WEA Course Information Sheet 2013-14 s2

WEA Course Information Sheet 2013-14

Course title: Medieval History: From Pen to Print - 1400-1650 Course reference: C2416929 Tutor(s) Vanessa King Venue: The Drive Methodist Church, Eastern Avenue, Fee: £79.00 Redbridge Concession: free on proof of Income Related Benefit

Start date: 23/09/2013 End date: 02/12/13 Day(s)/time(s): Mons 2.15pm – 4.15pm Number of sessions: 10 Hours per session: 2 Level: 3 Title of qualification to be gained (if any): This is a non-accredited course. On 80% attendance you can request a WEA Certificate of Achievement Awarding body (if any): n/a

Essential materials None except note-taking material

Course aims:  To study the transition from handwritten manuscripts to the rise of the printing press and its cultural impact between 1400 and 1650.

Course description We will explore how production of the written word changed from writing with quill pens on animal hide to the use of movable type on paper with the invention of the printing press.

Any prior knowledge or entry requirements? No prior knowledge is required but a good understanding of English is essential.

Course content: what topics will the course cover? We will begin by looking at how written and illuminated manuscripts were produced and the rise of the printing press. We will explore how printing spread across Europe and look at the development of the book trade. Elizabeth Eisenstein’s pioneering work on the revolutionary nature of the printing press merits attention. We will look at the impact of printing on Early Modern Society (1500 x 1650). Could the Reformation have succeeded without the printing press? What about the impact on literacy? What did people read in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries? How did authorities try to impose censorship? There will be a trip to the British Library to see a replica of the first printing press and a range of early printed books as well as illuminated manuscripts.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used  Demonstration Discussion X Group work X Individual work Project work Research Role play Written work Activity outside Question and answer X Observation Practical work class time Presentation x Field trip Other (state) How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?

You will be asked to complete an Individual Learning Plan on which you can indicate how far you feel you have progressed both in terms of the stated course objectives and your own personal ones. At the end of the course you will have the opportunity to complete a course evaluation form.

Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes. By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. Explain how books were produced before printing 2. Debate on whether or not the Reformation could have succeeded without the printing press 3. Identify 3 major European centres of the book trade in the Early Modern Period 4. Explain the role of the Stationers’ Company in Early Modern England 5. Describe how the Guttenberg printing press operated

Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:

You should feel more confident to enrol on other history courses offered by the WEA. Further options will be discussed in class. Visit: https://sites.google.com/site/vanessakingmedievalhistory/

You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees, learning support and financial support.

As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor. You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses or contact London & Southern Regions Support Centre, [email protected], or Freephone: 0800 328 1060 D:\Docs\2018-05-05\088a3281edf4157b6eae0c3e1dcfabbb.doc

The Workers’ Educational Association is a charity registered in England and Wales, number 1112775, and in Scotland, number SC039239, and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales, number 2806910. Our Registered Office address is 4 Luke Street, London, EC2A 4XW. www.wea.org.uk