From the first cave painting to the most recent graffiti tag in the subway,
handwriting has been shaped by two forces-its functional nature and its
ideological purpose.  Our work is to determine what these purposes are at
different moments in time, and what happens to those who use or abuse such
handwriting.  By examining the types and impact of script on Ancient and
Medieval cultural ideas of communication, magic, and art; Victorian concepts
of gender and the deviant mind; and American principles of education,
morality, and crime, this class will discover what the written character has to
do with human character.  You will acquire the confidence and skill to read
and transcribe medieval handwritten texts, analyze and discuss a script's
social and ideological function, experiment with writing scripts, and achieve a
broader concept of the technology of communication.  Assignments include
three short papers, a workshop portfolio, two presentations, and one group
project.  Local field trips to the Lilly Library, visiting experts, and our own
creative work will enhance our course reading and writing.