DRAFT. This version of the catalogue is a draft version and subject to change.
Unless you have been specifically directed here, you probably want to use the main catalogue.
Last modified: 02 Apr 2026 12:16
A postgraduate student of medieval and early modern history or literature often needs to be able to use unedited literary and archival sources, or to check the completeness and accuracy of existing editions. Medievalists often need to consult material available only in later copies, extracts and antiquarian notes. To do so, you must be able to read pre-modern scripts. This course is designed to give students the necessary skills to use manuscript sources for themselves, whatever their date, describe manuscripts, and transcribe texts. Assessment is by exercises and a final essay.
| Study Type | Postgraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
|
||
Weeks 1-5: Theory and methods of palaeography Weeks 6-10: Transcription of a series of script-specimens, with weekly homework exercises
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 80 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | Word Count | 3000 | ||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Read confidently a variety of archival, documentary and literary texts |
| Conceptual | Create | Produce accurate transcriptions |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Describe a manuscript in terms of the accepted conventions of palaeography; use these skills to research and write about palaeographically based questions |
| Reflection | Analyse | Critically reflect on the process of research and writing for assessments and class preparation and participation. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback | ||||
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Read confidently a variety of archival, documentary and literary texts |
| Conceptual | Create | Produce accurate transcriptions |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Describe a manuscript in terms of the accepted conventions of palaeography; use these skills to research and write about palaeographically based questions |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Create | Produce accurate transcriptions |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Describe a manuscript in terms of the accepted conventions of palaeography; use these skills to research and write about palaeographically based questions |
| Reflection | Analyse | Critically reflect on the process of research and writing for assessments and class preparation and participation. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Read confidently a variety of archival, documentary and literary texts |
We have detected that you are have compatibility mode enabled or are using an old version of Internet Explorer. You either need to switch off compatibility mode for this site or upgrade your browser.
