Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives At the completion of this subject students should understand the technologies of text production in a historical context so that they are able to place their studies of current technologies in a continuing process; and develop a questioning attitude to their studies, informed by an awareness of how at various times others have reacted to similar concerns to devise a technology to meet current needs.
Synopsis In this subject students will study the process of textual transmission by looking at the various technologies available for recording texts at various times, including manuscript copying and the various methods of printing. Authorial revision will not be ignored, but the main focus will be on the text as it is affected by the technology, including such matters as scribal habits, the possible consequences of setting by formes, and the implications, for example, of works printed from stereotype plates or monotype rolls. Students will acquire a knowledge of the practical aspects of producing texts at various times and will study a number of specific examples.
Assessment Examination (2 hours): 40% + Essay: 40% + Seminar presentation and written report: 20%