Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Practical exercise 1 (3,000 word equivalent) | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Practical exercise 2 (3,000 word equivalent) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resit of practical exercise 1 (3,000 word equivalent) | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Resit of practical exercise 2 (3,000 word equivalent) | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Identify and date different styles of handwriting in common use during the period c1450 to c1800;
Accurately read different styles of handwriting in common use during the period c1450 to c1800;
Transcribe documents written in archaic styles, applying appropriate editorial methods;
Calendar documents written in archaic styles, applying appropriate editorial methods;
Recognise and interpret `common form? in a wide variety of documents;
Convert archaic dating practices to the modern historical equivalent.
Brief description
This module considers the historical development of handwriting (palaeography) in Britain between c1450 and c1800, the characteristics of specific types of script, the principles of transcription and other editorial methods, and the development of common form in formal documents (diplomatic). Practical and technical skills in reading and transcription are developed through applying theory to practice in a wide range of manuscript material under careful guidance.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | There is a need to understand pre-decimal currency (£.s.d.), Roman numerals, fractions of pounds sterling and historical accounting practices, and also to identify dates, convert them to modern equivalents and accommodate calendar changes. All these elements feature in the assignment. |
| Communication | Written communication is enhanced through the need for precision (in transcription and calendaring), careful layout and presentation and the application of specific editorial rules (as assessed in the assignment). |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Successful progress in this module is dependent on individual effort, especially during guided self-study and independent practical work, and a willingness to persevere with meticulous care and patience. The assignments provide evidence of individual progress. |
| Information Technology | Specific websites and online resources are used as part of the learning process, but these aspects are not assessed. |
| Personal Development and Career planning | Confidence is fostered through applied skill and understanding of source material, through self-study and through the interactive workshops. Fresh career ideas and research interests often emerge from this new experience. |
| Problem solving | The whole process of learning to read manuscripts is a problem solving exercise, requiring systematic approaches to identifying archaic letter shapes and abbreviations and considerable initiative. Progress is assessed through the assignment. |
| Research skills | Learning to read, interpret and evaluate the primary sources and to use appropriate reference material to assist this process is fundamentally important to the research process. Progress is assessed through the assignment. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Learning to read, interpret and evaluate primary source material is a fundamental need for anyone dealing with historic handwriting and archaic language. Progress is assessed through the assignments. |
| Team work | Students are encouraged to work together during the early stages of practical work. This is beneficial to early progress and building confidence, but it is not assessed. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7