The Beginnings of the Polish Printed Book 2401-OG-EN-TBoPPB

This lecture explores the origins of printed books in Poland and their cultural impact. The lecture will address the first Polish printers, early typography, and the historical context of the 15th and 16th centuries.
It will examine examples of early printed works and discuss their role in shaping Polish language and culture. Special attention will be given to how Polish printing developed within the broader European context.
The course places a particular emphasis on Kraków as the dominant and most influential center of typography in the region, while also acknowledging the rise of other printing hubs that contributed to the dissemination of books.
Students will be introduced to the most important figures associated with the beginnings of the Polish printed book, including pioneers such as Casper Straube, Jan Haller, Florian Ungler, and Hieronim Wietor. Through this lecture, participants will explore the historical significance of early printing and its fundamental role in the formation of cultural and national identity.

Total student workload

Contact hours with teacher: - participation in lectures (on-line) - 15 hrs - consultations- 5 hrs Self-study hours: - reading literature- 15 hrs - preparation for test- 15 hrs Altogether: 50 hrs (2 ECTS)

Learning outcomes - knowledge

Student W1: has basic knowledge of the origins and development of printing in Poland during the 15th and 16th centuries. W2: knows the key figures of the first Polish printers and is familiar with early typography. W3: is acquainted with the historical context of the Renaissance and its impact on the spread of print in Poland.

Learning outcomes - skills

Student U1: is able to analyze the role of early printed works in shaping the Polish language and culture. U2: Student can explain the development of Polish printing within the broader European context.

Learning outcomes - social competencies

Student K1: understands the significance of the printed book as a medium of cultural and social transformation. K2: is aware of the importance of historical heritage and the preservation of early printed materials.

Course coordinators

Michał Muraszko

Assessment criteria

Assessment methods:
Final written test (stationary) - A closed-book test conducted on campus, covering the material from the online lectures - verifying learning outcomes: W1, W2, U1, U2.

Assessment criteria:
Attendance at online lectures is mandatory. Students are allowed a maximum of one (1) absence. Exceeding this limit results in the loss of eligibility to take the final written test.

Final test grading scale:
fail: 0-50%
satisfactory: 51-60%
satisfactory plus: 61-70%
good: 71-80%
good plus: 81-90%
very good: 91-100%

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2401-OG-EN-TBoPPB in USOSweb