The courses.
The School is built around a series of small seminar groups of up to 10 students, each led by an expert tutor. Students participate in one group only throughout the week.
There are two introductory courses: one for those with no or very little knowledge of Latin as a language (1) and the other for those who want to learn how to read and transcribe a range of medieval Latin documents (2). For those already with a good knowledge of Latin grammar and a reasonable level of palaeographical expertise, there is a choice from two subject courses.
The courses are being taught online. It is likely that the School will be taught through the Zoom platform. Each tutor will act as host and will forward the link in advance of the teaching sessions.
Teaching format.
Each group will meet at regular intervals throughout the day, interspersed with breaks for refreshment and lunch, or for time offline for those studying virtually.
Daily teaching schedule:
Morning, 9.15am to 12.45pm (20 minute break at 10.45am).
Lunch 12.45 to 2.00pm.
Afternoon, 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
The tutor – after suitable general advice – will usually ‘go round the group’ inviting each person to attempt a line or two and providing assistance as necessary. This approach is not meant to be intimidating but is designed to give each person a practical opportunity to do some transcribing and translating; just listening to a tutor reading a text is no substitute for doing it oneself!
- Digital images: The documents to be tackled are made available in digital form. They will be sent out to students electronically in advance (as email attachments, or by WeTransfer). Tutors will share their screens with all students attending the School, using the mouse pointer to indicate elements of interest.
- Pre-school preparation: Students are encouraged to look over at least some of the documents they have been emailed beforehand, as doing so helps to ensure that one gets the best out of the course. Some may not have the time to do so or have not yet learnt the necessary skills to make much progress on their own. This is fully appreciated by the tutors, and students will not be made to feel inadequate if they struggle somewhat! After all, not being able to read through a manuscript quickly is the main reason for coming to the School.