51: Introduction to Codicology [M-20]
27 June-1 July 2005
1) How useful were the pre-course readings?
1: Very helpful -- perhaps one source could be added, the [1989] Panizzi lecture at the British Library -- a volume on codicological analysis of Dutch manuscripts [by J.P. Gumbert]. 2: Readings were useful. 3: The pre-course readings were a good foundation for the content presented in our course. 4: The pre-course readings gave a good foundation for the material treated in the course.
2) Were the course syllabus and other materials distributed in class useful (or will they be so in the future, after you return home)?
1: Very. 2: Both appropriate and useful. They will be used in the future. 3: Yes. 4: Syllabus will be extremely useful in future. I will refer to it constantly.
3) What aspects of the course content were of the greatest interest or relevance for your purposes? Was the intellectual level of the course appropriate?
1: Most helpful was the hands on examination of MSS -- especially beginning with the humanist MSS which tend to be more straightforward; it helped to develop my sense of what information could be ignored or where to look for clues, specifically; this was what I hoped to gain from the course. The personal store of information and expertise of AD was extraordinary, and to have him guiding us was a unique opportunity. 2: I was especially interested in the description of MSS. Intellectual level was appropriate.
4) If your course had field trips, were they effective?
1: Yes. 2: Absolutely. It was great to research genuine MSS hands-on. 3: Yes. 4: It was wonderful to finally come to a systematic and methodological approach to codicology and learn how to apply its rules to the study of manuscripts. The intellectual level of the course was entirely appropriate.
5) What did you like best about the course?
1: See answer to question 3. 2: Best is hard to identify. (1) AD was great. (2) The access to genuine MSS. It was a wonderful experience for one who usually works with microform copies. 3: It was wonderful to have access to the manuscripts and other materials in the WAM collection -- it really helped to solidify what we learned in the lectures. 4: The best part of the course was seeing how codicological methodology was actually applied to the study of real manuscripts.
6) How could the course have been improved?
1: Make tea and coffee (with milk) available; we did not have time between sessions due to our movements between buildings. Better lighting is needed in the MSS room at WAM; half the table is in a dim spot. 2: It is hard to find anything that would need improvement. 3: This is only partially related to the course, but the lighting in the WAM MSS room is a bit dim.
7) We are always concerned about the physical well-being both of the RBS teaching collections and of materials owned by WAM. If relevant, what suggestions do you have for the improved classroom handling of such materials used in your course this week?
1: Small flashlights (key chain size) and more powerful magnifying glasses (not loupes). Class size of four is ideal! 2: The lighting could be improved in the WAM MSS Room. It was very dim. 3: Key chain flashlights (for determining manuscript rulings). 4: (1) Better light in the WAM reading room. (2) Better magnifying glasses, the kind with a small extra high power lens on the big one. (3) More flashlights.
8) If you attended the Sunday dinner and/or Monday night lecture, were they worth attending?
1: Yes. William Noel’s lecture was fascinating and fun. 2: WN’s lecture on the [Archimedes] palimpsest was really outstanding. 3: Yes. 4: The Monday night lecture by WN was fascinating.
9) If you attended the Tuesday and/or Wednesday evening tour, was the time profitably spent?
1: Yes, although it was difficult to see the MSS in such a large group; perhaps lay them out in row for us to file by individually? 2: Tuesday’s museum night was also very good. 3: Yes. 4: It was interesting, but not riveting.
10) Did you get your money’s worth? Any final thoughts?
1: Bring a sweater. 2: Yes. Remember to bring a sweater or jacket even in the middle of the summer. The MSS room at WAM was very cold. Also, suggest what kind of equipment to bring -- flashlight, tape measure, magnifying glass. 3: Yes. 4: AD is an inspired and inspiring teacher and I would recommend taking any course he offers.
Number of respondents: 4
Percentages
Leave Tuition Housing Travel
Institution Institution Institution Institution
gave me leave paid tuition paid housing paid travel
25% 50% 50% 50%
I took vaca- I paid tui- I paid for my I paid my own
tion time tion myself own housing travel
0% 50% 50% 50%
N/A: self- N/A: Self- N/A: stayed N/A: lived
employed, re- employed, with friends nearby
tired, or had retired, or or lived at
summers off exchange home
75% 0% 0% 0%
Two students (50%) were professors or teachers; one (25%) was a rare book librarian, and one (25%) was a full-time student