The Medieval Book
This course was available in the past and may be presented again as part of the Open Enrollment curriculum.
Medieval manuscripts defy modern expectations: far from relics of a 'dark age' of rigid thinking and inflexible dogma, these books instead are a window into the culture of ingenuity, care, and craftwork. This hybrid course will bring students along through the long history of writing, reading, and bookmaking in Europe from the fall of Rome until the arrival of the printing press through readings, guided discussion, and two trips to see medieval books firsthand at the Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center (a remote option for these sessions will also be available). Along the way, we will ask, how did medieval innovations in book technology put knowledge at the fingertips of readers? And what can modern researchers learn from these old books about how medieval people thought and lived?
Notes
This course has a mixed format. 6 of the 8 meetings of this course will take place remotely on Zoom. Remote live streaming will be available for students unable to attend the two in-person sessions on Campus (on 4/28 and 5/12)
Online registration deadline: Thurs, Mar 16, 5PM CT