Seminar in Greek palaeography and scholarly editing

Teacher(s)

Somers Véronique; Van Elverdinghe Emmanuel;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Prerequisites

This course addresses students with a good command of ancient Greek.

Main themes

The course includes the following topics:

1. Introduction to codicology;
2. Handwritten copy of ancient Greek texts and textual transmission issues;
3. Ancient Greek writings;
4. Practical training in reading ancient Greek manuscripts (reading exercices);
5. Theoretical and practical training in editing ancient Greek texts.
    

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	At the end of this course, the student will be able: to decipher a ancient Greek manuscript, or to find the necessary assistance to read it; to locate a written text within the history of ancient Greek writings; to read, analyse and use an edition (introduction and critical apparatus); to collate various major manuscripts of a given text and to prepare a provisional edition; to use bibliographical and working tools.

Content

The course consists of two parts, each taught by a different instructor:
1. Palaeography: overview of the main Greek book scripts, reading exercises, introduction to codicology.
2. Text editing: introduction to ecdotics, editing exercises, transmission history of ancient Greek and Byzantine literary texts.
Whilst the course is, by and large, consistent from year to year, depending on the year it may be more specifically devoted to a particular category of texts or to a particular type of writing.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures (theoretical presentations) supplemented by practical exercises (reading and editing), done either in class or at home. The necessary manuscript reproductions are provided progressively; they are drawn from the major facsimile collections, as well as from online resources.

Evaluation methods

1. Palaeography. The examination is oral and includes reading exercises, as well as questions about the theoretical presentations and articles intended to complete or clarify the lectures.
2. Text editing. Written examination, covering both theory and practice.
The final grade is the arithmetical mean of both parts (palaeography and text editing). Successful completion of the examination requires a passing grade on both parts.
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), if used, must be used responsibly and in accordance with the practices of academic and scientific integrity. Since scientific integrity requires that sources be cited, the use of AI must always be reported. The use of artificial intelligence for tasks where it is explicitly forbidden will be regarded as a case of irregularity or plagiarism.

Other information

As far as circumstances will allow it, the course and the examination take place in praesentia.

Online resources

Course materials will be made available gradually on the Moodle course page:
1. Palaeography: bibliography, elements of theory, documentation.
2. Text editing: syllabus, slides, exercises.

Faculty or entity

> EHAC