Latin Palaeography [ LGLOR2171 ]

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Prerequisites : Knowledge of Latin is recommended.

Examples at hand, the first part of the course lays out the major stages in the evolution of western writing, from the third to the fifteenth th century, and provides a first introduction to deciphering operations. Going beyond purely technical considerations, it illustrates palaeography's contribution to knowledge of the written culture of the late antique and medieval world.

By the end of this course of Latin palaeography, the student will be able to :

- recognize and define, the main types of Western writings by combining theory and practice;

- understand their evolution in the context of cultural practices in the West.

Moreover, he will have received a first introduction to techniques for reading relevant documents, and to the recognizing manuscript decoration.

Evaluation : written examination bearing on theoretical and practical aspects.

Method : Formal lectures illustrated by many specimens of writing and illustration.

After defining the role and objectives of palaeography, the course successively deals with writings from antiquity and the high middle ages, Carolingian writing, Gothic writings, humanistic writing, each time placing them in the context of their development and utilization and provides a first introduction to palaeographic reading techniques. Some attention will also be devoted to the decoration of manuscripts from the eighth to the fifteenth century.

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Teaching materials : Student notes.

A syllabus including, notably, reproductions of specimens of representative writing.