Module manager: Emily Middleton
Email: e.j.l.middleton@leed.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
ENGL5665M The Digital & English Studies
This module is not approved as an Elective
Digital and Scholarly Editing offers an advanced opportunity to gain hands-on experience of editing texts, taking students through the process of turning a physical object (such as a manuscript, commonplace book, periodical, or first edition of a text) into a digital edition. The module will explore editorial practices through a combination of seminars, workshops, and independent research, examining theoretical and methodological frameworks underpinning textual editing and the creation of digital editions. Students will engage in project-based learning, undertaking tasks over the course of the module which may include digitisation, transcription, collation and annotation; they will have the opportunity to do independent research about specific authors, manuscripts, printing history and/or language from the text, and consider how to present that research for different audiences. The module will consider materiality, processes of production, and the decision-making that underpins digital remediation. No technical knowledge is required: the module will introduce students to live research projects and equip them with the skills needed to produce work in digital environments. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to:
· Critically engage with theoretical and methodological frameworks that underpin digital and scholarly editing.
· Transform physical texts into digital editions through processes such as digitisation, transcription, collation, and annotation.
· Analyse the materiality and historical contexts of texts, considering how production and transmission shape editorial decisions.
· Conduct independent research, and present findings for diverse audiences.
· Apply principles of design and accessibility to create digital scholarly editions that reflect informed editorial choices.
· Participate in live research projects and develop practical skills for producing scholarly work in digital environments.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
LO1. Apply advanced theoretical and methodological approaches to the creation of digital scholarly editions, demonstrating critical awareness of editorial principles and practices.
LO2. Synthesise different kinds of independent research using library resources, textual materials and archives, integrating findings into a digital edition in ways informed by best practice in digital and scholarly editing.
LO3. Critically evaluate the implications of editorial and design decisions for the interpretation, accessibility, and dissemination of texts in digital environments.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
SO1. Communicate complex research findings effectively for different audiences through digital platforms and scholarly commentary.
SO2. Manage a project, demonstrating advanced organisational, problem-solving, and time-management skills in a research context.
SO3. Reflect on their own development and practice.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Seminar | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 280 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students will have the opportunity for formative feedback in seminars and practicals, as well as producing different tasks for the portfolio over the course of the module, with opportunities for peer feedback and comments from the module convenor at strategic points.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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