Students
MHIS700 – Archives: Sources and Silences
2015 – S1 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Nicholas Baker
W6A 412
Wednesday and Thursday 2-3 pm
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
Archival research is understood to be the foundation of the practice of professional historical inquiry. These various historical artefacts are considered our window onto past lives, experiences and processes. As any historian will admit, however, archives are always partial, incomplete and imperfect. So too, the processes by which certain kinds of knowledge is retained and other kinds of knowledge discarded, dismissed or concealed reveals the inherently politicized character of archival collection. This unit will critically and historically consider the relationship between the historian, archives and the past. How and when did modern “archives” emerge? What was their purpose? What are the implications for historical authority if we admit that the foundation of our disciplinary practice is always incomplete and partial? What new archives have emerged in late modernity? Is the internet one huge and unruly archive?
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing documentary evidence
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in historical scholarship.
- Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student’s own study of history.
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of historical knowledge
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Participation | 20% | Assessed weekly |
| Reading Archives | 20% | 26 March 2015 |
| Reflective Essay | 60% | 15 June 2015 |
Seminar Participation
Due: Assessed weekly
Weighting: 20%
Students will be assessed for preparedness and contributions to discussion.
Students will also be required to lead the seminar discussion at least once during the semester (depending on final enrolment numbers). Students will choose the week/s they will lead in the first seminar. The seminar leader will need to provide a set of questions for the required readings, in advance, and initiate and facilitate the discussion of these questions in class.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts
- Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student’s own study of history.
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of historical knowledge
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Reading Archives
Due: 26 March 2015
Weighting: 20%
Students must complete a preliminary analysis of one piece of self-located historical evidence. Students are free to choose any type of evidence (eg. a document, an object, a piece of art, etc). The analysis must include:
- A close reading of the historical significance of the evidence
- A clear exposition of the relevant historical context
- An engagement with some relevant historiography
- A proposal for a reading method for further research
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing documentary evidence
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in historical scholarship.
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of historical knowledge
Reflective Essay
Due: 15 June 2015
Weighting: 60%
By the end of Week 7, each student must submit a chapter or an article by an historian that reflects either on documentary research in a theoretical, practical, or methodological manner or on the construction and nature of archives. Please supply PDF version of the article or chapter to the unit convenor by 24 April.These will be made available on iLearn.
Students must then write a critically reflective essay that uses at least four (4) of these articles to frame and/or guide an essay that engages with at least six (6) weekly topics. Students should devise their own essay question and have complete free rein in doing so.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in historical scholarship.
- Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student’s own study of history.
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of historical knowledge
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Delivery and Resources
Two-hour weekly seminar: consult the MQ Timetable for details.
A unit reader containing the required readings for the course will be available for purchase in the Co-Op Bookshop. Students are expect to own a copy of this reader. One copy will also be available on Reserve in the MQ Library.
Unit Schedule
Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 The Enlightenment: History and Reflections on the Archival Method
Week 3 Statistics
Week 4 The Will the State
Week 5 Court Cases and Everyday Life
Week 6 Institutional Records and Voices of the Poor
Week 7 Reading Week
Week 8 Eyewitness Accounts
Week 9 Diaries
Week 10 Letters
Week 11 Art and Visual Culture
Week 12 Film and Popular Culture
Week 13 Conclusions
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in historical scholarship.
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Reading Archives
- Reflective Essay
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing documentary evidence
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in historical scholarship.
- Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student’s own study of history.
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of historical knowledge
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Assessment tasks
- Reading Archives
- Reflective Essay
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing documentary evidence
- Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student’s own study of history.
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Reading Archives
- Reflective Essay
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Demonstrate initiative and judgment in historical scholarship.
Assessment tasks
- Reading Archives
- Reflective Essay
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing documentary evidence
- Demonstrate written and verbal communication skills to present a clear and coherent exposition of historical knowledge
Assessment tasks
- Seminar Participation
- Reflective Essay
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Identify and reflect critically upon the knowledge and skills developed in the student’s own study of history.
- Reflect critically on the relationship between archival discovery and historical knowledge.
Assessment task
- Seminar Participation