Students
MHIS700 – Archives: Sources and Silences
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convener
Clare Monagle
|
|---|---|
| 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 historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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 | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Journal | 20% | No | Ongoing, 6/11/17 |
| Reading Archives | 30% | No | Monday, September 11 |
| Reflective Essay | 50% | No | Friday, November 10, 5pm. |
Reflective Journal
Due: Ongoing, 6/11/17
Weighting: 20%
This unit has a online blog--open to and visible to all students enrolled in the unit--on which students will maintain an individual journal. Students need to make five (5) posts over the course of the semester. Each post needs to be 200-300 words in length. A post needs to be made after the seminar has met and should reflect on the week's theme, the connections between the theme and the readings, and should include any insights gained from class discussions and any questions or problems that still remain.
Students will also be required to lead the seminar discussion once during the semester. Students will choose the week/s they will lead in the first seminar. The seminar leader will frame the conversation of the readings for the seminar group and facilitate the discussion, together with Clare Monagle. Students may not blog about the week they lead the discussion.
The final blog post must be made no later than Monday 6 November; posts made after this date will not be considered for grading.
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 historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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.
Reading Archives
Due: Monday, September 11
Weighting: 30%
Students must complete a 1,500-2,000-word 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 piece of evidence
- A clear exposition of the relevant historical context
- An engagement with some relevant historiography
- An analysis of the reading method for further research using this type of evidence and the archive (or archives) that house it.
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 historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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.
Reflective Essay
Due: Friday, November 10, 5pm.
Weighting: 50%
Students will write a critically reflective 3,000-3,500-word essay that engages with at least six (6) weekly topics. Students should devise their own essay question relating to the unit theme of archive and the problems of archival research, 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 skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
Readings for this unit will be available through the library website.
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources 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 coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts.
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
- Reflective Journal
- 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 historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
- Reflective Journal
- 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 coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts.
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
- Reflective Journal
- 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 outcomes
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts.
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
- Reflective Journal
- 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 coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts.
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
- Reflective Journal
- Reading Archives
- 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
- Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of some of history’s principles, methods, and concepts.
- Demonstrate skills in reviewing, analysing, and synthesizing historians' use of archival evidence and argumentation.
- 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
- Reflective Journal
- Reading Archives
- Reflective Essay