Latin and Greek Codicology and Palaeography

About

The aim of the five-day intensive Summer School is to provide practical training in Latin and Greek palaeography and textual criticism combined with lectures in codicology and visits to manuscript collections. Medieval manuscripts are the physical objects that transmit classical and medieval texts and images. They are the basis for our modern printed editions and we rely on them for our understanding of our literate past. The course provides practical skills and theoretical background for those who wish to pursue the study of manuscripts.

The small-group intensive palaeography seminars focus on reading and transcribing texts from digitised folio images, combined with dating and identifying hands and learning about script history and systems of abbreviation. Four options are offered with a language choice of Latin or Greek and a choice of beginner or advanced level within each language. The codicological sessions provide theoretical, methodological and technical knowledge for collating manuscripts, creating the apparatus criticus and the stemma codicum, accompanied by the practice of producing the critical edition of a brief text based on digitised images of some of its manuscripts. The small-group palaeography and codicology seminars will be contextualized by plenary lectures on specific aspects of Latin and Greek codicology and diplomatics. Hands-on experience in medieval manuscript collections of major libraries will give an opportunity to study manuscripts in the original. A transcription test and the discussion of the critical edition assignment will serve as feedback.

The Summer School provides an opportunity for students to meet others with similar research interests, exchange ideas and build networks. The course is aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers and faculty as well as those at a later stage of their career who wish to expand their array of expertise.

Course leader

Anna Somfai, Central European University, Department of Historical Studies, Vienna, Austria

Target group

The course is primarily aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers and faculty. It can also benefit scholars at a later stage of their career who wish to build new academic expertise or refresh their existing palaeographical skills.

Course aim

The aim of the five-day intensive Summer School is to provide practical training in Latin and Greek palaeography and textual criticism combined with lectures in codicology and visits to manuscript collections. Medieval manuscripts are the physical objects that transmit classical and medieval texts and images. They are the basis for our modern printed editions and we rely on them for our understanding of our literate past. The course provides practical skills and theoretical background for those who wish to pursue the study of manuscripts.

Fee info