Bulletin Description: An examination of the nature of archives and the principles underlying their management. The acquisition and processing of archival material; appraisal principles and techniques; conservation of textual and non-textual materials, including control of the physical environment; use of archival materials; and administration of archival repositories are studied in depth.
Detailed Description: This course is intended to heighten the student’s awareness of the critical link that the archivist plays in the historical research process. Students will be introduced to the theoretical and historical underpinnings of archival management and the applications of modern archival practices. Specifically, it will cover archival theory; types of archives, the role of the archivist; and the six applicative functions of the archival process.
Course Goals: Through the reading and discussion of archival literature and the processing of original source materials, students will be firmly grounded in the theoretical and practical approaches to the archival profession. More importantly, students will be trained in the primary archival functions of appraisal, collection development, arrangement and description of collections, and rudimentary preservation techniques which are essential for the beginning archivist.
Student Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to
Understand the social function of archives and how it differs from and intersects with libraries and museums.
Demonstrate understanding of core archival principles and practices, such as collection development, archival management and leadership, appraisal, donor relations, arrangement and description, legal/ethical issues, access/reference, and preservations practices.
Process an archival collection using archival standards, specifically DACS and EAD.
Think critically about the role of archives for sustaining personal and societal memory.
Design and present professional presentations.
Coursework
Group Special Topic Discussion
Annotated Bibliography
Group Archival Trends/Issues Presentation
Archival Site Survey
Group Finding Aid Project