A History of Writing, Reading, and the Book
English · 3 hrs Lecture
Offering schedule: contact department
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ENGL-2981 prerequisites
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Description
This course introduces students to the history of the book, the material basis of Western literate/literary culture, by exploring writing and reading technologies from the papyrus scroll to the digital screen. It briefly traces the history of producing, reading, preserving, and controlling material texts and covers such topics as writing as handwork, ideologies of reading, the manuscript codex, the invention of printing, the development of mise-en-page, notions of authorship, the reading public, the economics of book trade, and the digital revolution. The course offers a historical and material perspective on the past and present manifestations of literate/literary culture.
Requisite courses
6 credits of First-year English, including ENGL-1001(6) or ENGL-1000(3) [prerequisite(s)].
From the 2026-27 undergraduate calendar. Always verify details on WebAdvisor or with an academic advisor before registering.