Winter School in Latin Paleography and Codicology

With the kind collaboration of the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (BAV) and the University of Notre Dame, the American Academy in Rome offers its Winter School in Latin Paleography and Codicology from January 8 to 19, 2018. David T. Gura, curator of ancient and medieval manuscripts at the University of Notre Dame, will teach the course and supervise manuscript research. This two-week intensive course will introduce participants to various aspects of Latin paleography and Western codicology, offering a balance of theoretical and practical applications.

In collaboration with the Vatican Library and the University of Notre Dame Rome Gateway.

Participants will develop mastery of abbreviation systems, the ability to identify, classify, localize, and date western book hands (ca. 1100–1500), and an understanding of the historical development and influence of Latin scripts. Western codicological principles and an introduction to analytical manuscript description will enable participants to interpret the manuscript as a complete object by utilizing physical properties such as collation, ruling patterns, decoration in parallel with the script.

A special feature of the course will be extensive library visits to BAV, which enable participants to apply the skills and techniques from the seminars with medieval manuscripts in situ. Discussion sections will offer a chance for students to share their experiences in a group setting and discuss various problems and difficulties. The course will culminate in a final presentation in which students present the fruits of their research and field questions from the audience.

Two evening lectures by specialists will provide in depth supplementary content to particular aspects of the seminars.

Dates

January 8–19, 2018.

Application Deadline

May 30, 2017.

Director

David T. Gura, Curator of Ancient and Medieval Manuscripts, University of Notre Dame.

Eligibility

Applications from graduate and postgraduate students of classics, patristics, and all branches of medieval studies are welcome. Prior and advanced knowledge of classical and medieval Latin is essential. The course will be conducted in English.

Costs

Tuition is €530/$580.

Housing is available at the American Academy for those who require it. The below rates are for 2017, and may change slightly:

• Shared twin room (without bathroom): €450 for 11 nights
• Double room for single use (without bathroom): €900 for 11 nights
• Double room for single use (with bathroom): €1340 for 11 nights
• Single Room (without bathroom): €770 for 11 nights
• Single room (with bathroom): €1159 for 11 nights

Room availability cannot be guaranteed and applicants should indicate their need for housing in their application. Housing at the Academy is recommended as it makes participation easier and adds to the communal experience.

Meals

Meals are not included in the costs of the program. Meals can be purchased at the Academy (€15 for lunch, €27 for dinner). Meals may also be prepared in AAR’s communal kitchens.

How to Apply

Applications should send a CV and a letter of intent specifying Latin language experience, research topic, and explaining the applicant’s need for training in paleography and codicology. Please send application and any queries about the course to latin.paleography [at] aarome.org (latin[dot]paleography[at]aarome[dot]org).

Payment

Deadline for tuition payments is September 30, 2017.

Paying in dollars

Send a check in dollars for the tuition only made out to the American Academy, to: American Academy in Rome, 7 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022 USA.

Paying in euros

Send a check in euros for the TUITION ONLY, made out to the American Academy in Rome, with an indication in memo line of “Latin Paleography and Codicology” to:

American Academy in Rome
Via Angelo Masina, 5 - 00153
Roma, Italia
Attention of Francesco Cagnizzi

Make a bank transfer to the American Academy in Rome (please email for instructions).

Provide us with your credit card details by phoning +39 06 5846426.

Once we have received all housing requests, accepted participants who have been granted housing at the Academy will be contacted by the institution to pay a housing deposit online via credit card.

Further information about the course can be obtained directly from the course director at latin.paleography [at] aarome.org (latin[dot]paleography[at]aarome[dot]org).