LIS-S 681 The Book 1450 to the Present
3 credits
- Prerequisite(s): LIS-S 500, LIS-S 507
- Delivery: Online
- Semesters offered: Fall (Check the schedule to confirm.)
Description
This course provides a survey of the book from 1450 to the present, with emphasis on the development of the book in the West. It focuses on the physical aspects of the book from the mid-fifteenth through the twentieth centuries, and on some of the many roles of the book in society during this period. It also increases awareness of current scholarly trends in the history of the book. Topics include 1) a review theoretical models and scholarly trends in the fields of book history, 2) an examination key scholarship in the field, 3) a survey of the processes of print creation production, dissemination, and reception in the larger social, economic, and political context, and 4) considerations for how the history of the book as a material object and as an agent of intellectual and social change helps us understand the digital revolution. While it’s impossible to explore the wide range of associated disciplines in detail, this course will provide a broad overview with many opportunities to explore areas of personal and professional Interest.
Program Learning Goals Supported
Instructors map their courses to specific LIS Program Goals. Mapped program goals drive the design of each course and what students can expect to generally learn.
- Facilitate Engagement in the Information Ecosystem
- Conduct Systematic Research to Inform Decisions
- Examine Systemic Inequalities to Improve Library and Information Practices through Equitable and Socially Just Interventions
Learning Outcomes
Instructors develop learning outcomes for their courses. Students can expect to be able to achieve the learning outcomes for a given course after successfully completing the course.
- Critique scholarly trends, key authors, and noteworthy publications in the field of book history/print culture
- Identify the physical aspects of the book and how they have changed over time
- Describe basic technologies used to print and publish books and how they have changed over time
- Discuss how the roles in the book cycle including author, illustrator, printer, publisher, bookseller, and reader have evolved and their impact on print culture
- Identify the impact of intellectual property and copyright laws through history
- Trace the impact of the book as knowledge through the use of a discipline specific example
- Explain social, economic, and cultural influences shaping trends in the publication, distribution, and reception of books since 1450
- Trace changes in the book as print culture
- Identify how the book has been treated as a cultural icon including topics such as censorship and propaganda
- Discuss the connection between the book and the reader
Course Overview
Instruction is in Canvas. Lessons are organized into Modules whose length may vary.
Module 1: Orientation
- Course logistics
- Introductions
Module 2: The Book
- The Book defined & the book in history
- Formats
- Related Works
- Book Historiography
Module 3: The Book as Artifact
- Book Elements & key terms
- Editions
- Book as Printed Work: history of printing, typography, illustration, binding
Module 4: The Book as Author Work
- Authorship
Module 5: The Book as Intellectual Property
- Intellectual Property
- Copyright Laws
Module 6: The Book as Commodity
- Publishers
- Booksellers
Module 7: The Book as Knowledge
- Reference Works
- Arts & Humanities
- Literature
- Science & social science
Module 8: The Book as Print Culture
- 1400s-1700s
- 1800s-2000s
Module 9: The Book as Cultural Icon
- Intellectual Freedom
- Censorship
- Smuggling
- Book Burning
- Propaganda
Module 10: The Book as Reader Experience
- Preferences
- Reading Activities
- Marginalia
- Provenance
- The Future of Reading
Policies and Procedures
Please be aware of the following linked policies and procedures. Note that in individual courses instructors will have stipulations specific to their course.