HIST207 OTTOMAN PALEOGRAPHY&DIPLOMATICS I

Course Code:2400207
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):4 (4.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:8.0
Department:History
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assist.Prof.Dr SELÇUK DURSUN
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide students with a reading knowledge of the handwritten texts in the Ottoman language. The course will teach Arabic letters in the form of various handscripts with selected materials from the Red Crescent, Ottoman, and other historical and literary archival texts of the 19th and 20th centuries, including but not limited to letters and memoirs.

This course has three goals:

  • To read handwritten archival texts in the Ottoman language.
  • To transcribe Ottoman handwritten texts into Latinized alphabet with diacriticals .
  • To examine primary, secondary, and tertiary historical texts to understand the nature of the language used in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Course Content

Introduction to Ottoman paleography, the particular spellings of Ottoman words, drills on the sülüs and rik`a with material selected from Ottoman chronicles and records varying from the 14th to the 20th centuries.


Course Learning Outcomes

We will read handwritten texts together in the classroom. You will have to participate actively in the readings and discussions of weekly assignments.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • learn reading Ottoman handwritten texts from the 19th and 20th centuries,
  • read complex texts with the help of dictionaries,
  • transcribe Ottoman texts written in the handwritten rik'a script.

Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1are familiar with general world historical periods and trends; demonstrate knowledge of key facts, ideas, societies, organizations, cultures, structures and processes related to a variety of historical contexts.
2are familiar with existing scholarly literature, historiography and historical methodology; and have developed the ability to approach them critically.
3are acquainted with interdisciplinary approaches.
4are able to generate research questions and conduct independent historical research by locating and analyzing primary and/or secondary sources; can construct viable arguments based on source interpretation.
5have developed sufficient English language skills; additionally, they have acquired the skill to read both printed texts and manuscripts in Ottoman Turkish.
6are able to present research results both in oral and written form.
7are able to work individually or as part of a team.
8are equipped with academic ethics.
9are aware of modern day issues and current events; have the skills and knowledge to generate informed opinions.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution