BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, the student will have a deep understanding of the history of texts and cultural heritage in the field of books, with particular reference to the material aspects and the methods of production of the manuscript book. This includes the process from the preparation of parchment to the creation of palimpsests; the history of the book as an object subject to transformations, relocations, destructions, and repurposing; and the tools for the study of manuscript heritage. This knowledge forms the basis for developing codicological analysis skills useful for the enhancement of medieval and modern book heritage.
Course Prerequisites
No prerequisite.
Teaching Methods
Teaching will be conducted through lectures, some of which will be held at conservation institutions and in direct contact with book heritage. Particular attention will be given to engaging with students through direct dialogue, allowing them to propose topics for further exploration or debate during the lessons. Throughout the course, there will be a series of meetings with distinguished experts in the field, aimed at deepening the understanding of methods and tools for analyzing book heritage. The course will also include practical activities for attending students, that will involve the writing of small individual papers and are designed to provide hands-on experience that complements the theoretical knowledge acquired during the lectures.
Assessment Methods
The final exam will be conducted orally and graded on a scale of thirty. The examination will consist of three questions covering the entire syllabus and, for attending students, will include a discussion of the individual assignments produced during the course. The questions are designed to assess the students' comprehensive understanding of the concepts taught in the course.
Contents
The course will focus on the following topics:
- Elements of manuscript archaeology and theoretical concepts of codicology and palaeography;
- History of book production and reuse from the Middle Ages to the early modern period;
- Techniques and tools for examining palimpsest manuscripts.
Online Resources
More information
For attending students, in addition to the reference texts, the exam program also includes lecture notes. The program for non-attending students includes, in addition to the reference texts for attending students, the additional learning materials listed in the Leganto reading list.
The instructor’s communications to students will be sent via email through the e-learning platform. Therefore, students must promptly register for the course’s e-learning area. All students are required to regularly check the e-learning area and download the indicated materials.
Erasmus students or students with an Individualized Education Plan or Personalized Didactic Plan are invited to contact the instructor at the beginning of the course.