Course info

This course will provide students with a basic introduction to mid-to-late Modern English Paleography (1700-1950). It will provide students with the skills needed for accurate understanding and transcription of handwritten historical and archival documents. Through this course, students will learn the historical framework for the study of English handwriting. It will provide students with an introduction to the history of English scripts, framing handwritten documents within political, religious, literary, and historical contexts. The skills and techniques learned in this class will be applicable to students working in areas related to art history, history, literature, anthropology, and other humanities disciplines. The course provides students with insights and experience working in an archival and museum setting. It provides students with the opportunity to work directly with original manuscripts and archival materials. Through a combination of hands-on work in the classroom and outside readings, students will build paleographical skills and develop a historical understanding of the development of English handwriting.

Please note that throughout the course, students will be introduced to new vocabulary related to paleography, philology, and the general study of handwriting. An online glossary of key terms will be provided through the Moodle class site, which will be used as foundation of study for in-class exams. The Moodle site will also host all weekly readings as PDFs for download and access. Students must use the documents on Moodle to ensure that they are reading the chosen selections of material.