COL 278

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COL 278

The Cultural History of Reading and Writing COL 278 FA

Crosslistings: HIST278, MDST278

Not Currently Offered

Does reading have a history? Is the act of writing the same at all times and in all places? In this seminar we explore these questions about the cultural history of reading and writing over the period from late antiquity to the 18th century. As we follow the change from script to print, we will have direct experience of handling surviving written artifacts during visits to Wesleyan's own collection of rare manuscripts and books. In a series of case studies we will also investigate what writing and books meant to some ordinary people--an illiterate English mystic of the 15th century, a stubborn Italian peasant of the 16th century, and a Jewish woman merchant of the 16th century.

MAJOR READINGS

L. Febvre and H. Martin, THE COMING OF THE
BOOK
H.J. Graff, THE LEGACIES OF LITERACY
M. Kempe, THE BOOK OF MARGERY KEMPE
C. Ginzburg, THE CHEESE AND THE WORMS
Gluckel, MEMOIRS OF GLUCKEL OF HAMELN

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Several short (4pp.) papers and oral presentations; one longer paper (10pp.). Active participation in class discussion.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No late papers. Active participation in discussion is a requirement. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA COL

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

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