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THE 44TH KEELE ONLINE LATIN AND PALAEOGRAPHY SUMMER SCHOOL
MONDAY 2ND - FRIDAY 6TH AUGUST 2021
This summer school organised by Keele University (and now in its 44th year) is for those wishing to acquire or improve their skills in reading and transcribing medieval and early modern documents in both Latin and English. Taken mostly from English archives (both national and local), the documents are chiefly those which are used by historians rather than literary texts.
If you need an introduction to medieval Latin or palaeography (the study of medieval and early modern handwriting), or wish to enhance the knowledge that you already have and want to meet others with the same interests, then the Keele school is designed for you, and one of its main benefits is that students are able to build up their knowledge and confidence during the week.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year’s school is taking place online, but it will maintain much of its usual structure. The school is taught in several small groups, but these are not in sessions at which students just listen to tutors and make notes.
Rather, the emphasis is very much on learning the skills in reading and transcribing documents, and so involves a lot of active participation.
The approach is serious but friendly and attracts a wide range of people from both the UK and abroad: national, local, and family historians, along with archive students and postgraduate researchers. Many return year after year, taking the opportunity to seek advice from tutors and fellow students on their own research interests and problems.
The tutors all have considerable experience in teaching adult groups, and have their own expertise in a wide range of topics, beyond palaeography. They include senior archivists, university lecturers, and local history tutors.