course with the feeling that your foot is in the door and that you know enough to continue your education on your own. There is no substitute for a lifetime of continuing education. Obliviously, one short course cannot give you the background or competencies necessary for a lifetime spent with books.
In addition to assignment specifics, all written work is evaluated in terms of these criteria:
*quality of the physical paper--neatness and freedom from error
*quality of the communication--clear, direct, correct, interesting style
*organization--smooth, logical flow of ideas
*quality and amount of analysis, evaluation, and reflection; and
*use of a variety of appropriate sources.
Late work is accepted up to one week after the original deadline. A penalty of one grade point will be given to late work.
The following convention is used in evaluating student work:
92- A Outstanding achievement
88-91 B+ All competencies met with extra effort
82- B All required competencies met
77 C+ Some required competencies met
70 C Few required competencies met
Note that the expectations for graduate students and undergraduate students are different. The major difference is that graduate work should contain more detail, analysis, and a more substantial review of the literature.
Please see the teacher if you have particular interests or problems.
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