HIST 5701W: Archival Theory and Practice
Winter 2022
Instructors: Shannon Perry and Amy Tector
Introduction:
Class Format: Through a combination of lectures, discussions, assigned readings and exercises both inside and outside the classroom, this seminar will explore the history, theory and practice of archives. This is an online BLENDED learning course. We will meet in-class (virtually) alternating weeks, in aproximately two-hour blocks for group projects and presentations. The alternating online weeks are asynchronous, and are devoted to required (virtual) site visit/projects and related online discussions.
Aims and Goals: The course will focus particularly on the Canadian archival environment, and touch on various jurisdictions, mandates and collections. We will view archives from the theoretical and functional perspectives of acquisition, arrangement and description. These core components of the archival profession will be viewed according to two overarching themes: 1) the inherent contradiction between providing access to records and preserving them and 2) the potential and pitfalls of modern technology.
Assessment: There is no mid-term or final exam. Course evaluation is based upon student’s individual contributions (virtual class participation, online forum discussions, and an essay) and group work/ projects.
Text: online readings (free of charge)
Questions? Please email shannon.perry@carleton.ca or amy.tector@carleton.ca