Module: ENG5114-20 The Book

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Stephen Gregg

Module Tutor Contact Details: s.gregg@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module will introduce you to a crucial period in the history of the book. The period from around the Sixteenth Century to the end of the Nineteenth Century was a time in which many of our ideas of book design, publishing, and readership were born and developed. The book has been described as ‘the most powerful object of our time’ (Houston), so we will explore the importance of the book as a meaningful physical presence, and also as the meeting point of authors, printers, publishers, and the reading market. 

2.Outline syllabus

The module has three overlapping sections:

• Hand-press books: understanding how they were produced and how to analyse their physicality and design.

• The communications circuit: examining the relationship between authors, printers, publishers, and readers.

• Print culture: for example, women authors and readers; analysing illustration; serial publication.

Students will be reading Sarah Werner, Studying Early Printed Books 1475-1800. A Practical Guide (Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2019), Additional set reading will consist of selected articles and chapters from key texts. Where possible, the module will also offer a chance to visit a library to handle rare books. The module revolves around critical reading but also a variety of hands-on type-tasks that lead directly to the tasks in the Portfolio..

3.Teaching and learning activities

Seminars (individual, small group, and whole group working), lectures, one-to-one coursework tutorials. Preparatory worksheets and supporting teaching materials. Field trips/workshops. Formative tasks. Seminars will also involve practical tasks. 

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Portfolio, 5,000 words. 

• % Weighting: 100%