This course will examine French manuscripts and archival materials from the thirteenth to the seventeenth century. The institute will provide a summary outline of the history of handwriting in France, followed by intensive training in reading from facsimiles, both in class and at home. Students will become familiar with the development of handwriting as well as further aspects of written communication in the late medieval and early modern period.
Learn more about the instructor: Marc Smith, École Nationale des Chartes, Paris.
Eligibility: The institute will enroll 15 participants. First consideration will be given to advanced graduate students and junior faculty at U.S. colleges and universities, but applications are also accepted from advanced graduate students and junior faculty at Canadian institutions, from professional staff of U.S. and Canadian libraries and museums, and from qualified independent scholars.
Prerequisite: This graduate-level course is taught entirely in French; advanced language skills are required.
Award: All successful applicants will receive a stipend of $1,275; non-local participants will receive an additional $2,500 to cover travel and lodging expenses. There are no fees associated with the institute.
Deadline: All applications must be received by March 2, 2020. We will notify all applicants by April 1 whether they have been accepted as a participant, placed on an alternate list, or declined. Invited participants will have until April 15 to confirm their place in the institute.
Learn more about the Center for Renaissance Studies’ Mellon Summer Institutes in Vernacular Paleography, or check out our list of paleography resources for Latin, English, French, Italian, and Spanish. Applicants for this institute are especially encouraged to visit our website for French Renaissance Paleography.