Introduction to Arabic Manuscript Studies, HMML via Zoom, May 31–June 11, 2021

This two-week introductory course is open to graduate students, advanced undergraduates, faculty, and independent scholars with a research interest in Arabic manuscripts. The course will introduce students to the study of Arabic manuscripts in their historical, cultural, and material dimensions and to a diversity of Arabic manuscript traditions from West Africa and the Middle East, both Islamic and Christian; provide basic introduction to paleography, codicology, and philological practices, with a special focus on the application of these skills in a digital context; and highlight a wide range of scholarly reference tools for the study of Arabic manuscripts. By the end of the course, students will be able to contribute to the scholarly description of a previously uncataloged manuscript of their choice from the HMML collection.

Sessions will be held Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST.

Eligibility

• Basic understanding of the classical Arabic language
• Professional and scholarly interest in manuscripts 

Costs
$250 (U.S.)