This course is a part of HF's PhD week.
Readings focus on what can be known and represented through the study of archival sources. They will also address best practices in the search for and use of various types of archives. We will explore different ways of thinking about the archives, how they are produced and structured, and which perspectives they represent. This includes discussing methodologies for uncovering histories in the archives by working within and across the structures of the collections. And we will discuss the various types of archives and strategies for reading the materials against the grain, with an eye also to unearthing perspectives from below, in such sources as letters and petitions. How can knowledge about the archives shape our methods for approaching archival research? Course participants will also revisit the sources they use in their research with critical questions about archives and their role in research design.
This is a 1 ECTS course.
Course preparations
Course participants will read about 100 pages of mandatory readings and select at least 200 pages of their own choice from the lists of suggested readings. Participants will write a brief (1 page) response paper where they engage with a proposition in one or several of these texts. The aim here is to encourage thinking and reflection on a topic that is relevant and useful to the course participants and will help them in the development of research projects. Course participants will also write a 2-page essay reflecting on their own plans for archival research. Texts are uploaded to the course digital platform a week before the course.
In class
Your reflections will be the starting points for our discussions—in groups and plenary. The first session will start with discussing issues arising from your response papers. In the second and third sessions, we move on to your reflections centering on your own research projects.
Language
The course language is English.
Registration
The course is open for PhD fellows, completion grant holders, and post-doctoral fellows at the Faculty of Humanities, other UiO faculties and external PhD fellows. Registration opens 8 March at 12 noon and closes 15 March at 12 noon. Priority will be given to PhDs from the Faculty of Humanities, then PhDs from other Faculties at UiO, and lastly other applicants. From March 17th, you may register for the course if there are still seats available.
Course conveners
Location