MSMLPA-Medieval Latin and Palaeography

Module Provider: Grad Cen for Medieval Studs
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Prof Rebecca Rist
Email: r.a.c.rist@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module aims to produce a basic grounding in Latin grammar and syntax, together with a broad understanding or awareness of more complex constructions, with a view to supporting the Latin language needs of students in their research and enabling them to continue with further personal study. It also aims to equip students with the skills required to read manuscript texts written in a range of scripts used from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries.

Aims:
This module aims to produce a basic grounding in Latin grammar and syntax, together with a broad understanding or awareness of more complex constructions, with a view to supporting the Latin language needs of students in their research and enabling them to continue with further personal study. It also aims to equip students with the skills required to read manuscript texts written in a range of scripts used from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• recognise and identify a range of Latin forms and grammatical constructions


• make effective use of dictionaries and wordlists


• read and transcribe examples of Latin bookhand and Latin courthand


• recognize and expand correctly manuscript abbreviations and other scribal signs


• identify a range of vernacular scripts

Additional outcomes:
Students should be able to approach medieval sources on their own and gain a basic understanding of the Latin, and to use Latin as part of their future research. Students should also be able to demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of scripts and to distinguish between scripts produced for different purposes. This module also aims to develop the student's skills of time management and oral communication. They will develop their IT skills by use of relevant web resources.

Outline content:
The Latin component of this module draws on Eileen Gooder's, Latin for Local Historians, Kennedy's Revised Latin Primer. Reading of Medieval Latin and documents in Medieval Latin is supported by handouts on grammar. The first term covers the basics of Latin and particular peculiarities of Medieval Latin as illustrated by a wide range of texts. The second term is altered every year to reflect the research and learning needs of the students.
Palaeography will introduce students to the history of Western scripts, and will provide instruction in techniques of transcription. Students will then have structured sessions in practical experience in reading and transcribing selected examples of Latin bookhand and Latin courthand. Major abbreviation systems and conventions of palaeographic transcription, will be covered.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module is taught for three hours a week in Autumn and two in Spring in a seminar. Students are expected to prepare and revise thoroughly before and after each class. In Latin, particular grammatical constructions are introduced through grammar exercises and subsequently highlighted as they arise in reading. Palaeography classes include demonstration, practical experience, and discussion of transcribing selected manuscript examples. Weekly homework exercises are set and returned in class wit h discussion.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Tutorials	30	20
Guided independent study:	120	30
Total hours by term	150	50
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Set exercise	50
Class test administered by School	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

This module is assessed in two parts (Latin and Palaeography).

For the Latin element of the module, students will take one two-hour unseen written test counting for 50% of the Latin component of this module (25% of the overall module mark).

For the Palaeography element of the module, students will take one two-hour unseen written test counting for 100% of the Palaeography component for this module (50% of the overall module mark).

The written test for Latin will be taken on the first Thursday of the Summer term, and that for Palaeography on the second Thursday.  

For the Latin element of the module, the marks for the best five of the written work will be averaged to give a final mark for the set exercise. This comprises 50% of the mark for the Latin component (25% of the overall module mark).  These MUST be handed in to the Edith Morley Support Centre by 12 noon on Thursday of week 1 of the Summer term, for moderation by the External Examiner (otherwise the marks cannot count).

Formative assessment methods:
For Palaeography the weekly transcription exercises are for formative purposes only.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

To pass the module a student must get an average of at least 50% across the two components.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed grade of 50% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September,if required.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 30 March 2023