Program Overview

CC6008 Palaeography and Manuscript-based Research

Course Fact File

• Code: CC6008
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: CPD Module
• NFQ Level: N/A
• Fees: €650.00 plus application fee of €35.00
• Closing Date: Closed
• Credits: 10
• Start Date: Closed

Outline

This CPD is aimed at those wishing to receive training in reading parchment manuscripts, whether Medieval or Modern. A wide range of manuscripts compiled in Ireland will be discussed including Old, Middle and Modern Irish texts as well as Latin and Early English materials. Particular emphasis is placed on familiarising students with scripts and abbreviations, and on practical editing exercises. The focus is on skills applicable to a number of related fields and on the creative exchange of expertise.

Module Content

• Palaeography training and research on a topic agreed with the Department
• Themes covered:
  • Palaeography and Codicology
  • Insular Scripts and Scribal Techniques
  • Late Medieval and Humanist Scripts
  • The Corpus of Medieval Irish Manuscripts
  • Modern Irish Manuscript Tradition
  • Digital Technology and Manuscript Research

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Access source material and familiarise themselves with cataloguing practices
• Differentiate a variety of medieval and modern scripts including the many abbreviations employed
• Interpret and edit manuscripts to a high standard
• Use the associated technology with confidence including digitised material
• Evaluate the challenges of editing, including the problems of variant copies of a text, critical v. diplomatic editions and the arguments for and against normalisation
• Describe the history of manuscript production including preparing vellum, binding, folio gatherings, etc.

Practicalities

The course consists of 2 x hour-long seminars per week in Semester 1 followed by a project undertaken by students. The seminars are recorded for those who cannot attend in person. Classes are generally small and consist principally of postgraduate students. In the seminar lecturers share palaeographical issues from their own research with students and explore how certain difficulties can be overcome. Once the students have attended a number of the seminars, they will choose a related project topic in consultation with the course co-ordinator. The project can be completed remotely through regular email communication with the co-ordinator and ancillary materials available online.

Requirements

As part of UCC's commitment to Continuing Professional Development, (CPD), approved candidates may take one-off modules and be provided with a transcript of marks, subject to capacity and availability.

Entry Requirements

• A second class honours undergraduate degree in the historical humanities or a related field

Fees and Costs

• €650.00 for the module and an application fee of €35.00

Assessment

Total Marks 200: Continuous Assessment 200 marks (Project of 3,000-5,000 words)