Calligraphy & Paleography: Spaces for Study & Practice

This module explores the historical context and operations of medieval scriptoria from the 11th to 15th centuries. Students will learn about the organization and functioning of a medieval scriptorium, including specialized tasks, codex preparation, and the copying process. The module examines the characteristics of Caroline script and Gothic book hands, focusing on their ductus (the order and direction of strokes) and calligraphic features. Through evaluative and demonstrative exercises, students will gain practical experience in recognizing and reproducing these historical scripts, understanding their development within the context of medieval manuscript production. This immersive approach provides insight into the material culture and craftsmanship of medieval book production.

Skills you'll gain

This module examines the chancery or royal writing office, focusing on its definition, functions, and structure as a center for document issuance, validation, and registration. Students will study various document typologies and registers, along with the writing supports and fundamental scripts used, including documentary Caroline and Gothic privilege and "albalaes" scripts. The module analyzes the ductus and calligraphic characteristics of these scripts, as well as aspects of documentary solemnity and validation elements. Through commentary on selected pieces from historical archives and practices in chronology and sigillography (seal studies), students will develop skills in identifying and interpreting official medieval documents, understanding the relationship between script styles and administrative functions.

Skills you'll gain

This module explores the notarial office from the 15th to 17th centuries, examining the institution of notaries, their functions, and working methods. Students will study various document types with special attention to notarial protocols and the subscriptions of notaries and public scribes. The module provides detailed analysis of several script types used in notarial practice, including courtly (cortesana), procedural (procesal), chained procedural (procesal encadenada), Aragonese notarial cursive, and chancery (cancilleresca) scripts. Students will learn the ductus and calligraphic characteristics of these scripts through evaluative and demonstrative exercises, gaining practical experience in reading and reproducing notarial handwriting styles that were essential to legal and commercial documentation in early modern Spain.

Skills you'll gain

This module focuses on writing systems within the judicial administration of early modern Spain. Students will examine the structure of the Spanish justice system, including chancelleries, audiences, and tribunals. The module analyzes the courtly (cortesana), procedural (procesal), and round (redonda) scripts used in legal documentation, studying their ductus and calligraphic characteristics. Particular attention is given to document typologies related to legal proceedings, as well as special documents like certificates of nobility (ejecutorias de hidalguía) and their distinctive formal writing styles. Through evaluative and demonstrative exercises, students will develop skills in reading and interpreting judicial manuscripts, understanding how script choices reflected the authority and function of legal documents within the administrative hierarchy.

Skills you'll gain

This module examines writing practices in municipal councils, focusing on their functions, structure, administrative procedures, and document production. Students will study the main document typologies produced in local government and analyze the script styles used, including courtly (cortesana), procedural (procesal), and cursive humanistic scripts. The module emphasizes the relationship between registers, documents, and municipal power through case studies that illustrate how local administration functioned through written records. Through evaluative and demonstrative exercises, students will develop skills in identifying and interpreting municipal documents, understanding how writing practices reflected and enabled local governance structures and community administration in historical Spanish municipalities.

Skills you'll gain

This module explores the domestic space as a site of document production in historical Spain. Students will examine accounting practices and written expressions of sentiment through various document types including letters, memoirs, diaries, notes, and account books. The module analyzes the variety of scripts used in private writing, particularly humanistic cursive and copperplate styles, focusing on how personal calligraphy reflected individual identity and experience. Students will study calligraphic notebooks and exercises, exploring how people historically learned to write correctly through practice, tests, and manuals. Through evaluative and demonstrative exercises, students will gain insight into private writing practices, understanding the intimate relationship between personal expression and handwriting in historical domestic contexts.

Skills you'll gain