Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2017 - HUM 103 D100

The Invention of the Book: Alphabets, Papyrus, Parchment, and Print (3)

Class Number: 5746

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 5 – Dec 4, 2017: Tue, 8:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 7, 2017
    Thu, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

The book as we know it did not always exist; it was invented. This course will explore the creation and spread of writing, the emergence of scribal cultures, and the birth of the book, which came to be the greatest of all material, cultural and intellectual objects, one that shaped and transformed civilization. Breadth-Humanities. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The book as we know it did not always exist; it was invented. This course will explore the creation and spread of writing, the emergence of scribal cultures, and the birth of the book, which came to be the greatest of all material, cultural, intellectual, and enduring economic objects, one that shaped and transformed civilization.         

In HUM 103, we shall examine the material, intellectual, cultural, commercial, and even cognitive aspects and implications of the emergence of writing and the invention of the book in the ancient, medieval, and early modern worlds in Europe, China, and Islamic lands. We shall as a class take a hands-on approach to exploring papyrus, wax tablets, parchment, and early print, and discuss the material natures and confinements of each.         

There will be lectures on such topics as Leonardo da Vinci's mirror writing, medieval book curses, and Reading the Rosetta Stone. Students will be encouraged to be creative, exploratory, and critical in their examination of the invention of the book.

Grading

  • Mid-term examination (1 hr.) 20%
  • Written observations on the experiment conducted in tutorial 10%
  • Term Paper 20%
  • Participation and Attendance 20%
  • Final Examination 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Andrew Robinson, The Story of Writing, 2nd ed. (Thames & Hudson) paperback isbn-13: 978-0500286609

Christopher De Hamel, in the series Medieval Craftsmen, Scribes and Illuminators (University of Toronto Press) paperback isbn: 0-7141-2049-9

Ivan Illich, In the Vineyard of the Text (University of Chicago Press) paperback isbn: 13: 9780226372365

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS