Thread by @TeachingCodex

Our next presentation is from our own @DowsMillerSeb and it's called 'Don't mention the punctuation! Introducing materiality to text-based teaching contexts'. Seb works primarily on Old French. #teachingcodex

#teachingcodex Hybridity today: approaches to teaching texts which are found in MSS and printed editions

We need to think about how we're teaching texts. Teaching context isn't set up with awareness of materiality. It's OUR fault when students think that punctuation should be commented on in medieval texts #teachingcodex

#teachingcodex I've been experimenting with how we solve this.
1: Bring in materiality BEFORE introducing first medieval text
2: Build on that; bring in materiality in ALL texts

#teachingcodex What students can do here very well is engaging with TEXTS, but not materiality

#teachingcodex It's also about encouraging students to engage with the Old French, not just the modern translation

#teachingcodex I start with a MSS and rare books session @mertonlib (thanks @JuliaWalworth!) BEFORE introducing any medieval texts

@mertonlib @JuliaWalworth #teachingcodex It's about inspiring and challenging them to deal with the unfamiliar. Only after that, do I introduce Merton MS 249, which is in an unfamiliar but recognisable language for French students.

#teachingcodex But STILL focusing on materiality of MS 249 (e.g. why is there a hole for a chain staple)? And only after that do we start to think about the text. Push boundaries of knowledge but don't expect them to anything new.

#teachingcodex Then we start with some basic palaeography, with the MS 249 unicorn. It's familiar...ish (but it's compared to a goat not a horse!). Intro to abbreviations as well. Shows how different the writing system is.

#teachingcodex Once we've got to the end of those two lines, we can talk punctuation, and how it's not at all how they'd expect from our C21 context.

#teachingcodex Then compare MS to older critical editions to show examples of variation. We can talk about difference of layout, which is a revelation. How does that affect how we read the text? Addition of modern punctuation by modern editors.

#teachingcodex Spelling variations mean that we can talk about manuscript transmission, and idea that modern editions are to some extent fabrications.

#teachingcodex Finally we have a tour of @mertonlib to see more context. And only after this, and in the next session, do we actually look at the course set text.

@mertonlib #teachingcodex We ask students: can we talk about an author? Readers? etc Message to student commentary writers: caution and common sense!

#teachingcodex After planting seeds of material engagement we move to building and reinforcing. Next texts and contexts need new approaches.

#teachingcodex For more advanced medieval papers, we can use awareness of MS context to explain eg why certain texts are read in which order. Engagement with material increases engagement with context.

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