Course Catalogue

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This course introduces students, by means of specific case-studies and hands-on experience with manuscripts and early printed books, to advanced study of the history of the book in Scotland, and to the socio-cultural implications of this history.

Weekly 2-hour lectures plus 1-hour seminar.

The only shared experience with honours students is the lectures (which are designed to introduce issues and establish critical approaches). The course is at the 'cutting edge', so all students, regardless of level, would sensibly share the same starting points. In the case of MLitt students, the ILOs reflect the higher level attained in seminars and written work.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

Standard entry to Masters at College level.

None.

Assessment

seminar paper 30%

seminar contribution 10%

3,500 word essay 60%

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

In this course you will gain a critical overview of the history of the book in Scotland, with reference to such matters as palaeography, codicology and bibliography, philological issues relevant to book history, textual criticism, literacy practices and cultural reception.

By the end of this course, students should be able to demonstrate the achievement of the following ILOs:

-- a critical understanding of current trends in book history

-- the ability to apply this understanding critically to the history of the book in Scotland

Students should be able to demonstrate the achievement of these ILOs at an appropriately advanced level through a sustained piece of writing and/or bibliographical exercises, through group discussion, and through seminar-presentation.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.