Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - HUM 103 D100

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

Class Number: 5399

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, Wed, 8:30–9:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2020
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.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.

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. In this experiential course, students will handle, explore, and work with papyrus, wax tablets, parchment, and early print, and discuss the material natures and limitations of each.         

There will be lectures on such topics as Leonardo da Vinci's mirror writing, medieval book curses, and Reading the Rosetta Stone. And we will together visit Special Collections in the Library to examine a selection of its precious Aldines and SFU’s medieval manuscript from 1269. Students will be encouraged to be creative, exploratory, and critical in their examination of the invention of the book.


Grading

  • Mid-term examination (50 mins.) 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)
ISBN: 978-0500286609

Christopher De Hamel, in the series Medieval Craftsmen, Scribes and Illuminators (University of Toronto Press)
ISBN: 0714120499

Ivan Illich, In the Vineyard of the Text (University of Chicago Press) 
ISBN: on-line pdf

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/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